The ACE Robyns award was created in 2016 in memory of Robyn Jones OBE founder of CH&Co and champion of mentoring young hospitality talent.
The award is open to those under the age of 35 across a variety of contract catering roles. It recognises those excelling in foodservice and going the extra mile for customers and their team.
The judges include Gaye Bullard (ACE chair), Sue Thompson (ACE vice-chair) and Suzie Boyd (Troika) as well as Tim Jones (chair of CH&CO). They deliberated over the entries to come up with the shortlist of 14.
The shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the ACE Summer Party on 10 July at Kings Place, London where the winner will be announced.
Bullard said: “The ACE Robyns give recognition to young people in the industry. When budgets are tight, and the pressure’s on, there is no better time for companies to spotlight the achievements of those that have made a difference within their roles and have a bright future ahead of them.
“The standard was so high that we came up with 14, a longer shortlist than normal. We look forward to celebrating with these upcoming stars and our next generation of leaders at our Summer Party on 10 July. We also welcome back all 38 Robyn alumni to join us in our celebrations.”
The shortlist includes:
Emma Abruzzese, Vacherin
Bianca Angelico, Sodexo
Bee Armstrong, Genuine Dining Co
Caroline Bacigalupo, BaxterStorey
Lorna Bell, ISS
Malah Bhatt, Green & Fortune
Rosie Cadogan, BaxterStorey
Liam Hatcher, CH&Co
Rhiannon Heseltine, Lexington
Robbie Laidlaw, Genuine Dining Co
Lewis Linley, Vacherin
Katherine McKenna, Genuine Dining Co
Charlotte Rouse, BaxterStorey
Adam Thomason, Genuine Dining Co