When we asked for nominations for the Cateys last year we suggested that it had been a struggle for the UK hospitality industry over the previous 12 months, what with the events of 11 September and the effects of foot-and-mouth before that. But we also saw that when the going got tough, the tough got going. Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and winner of the Catey Special Award 2002, proved this point.
Cotton took over as head of hospitality's foremost trade association at the start of 2000. His qualifications for the job were impeccable: years of experience as communications director with Gardner Merchant and a stint as adviser on tourism to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. In his new role he turned out to be the right man in the right place at the right time.
During the foot-and-mouth crisis of early 2001, Cotton galvanised the BHA into action, offering advice to members and lobbying the Government to support the industry. He later assumed the position of unofficial spokesman for the whole of UK tourism, meeting with government officials, linking up with representatives from other trade associations and appearing on television to argue for the cause.
Just when the situation began to calm down, the events in New York on 11 September rocked world tourism once more. Again, Cotton stepped forward to be in the vanguard of officials attempting to maintain stability in a world gone mad.
He says now that, with hindsight, both foot-and-mouth and 11 September had the unexpected benefit of raising the profile of hospitality and tourism and, in making a contribution to that, he was "just doing his job".
Maybe that's true, but when Cotton stepped up to collect his Catey last July he was given a standing ovation.
The search is on for a Special Award winner for 2003. There are no specific criteria for this Catey category, and nominations can be for anyone from any sector of catering or hospitality. Previous winners have included Sir Rocco Forte, Sir Terence Conran, David Michels and John Jarvis.
The person you nominate will have made a significant contribution to their sector, and maybe to the industry at large, but their contribution is by no means over. The award may come early in a career, as recognition for original or creative ideas, or later, when someone has established a consistently outstanding record.
This year's winner will be announced at the Catey Awards on Tuesday 1st July.
Previous Winners:
- 2002 Bob Cotton
- 2001 Francis Mackay
- 2000 Silvano Giraldin
- 1999 Sir Rocco Forte
- 1998 Sir Terence Conran
- 1997 Ramón Pajares
- 1996 Gary Rhodes
- 1995 David Michels
- 1994 John Jarvis
- 1993 Richard Shepherd
- 1992 Prue Leith
- 1991 Joe Hyam
- 1990 Alan Hearn
- 1989 John Taylorson
- 1988 Francis Coulson & Brian Sack
- 1987 Restaurateur’s Association of Great Britain
- 1986 Garry Hawkes
- 1985 Roy Ackerman
- 1984 Victor Ceserani
Sponsored by: American Express
Sponsor message:
American Express is delighted to be supporting the Catey awards, and to be sponsoring this year's Special award Catey, one of the most widely respected awards within the hospitality industry.
The special award Catey was established to recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service, dedication and a commitment to innovation within their industry.
American Express prides itself on sharing these values and delivering a consistently high quality of service to its customers.
American Express continues to widen its global network of merchant coverage and to drive the business of its higher spending, loyal Card members to partner merchants around the UK.
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