Harper Adams celebrates Catey award win

Posted 4 July 2012

Harper Adams University College has been honoured for its efforts in “green” catering with the award of a Catey – one of the Catering and Hospitality industry’s Oscars. 

The University College received the Sustainable Business Award last night, in front of hundreds of representatives of UK Catering, including top chefs. 

Judge Mike Hanson, from BaxterStorey, said: “Harper Adams is a shining example of an organisation truly committed to sustainability: every aspect of their business is considered in their strategy, which is to be applauded. This approach should be mirrored by other organisations. Harper Adams clearly demonstrated what full integration into a business model means.”

“As well as managing its resources efficiently , this organisation engages with the local community and is actively involved in educating suppliers as well as the food producers of the future,” added fellow judge Jane Carlton Smith, from the Responsible Hospitality Partnership. 

Catering Manager David Nuttall, who received the award from TV Star Joanna Lumley, said: “This was the second time we’d been shortlisted for a Catey, so I had the impression we were doing something right – and that we were moving in the right direction – and I was confident last night. 

“But to hear that we had won was still a wonderful surprise and a great honour for everyone involved. Our sustainability work involves not just the catering team, but also senior managers, estates and more, including our Environment and Waste Management Officer, who has helped us to achieve an 85 per cent recycling rate for waste materials.”

Harper Adams has put sustainable development and environmental considerations at the heart of its catering services, making sure that food is sourced and disposed of in the most ethical manner possible.

The staff in Graze & Kaldi Cafes promote Fairtrade produce, and the catering department hosted the inaugural Fairtrade county initiative, in which the Fairtrade ideology is emphasised to both staff and students.