Public Sector Caterer Award Sponsored by Bidfood


THE SHORTLIST Helene Askham


St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School,


West Yorkshire


Nick Collins Cleverchefs


Paul Robottom Signature Dining


THE JUDGES Mark Davies


ISS


Michael Hales Juniper Ventures


Vic Laws


AVL Consultancy Alison McCree


County Durham


and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust


Neel Radia


National Association of Care Catering


Alison Shedlock


University of Manchester


WINNER Paul Robottom, Signature Dining 2024


Paul Robottom, the owner of Signature Dining, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the cost sector. He has steered the caterer in its move into hospice care while continuing to deliver its ethos of a holistic, person-centred service. Signature Dining’s model for catering, with patients and residents at the heart of all it does, sets it apart from other contract caterers and has raised the bar for standards in the sector. With the addition of nine new hospice sites,


Signature Dining’s portfolio has grown by 37%. Bringing together his and the caterer’s passion for high levels of engagement, the hospice clients are incredibly happy with the service, which not only caters for patients, but also their relatives, visitors and the hospice staff. Signature Dining has a deep understanding


of the social and emotional benefits good food brings and it offers immersive, food-based theme days in all its settings, creating oppor- tunities for teams to engage with residents and patients in a fun and purposeful way. The com- pany’s multi-sensory approach means that theme days are more than a different menu for a day – its teams recreate authentic recipes, decorate dining rooms and trolleys with inter- active props and fill the setting with sounds and music and inviting aromas, all chosen to enhance the menu and set the scene for a day to remember. At a time when energy and food prices have spiralled, Robottom has underlined Signature Dining’s support for its clients in controlling costs, seeking best value for the company’s stock and working to keep food costs under control without affecting the standard of the food that leaves the kitchen. Careful planning by chef managers, together with consistent and accurate costs analysis, have allowed it to make well-informed recommendations to clients on


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“It’s amazing to see a company that cares about those they serve as well as taking pride in the team that


delivers the service” Neel Radia


the most effective ways in which they can make cost savings. This approach has seen Signature Dining retain 100% of its contracts. As Investors in People, Signature Dining


has also explored ways to encourage people into the industry. Recognising that mature workers aged over 55 typically have fewer sick days, remain in post for longer and bring an abundance of life skills, Robottom oversaw the launch of Signature Prime, a senior apprentice- ship scheme. The programme offers workers the opportunity to retrain with excellent career opportunities and progression, as well as flex- ibility and competitive salaries. Since launching Signature Prime last year, the caterer has taken on seven senior apprentices. Each gave incredi- ble feedback on the scheme and have gone on to take permanent roles, including front of house manager and commis chef.


WHAT THE JUDGES SAID “It’s amazing to see a company that cares about those they serve as well as taking pride in the


team that delivers the service.” Neel Radia


“Signature Dining is a company that cares and works hard to deliver for its clients and


residents. An exemplar in the care sector.” Alison Shedlock


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