Winners exemplify the importance of pursuing innovation and great customer service
Jeff Wood from United UK was revealed as 2024’s Sales Professional of the Year at the FEA’s Light Equipment and Tableware Forum awards ceremony. Meanwhile, Alliance celebrated its seventh consecutive win of the Distributor Cup award.
Announcing the winners at this year’s LET Forum, the new chair of FEA’s LET Product Group, Paula Sherlock, praised the winners for their extraordinary work.
“The LET awards aim to celebrate the achievements of the light equipment industry and those working in it,” she says. “This year we had some amazing nominations which demonstrated their dedication to excellence and the winners richly deserve the recognition.”
Sales Professional of the Year recognises the work of individuals who have contributed the most to the sale of utensils and smallware over the last year, delivering outstanding customer service and success in winning contracts or developing new sales. Alongside Jeff, Rebecca Varley from Brakes Catering Equipment was also shortlisted.
“There were some amazing nominees this year, and it was tough to pick a winner,” says Paula. “But the respect and appreciation for Jeff’s commitment to his work and his customers was clear from the entry.”
Jeff was described in the nomination forms as hard working and dedicated, giving exceptional service and performance and always responsive and ready to assist customers. He took home a glass trophy and £500 in cash as well as a free place on FEA’s internationally renowned Certified Food Service Professional (CFSP) course.
The Distributor Cup is given to the company that has gone above and beyond to support the promotion and sales of light equipment and tableware. With a shortlist consisting of Alliance, Lockhart Catering Equipment and Jacksons it was a tightly fought contest, with Alliance taking the award for the seventh year in a row. The award was accepted by Sarah Overton, general manager at Alliance.
“Once again Alliance have shown amazing commitment to delivering innovative new products as well as supporting the utensil industry and its customers,” says Paula. “They fully deserve this accolade, for the seventh time!”
The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment – from utensils to full kitchen schemes. For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk