Kate Nicholls awarded OBE in New Year Honours list
Nicholls was recognised for services to the hospitality sector, particularly during the Coroavirus pandemic.
“This year has been one of continued despair and heartbreak for hard-pressed hospitality businesses,” says Nicholls.
“They were hit first and hit hardest by the pandemic but, despite this, there have been countless inspirational examples of leadership, resilience and collaboration, of people coming together to support their local communities during this unprecedented time, helping to feed frontline NHS and key workers, the homeless and support others in need. It is those values that make me proud to have represented and been part of such a wonderful sector for many years.”
“Our focus now is to continue to press Government for additional financial support that will enable businesses to survive through winter and be in a position to reopen and welcome back customers.”
Further OBEs were awarded to chefs Fergus and Margot Henderson for services to culinary arts. Fergus, who was awarded an MBE in 2005, runs London restaurant St John, while Margot is one half of the team behind the Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch.
Other industry recognitions include Richard Ord, owner of Colmans Fish & Chips and Colmans Seafood Temple restaurants in South Shields, who was awarded an MBE in recognition of his 50 years of serving fish and chips.
Colmans began life in 1905 as a small shack on South Shields beach - just in front of where its Seafood Temple is mow located - with the business moving into its site on Ocean road in 1926. It is here that Ord began his career in hospitality at the family business in 1969.
The restaurants have won numerous awards for the high quality of fish and chips they serve.
Suppliers have also been recognised in the list, with Alex Mayfield and Ricky Sercombe from Brakes foodservice company being awarded MBEs. The pair were recognised for the leading roles they played in launching a delivery service that supplied food boxes to the clinically vulnerable during the first nationwide lockdown.
"I am delighted and proud to be among those honoured. This has been a difficult year for everyone, but particularly the hospitality industry," says Mayfield.
"The food box scheme for the vulnerable shielded allowed all of us at Brakes to show our resilience and capabilities at the most difficult time. To be recognised for my contribution in creating the scheme is humbling and amazing."
