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Sodexo Defence manager wins Cost Sector Catering Award
April 07, 2016
A Sodexo Defence services manager was named multi-site manager of the year at the Cost Sector Catering Awards last Thursday (31 March).
Steve Whiting (pictured, centre) won the award for his commitment to the training and development of his team, work supporting local communities and charities, and his outstanding financial results.
Steve is part of Sodexo’s Wales and Central region, based at Infantry Battle School Brecon, where one of his highlights of 2015 was winning the contract to support a short-term camp for Joint Warrior, one of NATO’s largest training exercises.
The contract included setting up safe disposal of grey water, and supplying mess hands for washing up and dining room duties while the military chefs fed the ever-hungry 2,000 troops. Steve was also called upon to provide cleaners and additional supplies within a 24-hour turnaround.
Sodexo was shortlisted in two other categories at the awards, held at the Hilton London Metropole.
John Hassall, services manager at Ministry of Defence Stafford, was a finalist for unit manager of the year. Sodexo’s new supply chain inclusion programme was shortlisted for the corporate responsibility award.
Steve Whiting, Sodexo Defence services manager, said: “It was a surprise to even be nominated never mind shortlisted, you feel you have already won being there on the night. To actually be announced the winner on the evening for doing a job I really enjoy was fantastic and Sodexo having one table made enough noise cheering to let them know we were there. I have won several Star awards over the eight years I have been with Sodexo but this is the first industry award I have won.”
Alison Walker, the Sodexo Defence account manager who nominated Steve Whiting, said: “Steve is an exceptional services manager and worthy winner of the Cost Sector Catering multi-site manager award. The testimonials in support of his nomination demonstrate his exemplary work ethic and extraordinary commitment to the delivery of Sodexo’s services to the highest possible standard on a daily basis.”