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Past winners of the Food Service Caterer of the Year are all people who have demonstrated innovation, sound financial performance and motivational skills. Last year's winner, Peter Aldrich, was singled out for his quiet but effective leadership.

But his leadership was perhaps only quiet because of the size of the company he was working for. Aldrich, managing director of business and industry and chief executive of Restaurant Associates at Compass Group, who retired from his role in August, was praised by the judges for achieving solid results and keeping his staff happy within a vast organization. As one judge commented: "It shouldn't always be the fashionable small-scale operators that are recognised for their efforts."

So how did it feel to win a Catey? "The award was a complete surprise," Aldrich says. "On the night I had 'a deep sinking feeling' as it became apparent I was the recipient. It never occurred to me that I might be nominated for such an award."

Aldrich says the response from colleagues and others in the industry was overwhelming. "That evening Pam, my wife, was thrilled. Don and Anne Davenport were very excited, as were one or two of my close friends who had attended," Aldrich explains. "All the judges made a point of talking to me, which was very flattering and Mat Baker from P&G Professional gave me a magnificent gift. Compass made an internal announcement the following morning and that, combined with Caterer's own press release, triggered a stream of phone calls and e-mails congratulating me on the award."

With secret judging, it's hard for any recipient to know exactly why they have been given a Catey trophy, but Aldrich guesses that much of his success was down to his length of service. "I suppose I've been around a long time, more than 30 years, and you get to work with hundreds of really great people in that time. The past couple of years I became more high profile, being responsible for all Compass Group's major accounts and the fine-dining portfolio."

Winners are invited to join the judging panel for next year's award and Aldrich already knows what he will be looking for in his successor. "I will be looking for a solid track-record of continuous improvement in service delivery and financial performance, fantastic teambuilding ability and a very large helping of innovation that sets him or her apart from their peers - plus a 'bit of magic' to make them an obvious choice."

If you know someone who is empowering staff, using innovative training methods, giving a lot back to the industry or setting the agenda for the sector, then complete the nomination form.

Judges' criteria

• The Food Service Caterer of the Year Catey will go to an individual working within the private sector who has made an outstanding contribution to the food service sector.
• The winner will possess the ability to combine innovation with sound financial performance, as well as being able to demonstrate clear achievements during the past 12 months.