Mount Charles, Ireland’s leading locally-owned foodservice and business support organisation has held its first annual black-tie employee awards ceremony.

The Trevi Awards were named in honour of Mount Charles founder and Chairman Trevor Annon, and were created to recognise outstanding contributions from people throughout all divisions of the diverse business.

The event was held at Down Royal Racecourse in Lisburn and attended by over 200 employees, suppliers and business partners.

Speaking at the event, Trevor Annon commented: “This event is a wonderful way to reflect on 29 years in business and the people who have contributed to our success.

“We now employ around 2,100 people, making us one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland and it gives me great privilege to say that so many of our team have been with the company for a long time, particularly as our industry is typically associated with a high turnover of staff.

“I’m also proud to say that we continue to provide a career path for young people who want to reach management level, and to provide secure employment, training and development for so many others,” he said.

The winners were:

• Barista of the Year: Eniko Hadju, Fed& Watered at Exeter Airport • Foodservice Assistant of the Year: Amanda Dinnen, Fed & Watered at the Obel, Belfast • Vending Merchandiser of the Year: David Kinsella • Cleaning Operative of the Year: Julie-Anne Gough • Chef/Cook of the Year: Ciaran Drain, Ulster University • Outstanding Customer Service: Evangeline Lacey, Laganside Courts • Best Newcomer: Nuala McNally, Cleaning & Support Services • Annon House / Montgomery Road Support Star: Diane Tomany, Finance • Unit Manager of the Year: Margaret McAfee, Hendersons • Manager of the Year: Janice Stewart, Catering Operations

The final award of the evening was the ‘Pride of Mount Charles’, which was given to Marie McGeown, Combined Services Manager at Drumglass High School in Dungannon.

Marie, who joined the company in 1999, was praised for driving and managing the business as if it were her own, creating excellent relationships with clients, customers and peers with an enthusiasm and vigour that is second to none.

“Our job in the service industry is to operate behind the scenes, keeping the engines of industry turning.

“At Bombardier, we do not build planes but we feed 4,000 people daily and operate 250 vending machines. In schools, we do not teach children but we feed them and keep their learning environment spotlessly clean. At airports, we do not fly planes but we do operate restaurants, business lounges and clean the whole place.

“Our job is an important one, we support businesses to do what they do best and without the commitment and passion of our people, we simply wouldn’t be where we are now.

“I’d therefore like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our employees, along with our suppliers and partners, for supporting me in my vision and making Mount Charles the strong, innovative company it is today,” added Mr Annon.

Visit www.mountcharles.com for more information and news.