Brian Robb & Frank Fiore among 2025 Hospital Caterers Association Award winners
Brian Robb received the Wilma Wilkie Outstanding Service Award for his extended term in office and the work he supervised during that time to bring the constitution of the HCA up-to-date and fit for the 21st century.
Francesco Fiore, catering manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital, was named as the Caterer of the Year in recognition of the ‘significant contribution’ he had made to the wellbeing and recovery of patients, the patient experience and to staff and visitors who use the services.
The annual awards aim to recognise the commitment and contribution of the association’s members. Since the Awards were launched in 2001, more than 150 members have joined the exclusive roster of winners.
Iain Robertson, chair of the HCA, commented: “The HCA Awards celebrate the very best of our industry and all those shortlisted and especially those who have won should be incredibly proud of their achievements.
“We had more entries than ever and the task of selecting the winners has been exceptionally hard. It makes me incredibly proud to lead such a talented group of committed caterers.
“Being recognised for an award is a tremendous achievement. Not only is it good for staff morale, it also provides a superb opportunity for hospitals to promote the good work being undertaken by their people within the communities which they serve.”
Full list of 2025 HCA Award winners:
Caterer of the Year: Francesco (Frank) Fiore, catering manager, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Branch
Catering Team of the Year: Catering team, Nottingham University Hospital, Trent Branch
Trade Stand Award: Valentine Equipment (formerly known as Cuisine Equipment).
Special Recognition Award: Caroline Darvill, NHS Gloucestershire Managed Services (GMS)
Rising Star Award: Margaret Valenti, catering business support, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, West of Scotland Branch
Sustainability Award: Catering management team, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Trent Branch
Leadership Excellence Award: Dr Mabel Blades, branch secretary, Oxford Branch
Chair’s Choice Award: London & South East Branch
The Wilma Wilkie Outstanding Service Award: Brian Robb, immediate past chair of the HCA
The raffle, plus bonus prize auction, raised more than £8,000 for the British Heart Foundation and North West Air Ambulance.
The HCA Forum continues today with a speech from Professor Kevin Morgan, a four nation panel debate and a motivational session delivered by Dr Kimberley Wilson.
