Jonathan Smith | Chalmers News PR

Competition hotting up as fine dining chefs take part in Foodie Awards cook-off

Posted on June 8, 2022June 8, 2022 by admin

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, cook-off, Paul Foster, Ellen Manning — *From left:* Tobias Reutt, Colm Jones, Paul Foster, Ellen Manning and Sam Barnett.

The heat was on for three local chefs who competed in a Cook Off this week for the Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards.

Tobias Reutt, of Earlsdon Supper Club, Colm Jones of The Green Dragon and Sam Barnett of The Loft, all in Coventry, had one hour to prepare a dish of their choice in their bid for the title of Fine Dining Chef of the Year.

These dishes were then judged, at The Farm in Snitterfield on Tuesday, by Michelin Star chef Paul Foster, of Salt in Stratford and Warwickshire food blogger and journalist Ellen Manning.

Paul Foster’s successful career has so far earned him a Michelin star, three AA rosettes, a place in the top 50 UK restaurants in The Good Food Guide and has been awarded Observer Food Monthly ‘Young Chef of the Year’ and The Good Food Guide ‘Best Up and Coming Chef’ award.

The winner will be among those revealed at the Foodie Awards ceremony at The Box at Coventry’s Fargo Village, on Thursday (June 16^th). The second Awards, being run in partnership with Visit Coventry and Visit Warwickshire, focuses on quality, service and innovation with an emphasis on farm to fork, including best artisan food and drink producers, farm shop, independent food and drink retailer, newcomer, street food trader and chef or cook of the year.

New categories this year will also recognise Foodie Start-up, Fine Dining Restaurant and the International Taste Award. And the finalists in the Casual Dining Chef of the Year category will compete in front of a live crowd at this weekend’s Pub In The Park event in Warwick, judged by Former British Bake-off winner Candice Brown and food and drink broadcaster and champion Nigel Barden

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, cook-off, Paul Foster, Ellen Manning, Tobias Reutt — Tobias Reutt talks judge Paul Foster through his recipe.

Paul Foster said: “I’m always looking for the same things when I judge a competition, first and foremost is execution and seasoning and then technique, but the most important thing is how it tastes. What have they done with the ingredients, are they seasonal, and the presentation.

“There’s been some really intersting dishes today, a diverse mix of cuisines and standards. There’s been some really well executed techniques and there are some things that need some improvement but I think the point of this competition is not just winning it, it’s so the chefs will learn from this and can grow. It was tough to come to a decision. I didn’t know what to expect and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.

“It’s a really positive awards. It’s great for the area, great for the local food community to show how diverse it is, to celebrate and for people to network as well.”

Fellow judge Ellen Manning said: “It was a real privilege to be involved in the judging of the cook-off and to see some of our great chefs doing what they do best. The Foodie Awards is a great way for our wonderful local restaurants to show off what they do and the talented teams behind them, so to be there in person alongside one of our area’s most lauded chefs and restaurateurs was a real treat.

“As Paul said, competitions like this aren’t just about winning, but about raising the bar when it comes to the quality of the food scene in Coventry and Warwickshire, and I look forward to seeing all of the finalists go from strength to strength.”

Tobias Reutt is hoping he can take the title for the second year running with his duck breast recipe. He said: “I’ve practised this dish quite a few times. It embodies how far I’ve come as a chef. It’s a real privilege to be a finalist again. “It’s been a crazy year after winning last year and I would definitely encourage chefs to enter these awards.”

Colm Jones, who chose to cook a Rainbow Trout dish, said: “I was very surprised to be selected for the finals and it’s good to see it’s all Coventry boys. I’m up against some very good chefs.”

Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards, Jonathan Smith, Ellen Manning, Paul Foster — Sam Barnett and judge Ellen Manning.

Sam Barnett, who has been heading up the kitchen at The Loft since it opened just a few months ago, said: “My boss entered me into the competition and didn’t tell me but I was very happy when I found out I made the finals. I’ve never done anything like this before but I’m all for challenging yourself. It’s exciting to be a part of it.

“It’s nice to be back here because I’ve been away for so long and hopefully we can get a good name for the city.”

The Foodie Awards will once again be raising money for The Trussell Trust network of eight food banks in Coventry and Warwickshire.

For the full list of finalists visit here

@foodieaward

Leamington Business Awards – winners announced

Posted on March 21, 2022 by admin

Leamington Business Awards,Jonathan Smith,Matt Western MP, Talk Business UK — The winners of the Leamington Business Awards 2021. Photo by John Cleary.

CELEBRATING success was the theme of the seventh Leamington Business Awards which returned to a live event for the first time in three years.

Eleven winners were finally unveiled on Friday after being chosen from more than 180 nominations.

The ceremony, hosted by DJ – and Leamingtonian – Kirsty Leahy, took place at 1 Mill Street following a meal at The Drawing Board. It marked the completion of two stages of the Awards which earlier recognised COVID Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Heroes of 2020/21.

More than £1,000 was also raised through a raffle on the night which is being divided between the three finalists in the South Warwickshire Charity of the Year category – Molly Ollys, Safeline and Brunswick Hub.

Established in 2014 and now organised by Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, the LBAs champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations.

Jonathan said: “More so than ever, the judges were inspired by the resilience and ingenuity local businesses have shown in dealing with the pandemic and coming out the other side stronger and even more determined.

“It was a delight to read all the entries and learn so much more about the local individuals and their businesses and how they adapted and developed and used the challenges of the past two years to develop themselves, their people and their services.

“With businesses and organisations concentrating on getting their businesses and teams back up to speed, we decided to postpone the planned awards deadlines into 2022 and host the awards presentation in March. This was definitely the right decision as the volume and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards blew us away.”

The winners were chosen by a panel of five judges, including Roger Scott of Lloyds Bank and Sarah Windrum the Chair or the CWLEP and announced at a dinner and awards ceremony at The Drawing Board and 1 Mill Street in Leamington, on Friday, (March 18^th). Each winner received a bespoke award designed by 3D design student, Ollie Hill from Warwickshire College.

Guest of honour Matt Western MP, gave a short speech in which he also acknowledged the war in Ukraine.

He said: “It’s very difficult for me not to think and talk about Ukraine. And I want to say to those businesses and organisations who have made things happen in the last few weeks, thank you, because Leamington has done some special things, including everything that’s been going on at the Polish Mission and elsewhere. I think about what it would be like for that sort of atrocity to come and destroy our town and appreciate more than ever just how precious it is. And it’s precious because of people like you.

“I had a niece who was in Kyiv right up until a couple of days before the Russian invasion. What we have – our lives, our relationships and our community, are so very important and that’s why I’m so grateful we can have events like this again so we can all share in the recognition of the special people in our community.”

He went on to add: “All the finalists here tonight are great examples of the wonderful businesses we have in Leamington district and I’m very passionate about keeping our towns together. Without our town centres, without those areas where people come together – for the contact, for the trade, to consume, and share ideas and opportunities, we have nothing so they’re so important to our psyche and our prosperity as well.”

Brunswick Hub receive the South Warwickshire Charity of the Year Award from Matt Western MP. Photo by John Cleary.

WINNERS:

Outstanding achievement (Sponsored by the Leamington Courier)

Winner: Vogue International

Judges’ comments: “Vogue and Liz have committed to the town for over three decades and played a crucial part in the fabric of Leamington on a local and global stage. Vogue, shows significant international achievement in their industry over an extended period of time along with contribution to local charity.

Leamington Business Awards, Matt Western MP, 1Mill Street, Jonathan Smith — Aubrey Allen receives Employer of the Year Award. Photo by John Cleary.

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Leap People Solutions)

Winner: Aubrey Allen

Judges’ comments: “Aubrey Allen are clearly a business that take care of their team, have strong values that they live by every day, and they support their team on their own paths to success and greatness through the awards they have picked up.

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lodders Solicitors LLP)

Winner: Caremark Warwick

Judges’ comments: “Caremark has set up the business in a challenging sector during the pandemic, showing strong growth and employment and providing a valuable service to the local community.”

Business and the Community Award (Sponsored by BID Leamington)

Winner: Make Good Grow

Judges’ comments: “Make Good Grow are looking at business and community in a totally new, more innovative way, creating connections between the needs of charities and the expert providers of these services and skills.”

Independent Business of the Year (Sponsored by HB&O)

Winner: Modern Homes

Judges’ comments: “Loved the Covid hero competition as well as their business resilience and agility over the last two years. Great story about finding a new supplier on Zoom!”

Customer Service Excellence Award (Sponsored by The Box Factory)

Winner: WDC Art Section

Judges’ comments: “Impressive year on year improvement in customer feedback, strong focus on training and implementation of a creative range of ways to provide good service and measure feedback. The team will often be a visitor’s first interaction in our town and it is crucial for the wider business economy that their welcome is warm to keep people coming back!”

South Warwickshire Freelancer of the Year (Sponsored by Beyond The Book)

Winner: Washington Levi Music

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsored by Fresh Seed)

Winner: Motionhouse

Judges’ comments: “Bringing dance to the masses for over 30 years using the latest technologies and gymnastic skills makes the choice of Motionhouse as Creative Business of the Year a simple one.

Innovation of the Year (Sponsored by Glued)

Winner: Nimbus Maps

Leamington Business Awards, Jonathan Smith, 1 Mill Street — Nimbus Maps receives the Innovation of the Year Award. Photo by John Cleary.

South Warwickshire Charity of the Year

Winner: Brunswick Hub

Business of Year (Sponsored by ActionCOACH)

Winner: Motionhouse

Judges’ comments: “They have made an enormous impact on Leamington, the region and around the world. From the award applications, Motionhouse has done the most for the region, as well as putting Leamington on the map.”

The previous winners of the first phase of the awards were:

Business Resilience Award:
WINNER: CJ’s Events, Warwick
This award went to a business that has demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the pandemic and tackled challenges head-on.

Business Pivot Award:

WINNER: Heartbreak Productions, Leamington
This category was open to any business that could demonstrate how they have ‘pivoted’ their product or service during the pandemic.

Lockdown Hero Award:
WINNER: Baabzi Takeaway, Warwick
This award recognised the Leamington business that has gone ‘above and beyond’ during 2020. The business may have provided products to vulnerable groups free of charge, offered their services pro-bono to struggling local businesses or individuals, or spread positivity during challenging times.

Leamington Business Awards – finalists announced

Posted on March 7, 2022March 7, 2022 by admin

The finalists of The Leamington Business Awards have been chosen from more than 180 entries.

The decisions follow scores of nominations for the preliminary phase of the new Leamington Business Awards which recognised COVID Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Heroes of 2020/21.

Established in 2014 by Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK, the LBAs champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations.

Leamington Business Awards 2022, Jonathan Smith, finalists — Awards organiser Jonathan Smith,of Talk Business UK

Jonathan said: ”Once again we have been overwhelmed by the quality of the entries we have received for the Leamington Business Awards. The businesses and their owners have certainly shown huge resilience and inventiveness and met all the recent challenges head on.

“We can all be inspired by what local businesses achieve and the services they provide. Having had to reschedule the awards event a few times thanks to Covid restrictions and venue challenges, we are delighted to bring all our worthy finalists together at 1 Mill Street to celebrate their achievements and successes.”

The winners will be chosen across 12 categories and announced at a dinner and awards ceremony at The Drawing Board and 1 Mill Street in Leamington, on Friday, March 18th, where they will each receive a bespoke award designed by 3D design students at Warwickshire College. Guest of honour Matt Western MP will also be in attendance.

Nigel Shanahan, Co-Founder of 1 Mill Street co-working space and offices, said: “Hosting the Leamington Business Awards this year is a great opportunity to showcase the achievements of businesses in Leamington Spa. Fundamentally, this is why 1 Mill Street exists, to help our members and the wider community of Leamington to succeed in their business whilst having a lot of fun along the way.”

The judges are Roger Scott of Lloyds Bank and Sarah Windrum the Chair or the CWLEP.

Sponsors are still invited to get onboard by contacting Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com or jon@talkbusinessuk.co.uk

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award – Business of the Year.

Further details about the awards are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

Finalists:

Business of the Year

This award recognises the business that has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, understands its customer, has an engaged workforce with effective leadership, demonstrated effective use of technology/digital media to engage with all stakeholders and is continually innovating to support future growth.

Motionhouse, Leamington
1 Mill Street, Leamington
Eden Blake Recruitment, Leamington

Charlotte and Jolyon Olivier of Napton Cidery, a finalist in Creative Business of the Year and Outstanding Achievement of the Year categories.

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsored by FreshSeed)

This award recognises the creative businesses and organisations in the region that have made an outstanding achievement over the past year in their field of expertise. In addition to your creative flair, you will demonstrate good business thinking and planning.

Motionhouse, Leamington
Levi Washington Music, Leamington
Napton Cidery, Napton-on-the-Hill

Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Leap People Solutions)

This award is for the businesses which is going above and beyond to offer a positive working environment for their employees. Judges looked for examples of career progression, equality of opportunity, commitment to training and development of a positive working culture.

Aubrey Allen,Leamington
Net Visibility, Kenilworth
Caremark Warwick

South Warwickshire Freelancer of the Year (Sponsored by Beyond The Book)

In recognition of the number of talented freelancers that work in this region, this award recognises the talent, ingenuity and skill that they bring to South Warwickshire, and that contribute to business and enterprise in and around Leamington. Judges looked at evidence of achievements during 2020/21 such as growth, innovation, community support, and customer service.

Rachel Shuker, of Bobble Creative, Rugby
Tom Hooker, of On The Road, Warwick
Levi Washington Music, Leamington

Innovation of the Year Award

From advances in technology, manufacturing and science to creating a winning new recipe or a revolutionary new business service, this award is about recognising those businesses which are pushing the boundaries and finding creative ways to improve their business and customer service.

SoccerPots app, Leamington
Nimbus Maps, Warwick
The Original Hudson, Warwick

Independent Business of the Year (Sponsored by HB&O)

In recognition of the importance of independent businesses, this award will go to the independent business from Leamington Spa that can demonstrate first class customer service and innovative products and services, whatever industry they are in. The judges looked for evidence of the uniqueness and the ‘personality’ of the business; the qualities which make the business successful and how they serve and delight their customers.

Spaghetti Agency, Warwick
Geiko, Leamington
Modern Homes, Leamington

New Business of the Year (Sponsored by Lodders Solicitors)

This award will go to a new business that is increasing its potential, the judges are interested in innovative products, services and processes and want to know more about the ‘personality’ of the business and the qualities which make it successful.

Richard George Tailoring, Southam
Bramble Dining, Leamington
Caremark, Warwick

Warwick District Charity of the Year

This award is designed to celebrate the excellent work done by charities, social enterprises and other non-profit making organisations from across the whole Warwick District.

Molly Ollys, Warwick
Safeline, Warwick
Brunswick Hub, Leamington

Business and Community Award (Sponsored by The Leamington Courier)

Awarded to a business that, in addition to its commercial activities, goes the extra mile to create a positive impact within their local community. Judges looked for evidence of contribution to the community, staff engagement and awareness of community issues, commitment to ongoing community or charitable activities for non-commercial gain.

Modern Homes, Leamington
Aubrey Allen, Leamington
Make Good Grow, Leamington

Customer Service Excellence Award (Sponsored by The Box Factory)

Recognising evidence of how a business embed a culture of customer service across its organisation, training, how it seeks and acts on feedback from customers and any strategies in place to ensure it provides the highest level of customer care.

WDC Arts Section, Leamington
Caremark, Warwick
Geiko, Leamington

Outstanding Achievement of the Year

This award aims to recognise a person/persons that have shown outstanding dedication and achievement within business, organisation or community but whom often go unrecognised.

Vogue International, Leamington
Napton Cidery, Napton-on-the-Hill
Flamingo Marketing Services, Warwick

Leamington Legend Award (Sponsored by BID Leamington): One winner to be announced on the night

Leamington and Warwick COVID business ‘heroes’ – finalists announced

Posted on November 27, 2020 by admin

THE finalists for the COVID Resilience Awards have been announced, after judges deliberated over their ‘toughest ever selection process.’

The decisions follow scores of nominations for the preliminary phase of the new Leamington Business Awards which recognises COVID Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Heroes of 2020.

Established in 2014, the LBAs champion and celebrate the work of local businesses, individuals and organisations while also raising vital funds for local charities, culminating with, pandemic willing, a glittering black-tie ceremony next year.

The three finalists in each category are:

2020 BUSINESS RESILIENCE AWARD: This award will go to a business that has demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the pandemic and tackled challenges head-on.

CJ’s Events, Warwick (Market and event organiser)

Rhythm Time, Warwickshire (Baby, toddler and pre-school music classes)

Get Cooking (Cooking workshops)

BUSINESS PIVOT AWARD: This category is open to any business that can demonstrate how they have ‘pivoted’ their product or service during 2020, ie. adapted their offering for new or existing customers, thus allowing their business to survive – and even thrive.

Bitelli’s, Leamington (family-run stone-baked pizza business)

Heartbreak Productions, Leamington (Outdoor theatre production company)

Acorn Academy Coaching, Leamington (life and wellbeing coach)

LOCKDOWN HERO: This award recognises the Leamington business that has gone ‘above and beyond’ during 2020. The business may have provided products to vulnerable groups free of charge, offered their services pro-bono to struggling local businesses or individuals, or spread positivity during challenging times. In this category, one can either self-nominate, or nominate another business.

The Barn Kitchen, Leamington (tearoom that is now Enchanted Events)

Goode Construction and Landscaping Group, Leamington

Baabzi Takeaway, Warwick (Indian takeaway)

Leamington Business COVID Resilience Awards, Jonathan Smith, Talk Business UK — Jonathan Smith, of Talk Business UK

Jonathan Smith, of organisers Talk Business UK, said: ”We have been totally overwhelmed by the quality of the entries for these special awards to recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The judges have never had such a challenging time choosing the finalists and winners from the inspiring entries received. We will look to recognise all the entries over the coming weeks as they are all worthy of celebration!”

The COVID-friendly interactive event will be broadcast live online from Noisegate Media Studio in Leamington on December 11^th, hosted by local DJ and professional event host, Kirsty Leahy and featuring a special message from Matt Western MP for Warwick and Leamington.

The nine finalists will each receive an Awards Night Hamper at home containing food, drinks and goodies to help make the night extra special for everyone.

The judges are Mark Ashfield, MD for chartered accountants and financial advisors Harrison Beale & Owen; Sarah Windrum, CEO Emerald Group and CWLEP Board member; Louise Richards of Motionhouse dance circus production company and Roger Scott, Area Director South Midlands for Lloyds SME.

Sponsors include HB&O, Lodders solicitors and The Box Factory but more are invited to get onboard by contacting Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com or jon@talkbusinessuk.co.uk He is also interested in hearing from businesses willing to donate items for the award hampers.

Jonathan said: ”With the challenges and restrictions that the current COVID crisis has given us we decided to postpone the main full Business Awards to early 2021 but felt it was perfect timing to recognise the inspiring effort and achievements many have made with their businesses and their communities.”

Nominations for the main Leamington Business Awards will open on January 21^st 2021 when businesses have the opportunity to enter 12 categories: New Business of the Year; Business and Community Award; Customers Service Excellence Award; Young Person of the Year Award, Employer of the Year; South Warwickshire Achievement of the Year; Innovation of the Year; Outstanding Achievement of the Year; Independent Business of the Year; Property Business of the Year, Warwick District Charity of the Year and The People’s Choice Award.

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award – Business of the Year.

Further details about the awards categories and how to nominate are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

New-look business awards will honour local COVID ‘heroes’

Posted on October 13, 2020 by admin

NOMINATIONS are being invited to recognise COVID Resilience, as part of a new-look preliminary event for next year’s Leamington Business Awards.

Newly named The Leamington Business Resilience Awards, the seventh annual event will see the introduction of three additional categories recognising Business Resilience, Business Pivoting and Lockdown Hero.

While the main awards categories are set to be announced in the new year, nominations have now opened for a first ceremony celebrating resilience.

2020 Business Resilience Award: This award will go to a business that has demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the pandemic and tackled challenges head-on.

Business Pivot Award: This category is open to any business that can demonstrate how they have ‘pivoted’ their product or service during 2020, ie. adapted their offering for new or existing customers, thus allowing their business to survive – and even thrive.

Lockdown Hero Award: This award recognises the Leamington business that has gone ‘above and beyond’ during 2020. The business may have provided products to vulnerable groups free of charge, offered their services pro-bono to struggling local businesses or individuals, or spread positivity during challenging times. In this category, one can either self-nominate, or nominate another business.

The COVID-friendly hybrid event, organised by Talk Business UK founder Jonathan Smith, will take place on December 11^th at a venue to be announced.

Award sponsors already include chartered accountants and financial advisors Harrison Beale & Owen, Lodders solicitors, and The Box Factory but more are invited to get onboard by contacting Jonathan Smith at: leamingtonbusinessawards@gmail.com or jon@talkbusinessuk.co.uk

“We have now designed a unique Awards program to celebrate these achievements which is likely to be a new Hybrid event involving a small live venue with online links to all the finalists and supporters.”

A winner from all the categories will also be selected for the prestigious Judges’ Choice Award – Business of the Year.

Further details about the awards categories and how to nominate are available at: www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk

To nominate a business visit: https://www.leamingtonbusinessawards.co.uk/whats-happening-in-2020/ Nominations close on Friday, November 13^th after which a shortlist of three finalists for each category will be announced. Finalists will be contacted by email and via the website and social media.