It seems like no time since we launched the first ever ACE Robyns Awards but the closing date has come round very quickly. At midnight on Friday 27th May entries will close for the first ever awards in memory of the amazing Robyn Jones OBE. I know Robyn would have loved these awards as they really will put young talent in the spotlight and give staff, who don’t always get the opportunity to be recognised, a chance to shine. Developing young staff within a business is something Robyn was so passionate about and I’m determined to make this event a huge success for our industry, and for her. However, I also believe that these awards can do so much for not only nominees but your company as a whole which is why I have put together five reasons why you really should nominate before the deadline closes. Remember, you don’t just need to nominate one person. We want to see as many different nominations from as many areas of contract catering as possible. Five reasons to nominate There’s nothing more rewarding for a member of staff than he or she realising you really value them and want their hard work to be recognised. Show them how much you care with an ACE Robyns nomination. Consider all areas of your business from chefs to marketing to HR to butlers as this award is open to everyone who is under 35 in your business. I’m so proud to work in Contract Catering and we all have a part to play in showing the rest of the hospitality industry just how great we are at what we do. Awards are a fantastic way of showcasing the fabulous talent in our sector and this award is unique to our industry so something which should be celebrated. By showing how much you care about your staff you can attract talented employees to your organisation. There will be lots of PR activity around these awards and it’s important to show your company as one that puts forward employees for wider opportunities within the industry. These are the first ever ACE Robyns awards and it’s the start of a real legacy for Contract Catering so this year is a wonderful opportunity to put forward members of your team. Is the first ever ACE Robyns winner in your organisation? You’ll only find out if you put them forward. And finally, the winner will be announced at our glittering summer event which will take place at an evening cruise on Bateaux London. This event provides a fantastic opportunity to mix and mingle with a true party atmosphere. There will be 12 finalists shortlisted, who will all be invited to the event, with one winner being announced on the night. Not only will the winner receive dinner and an overnight stay at The Shard, they will also enjoy champagne, lifetime membership of ACE and be the first to join the ACE Robyns hall of fame. The support for these awards across the industry has been amazing. Please help us spread the word by emailing colleagues across your business and tweeting with the hashtag #ACERobyns. Let’s all work together to make these awards a legacy that Robyn Jones would be extremely proud of.
