TUCO Awards 2025: winners announced

The TUCO Award winners were announced at the Summer Conference Gala Dinner, held on 23rd July 2025 at Loughborough University.

The TUCO Awards celebrate teamwork and also the individuals who might not always be standing over a stove each day, but works hard to create an innovative catering operation that gets results and creates customer loyalty. 

We are delighted to announce the 2025 Winners!

INNOVATION AWARD
Reboot Cafe - Queen's University Belfast

Responding to the changing social habits of today’s students, Queen’s University Belfast launched Reboot Café; an alcohol-free venue combining gaming, esports and community engagement. Designed as a welcoming space for all, Reboot is the first concept of its kind in the sector.
Kelly Hart, campus food and drink manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the award... it’s just amazing.”
Brian Horgan, head of service, added: “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s a great thing that we’ve done and hopefully others will follow.”

RISING STAR AWARD
Ollie Bierton - University of Sheffield

After the closure of Sheffield’s O2 Academy, the University of Sheffield stepped in to fill the gap with its Octagon Centre and rising star Ollie Bierton stepped up to lead. With no prior experience in the role, Ollie transformed the venue into a commercial and cultural success.
“I’m so happy, but really shell shocked – I didn’t expect to win at all,” said Ollie.
“This award is definitely dedicated to Sheffield and the music industry... I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my ridiculous team of about 40 staff who buy into my craziness all the time!”
Reflecting on his impact, he added: “It just goes to show that our institutions are so important... to just be a small part of that feels amazing – and to then be awarded for that – I’m really, really pleased.”

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Catering Team - Harper Adams University

With a focus on “food meters, not food miles,” Harper Adams University’s catering team stood out for their innovative use of campus-grown produce—from strawberries and honey to sustainably reared meat. Their farm-to-fork approach supports not only the environment but also student learning.
University butcher Amy Bower said: “We take the animals from Harper Adams’ fields to my butchery to feed the students... it’s amazing to receive this award.”

TUCO MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Loughborough University

Loughborough University received recognition for its outstanding contribution to the TUCO community. The team has been deeply involved in regional meetings, procurement working parties, TUCO Online implementation, and hosted this year’s Summer Conference; demonstrating leadership across the board.
Hayley Hall, Business Analyst, said: “I personally thought this was the best entry I’d ever written for any awards, not just TUCO... it’s a real partnership between both of us, and it’s a true privilege to accept this award from them.”

TUCO TEAM OF THE YEAR
Food and Drink Team - University of Leicester

The Food and Drink Team at the University of Leicester impressed judges by embedding the university’s Citizens of Change ethos across all aspects of their work. Their standout initiative, the ‘Black Food Innovators’ campaign, celebrated the contributions of Black culinary pioneers, combining food, education and social awareness to make an impact both on campus and in the wider community.
Rob Bean, operations director, said: “Even just being nominated is fantastic, but to win is absolutely stunning – especially a TUCO award. It means absolutely tons to us.”
Marketing and communications executive Cherese Johnson added: “It feels absolutely amazing to have won Team of the Year... we’re just so proud for that to be cemented with the award.”

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Alan Riddell

“His humour, consistency and leadership have helped shape TUCO, and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside him,” shares Amanda Pettingill, TUCO chair, on announcing Alan Riddell as the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award.

Clearly humbled by the accolade, Alan spoke with us after receiving the award, saying: “I feel absolutely honoured that I’ve been recognised – and I don’t think I deserve it – but it’s lovely to be acknowledged for all the work I’ve done with TUCO and in the industry over the years. I’m really chuffed, honoured and pleased.

“What got me the most was that I didn’t expect it at all. When Amanda started talking about the winner and mentioning some dates I thought, “that could be me!”. There are some truly great people in our industry so I’m not sure I’m deserving of it, but I’ll happily accept it.

“I’m retired now, and I’ve had an absolute ball – I’ve had 48 years in the industry, so to culminate it with this is just fantastic,” he adds.

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