Commercial Services and Estates are thrilled to announce that its catering team has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Team of the Year’ award at the 2024 TUCO Awards. This recognition highlights the team’s exceptional dedication and innovation in delivering outstanding catering services during a challenging year.
TUCO, The University Caterers Organisation, is the leading professional membership body for in-house caterers in the UK. The TUCO Awards celebrate effort, improvement, and achievement among staff within member institutions. This year’s awards will be presented at the Gala Awards Dinner during the TUCO Summer Conference on Wednesday 31 July 2024, at the University of Exeter.
The Kent catering team has shown remarkable resilience and creativity in the face of significant challenges, including staff shortages and the ongoing national recruitment crisis in catering. Despite these hurdles, they have successfully reorganised their operations and introduced innovative solutions to maintain high service standards. Key initiatives include the introduction of new microbrands, central production methods, and a focus on affordability during the cost-of-living crisis.
Key members of the team include:
- Ben Elsbury (Chef de Cuisine)
- Samantha Hackett (Food and Beverage Manager)
- Adam Hames (Food and Beverage Manager)
- Daniel Parsons (Food and Beverage Manager)
- Chris Terry (Food and Beverage Manager)
- Geoff Wilcox (Food and Beverage Manager)
Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in the team’s success.
Tim Burrows, Catering Operations Manager, who wrote and submitted the nomination, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements. “I am incredibly proud to be nominating the catering managers for their remarkable performance in 2023/24. During a time of unprecedented challenge and change at Kent, the team have overseen the most remarkable series of achievements I have known in my 23 years at the University,” he said. “While the managers have been the key to delivering change, nothing would have been possible without the brilliance of the team at large, whose work ethic, professionalism, skill, and dedication have been critical.”
The other institutions shortlisted for the ‘Team of the Year’ award include Astrea Academy, King’s College London, and Loughborough University. The University of Kent is proud of its catering team and looks forward to the awards ceremony. This nomination is a testament to their hard work and commitment to excellence, making a significant impact on the university community.
