Porter & Vadis Awarded at Public Sector Catering Awards

Neil Porter, a twice chair of LACA (Local Authority Caterers Association) took home a long-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Public Sector Catering Awards. Chairing LACA more than once is rare with only three people who have had the honour.

Porter’s most celebrated period as chair of LACA was from 2008-2009 when he was faced with the aftermath of Jamie Oliver’s school meals TV onslaught. He was first chair of LACA from 2004-2005.

Since 2008 Porter helmed LACA’s Events Group which oversees LACA’s showpiece annual conference Main Event. During his tenure the event grew in importance and added new elements such as Finishing Touches, the final of the School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) and the Grab & Go Challenge.

Chef Nick Vadis of Compass won the Special Contribution Award for helping to build the NHS Chefs Academy. He also played a big role in The Healthcare Chefs’ Knowledge where his expertise and drive fused with his knowledge of healthcare really made a difference to our new book.

King’s College London, however, was the biggest winner on the night. They took home the University Award, the Sustainability Award and the Health & Nutrition Award. Plus, catering team member Lisa Connellan was this year’s Unsung Hero.

The full list of this year’s winners: