Compass’ Nick Vadis Wins Outstanding Contribution Award at Foodservice Cateys 2022
Nick Vadis, Culinary Director at Compass Group UK and Chef Ambassador to NHS supply chain, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’ at the 2022 Foodservice Cateys, for his overwhelming dedication to the industry, alongside his instrumental role in supporting the way the NHS procures, supplies, and delivers food to patients.
This award is open to chefs from all sectors, recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry. The recipient must have made a major contribution through innovation in cooking techniques, styles of cuisine and the understanding of culinary processes.
Nick has set up a new NHS Chef Academy, looking at how those working in NHS settings influence staff and visitor feeding – training over 100 Chefs in the last 18 months. He has also worked on implementing changes in line with the government’s Hospital Food Review, created a programme of NHS Chef of the Year competitions and designed multiple new cookbooks that provide a suite of consistent recipes to be used across the NHS.
Having started his career in the Royal Navy, Nick spent 25 years as a chef travelling the world. He later joined Compass as the Executive Chef at British Airways and in 2007 was appointed to UK Executive Chef for Compass Group UK & Ireland. More recently, he has also taken on the role of Chef Ambassador to the NHS Supply Chain, with Compass’ procurement arm, Foodbuy.
During his career, Nick has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent and was the first captain of the Combined Services Culinary Arts team; National Chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs, as well as National Coach to the English National Culinary Olympics team who won their first ever gold in 2016. In 2007 he re- established the Compass Chef of the Year competition, which is now a well-established annual event.
Robin Mills, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Nick Vadis is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to the industry. We are so proud that Nick has been part of the Compass family for the past 20 years. Food is at the heart of all that he does. He is passionate about training and supporting chefs at all levels whether in our business or the wider industry.
“Nick has championed our Compass Chef of the Year programme over the years – providing a great platform for chefs to perform in a competitive environment and learn new skills. The past 18 months Nick has been providing exceptional support to the NHS where he was integral in the development of the NHS Chef Academy, once again providing great opportunities for chefs to both develop and showcase their talent.
“I would like to congratulate Nick and thank him for all his commitment and hard work. He continues to be an inspiration to many.”
Nick Vadis, Culinary Director at Compass Group UK & Chef Ambassador to NHS supply chain, commented:
“I am absolutely thrilled to have received this award and it really means a lot to be acknowledged in this way.
“My most recent work with the NHS has been a great opportunity to bring my previous experience of the Navy and my years at Compass together. The NHS is the cornerstone of this country and we all know the importance food and nutrition has in caring for the unwell people in hospitals, as well as those working or visiting them - so this role has been very important to me. It’s been a wonderful process to set up the framework and see the chefs develop and grow.”
Now in its ninth year, the Foodservice Cateys took place on 21st October to recognise the individuals, teams and businesses shaping the foodservice industry and tirelessly delivering exceptional service day in, day out.
Compass Group UK & Ireland also secured a further five awards:
- A fantastic three awards for Eurest, who won: Business and Industry Caterer of the Year; Healthy Eating Champion – (Rees Bramwell); and CSER Award
- Chartwells Higher Education and Compass Group Digital and Technology Team – Best of Use of Technology
- ESS - People and Training Award
