Over 600 industry experts gathered at the Hilton London Metropole last night to take part in this year’s awards.

Amongst the winners were Wendy Bartlett, the co-founder and current managing director of Bartlett Mitchell, who scooped the Contract Catering Special Award.

Since starting the niche independent caterer 13 years ago with Ian Mitchell, she has seen the company grow to the point it now employs more than 500 people, turns over £18m-plus and feeds 25,000 daily across 70 sites in the south east.

In 2010 she won the entrepreneur category in the Shine Awards that recognise the achievements of women in hospitality. In May last year she joined the board of directors at the British Hospitality Association (BHA), one of just two catering industry representatives on the board, and in September 2012 Bartlett Mitchell scooped the Corporate Social Responsibility award at the first ever Lunch Business Grab & Go Awards.

Other winners included Gerard O'Sullivan, culinary director, Aramark, who won the Chef Award, Jason Bendell, senior account manager, Sodexo Prestige and Corporate Services, who won the Contract Catering District Manager Award and Elisa-Jade Romford-Smith, Chef Manager, Bartlett Mitchell, who was awarded the Unit Manager Award.

For a full visit of the winners visit www.costsectorcatering.co.uk.