The Foodservice Order of Merit are given to ‘dedicated and committed’ people who work voluntarily on behalf of the foodservice industry. The recipients often go the extra mile, lead by example and whose efforts help others rather than themselves.

The FEA created the Order of Merit initiative to recognise the achievements of people in organisations including charities, trade associations and guilds.

Stephen Hobbs, chair of FEA, said: “These are the exemplars. They are the ones we rely on, who set the standards and without whom the whole foodservice industry would be much the poorer. We want to celebrate the value that their work and their commitment bring to our industry.”

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.

The FEA announced 16 Foodservice Order of Merit awards at HRC 22. They include:

• Alistair Storey OBE, chair of Springboard
• Brian Robb, national chair of Hospital Caterers Association
• Brian Turner, president and trustee of Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
• Chris Moore, former chief executive of The Clink Charity
• Jacquie Blake, chair of LACA
• Kellie Rixon, chair of Institute of Hospitality
• Kevin Georgel, chair of British Beer and Pub Association
• Kirstin Hatherley, chair of CEDA
• Mark Robson, chair of British Institute of Innkeeping
• Matt Owens, chair of Craft Guild of Chefs
• Neil Brackenridge, president and trustee of BESA
• Phil Rees-Jones, director and chair of TUCO
• Raymond Blanc OBE, president of Sustainable Restaurant Association
• Steve Norris, chair of Arena
• Steve Richards, chair of UK Hospitality
• WRAP UK (the winner prefers not to be named)