David Foskett, associate dean,London School of Hospitality & Leisure,Thames Valley University, Ealing
The introduction of a new Cateys category is both exciting and nerve-racking for those involved. On one hand it means yet another individual can be recognised for services to hospitality - in this case for his efforts in the increasingly important area of training and education. But, with no previous benchmark to judge the nominees against, it also means the judging panel's job is tougher than usual because they are aware their choice will shape the award's development for years to come.
The judges had the task of selecting an individual who, through their actions, guidance and support in the education and training area, had helped to strengthen the professionalism of the industry.
No doubt all this will sound embarrassingly grand to winner Professor David Foskett, associate dean at the London School of Hospitality & Leisure, based in Ealing, London, and part of Thames Valley University. But the judges certainly didn't have any doubts, selecting the professor as a popular choice from an impressive list of nominees.
In a career stretching over 25 years, Foskett has pioneered a number of innovative programmes. He was the first in the UK to offer a BSc in international culinary arts for practising chefs, attracting a number of high-profile chefs such as Chris Galvin of Conran and John Campbell at the Vineyard, for whom earlier academic study had not been possible.
He is the author of several catering texts, including Practical Cookery and The Theory of Catering. Together these books have sold more than two million copies, are used in 50 countries worldwide, and have even been translated into Spanish and Russian.
"He's never lost sight of the fact that we're a craft-based industry at heart," said judge Stuart May, chairman of the Joint Hospitality Industry Congress. "He constantly goes beyond the call of duty and is heavily involved in industry charity work."
Through his association with the Society of Stars charity, which raises money for children and adults with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, he has raised £300,000 over the last 14 years through dinners, giving his students the chance to work with the best chefs at large events.
Judge Iain Millar, area training manager Western Europe, InterContinental Hotels, summed up Foskett's selection: "David is someone you want to work with after you've met him."
Praise indeed. It looks as though next year's winner will have plenty to live up to.
Judges
TIMOTHY COOKE Head of School of Hospitality, Westminster Kingsway College
MARY CURNOCK-COOK Chairman, Creative Learning Media
TONY KECK Director, Claviga
STUART MAY Chairman, Joint Hospitality Industry Congress
IAIN MILLAR Area training manager Western Europe, InterContinental Hotels
ANNE WALKER Managing director, Springboard UK
Sponsored by: Portfolio International
Sponsors message:
Great careers start with a good education and are enhanced by a strong focus on continuous learning and personal development.
As the company that launched “Lets make it first choice” directed at schools & colleges, a campaign taken on by Springboard UK, who’s UK research into student work placements Portfolio also sponsor, Portfolio are deeply committed to key educational initiatives in this industry. It therefore made very good sense and we are very proud to become the first sponsors of a newly created Catey Award for 2003 dedicated to excellence in education and training.
Portfolio International, founded in 1985, are key, market leading players in the recruitment of professional executives and management across all operations and functions within the broader hotel, catering and leisure industry – supplying key players to top companies in the UK and across the globe.
Our specialist areas of activity include:
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Restaurants, Bars & Retail |
Leisure & Spas |
Contract Catering & FM |
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Chefs |
Sales & Marketing Finance |
Purchasing & I.T. |
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Human Resources |
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We provide a personalised and individually tailored service that aims to exceed client expectations and are proud of very high levels of repeat custom and a track record of success spanning 18 years in the industry.
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