Newmarket Academy Head of Kitchen Takes Top Accolade

Head of Kitchen at Newmarket Academy, Victoria Sear has scooped the prestigious Employee of the Year title in the Vertas Making the Difference Staff Awards, beating off stiff competition from a record 340 employees nominated.

Newly crowned Victoria Sear was nominated by Nick Froy, Principal at Newmarket Academy with the following commendation:

“Vicky is an amazing asset to this school; her meals are interesting and tasty. What makes Vicky exceptional is the relationship she has formed with both the staff and especially the students. She is attentive to the specific needs of the students and encourages them to try new options in their diet. She has created a vibrant and exciting atmosphere in the dining room. The students really enjoy her manner and interactions.”

The ten winners and twenty runners up in the fourth annual Vertas Making the Difference Staff Awards were announced at a black-tie ceremony on Friday 1 March, when 180 guests gathered at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in Suffolk.

The awards, which are fully-funded by sponsors such as technical services providers Imtech, set out to recognise the commitment of star employees within its 3,000-strong workforce. From 340 nominations the Vertas executive board made a shortlist of 30, three in each of the 10 categories. All finalists, accompanied by the colleague or client who nominated them, were invited to the award ceremony at Milsoms.

 Ian Surtees, Vertas Group Limited’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

“My congratulations go to Vicky and all the 2019 winners and finalists. I’m delighted with the record number of nominations this year, demonstrating how staff across the Group have embraced the awards, now in their fourth year. Vicky reached the regional finals of the LACA School Chef of the Year competition last year and it gives me great pride to see the expertise and passion we have across the business.”

Nick Froy, Principal at Newmarket Academy, said:

 “Vicky is amazing. She and her team are a fantastic asset to the school. “It is wonderful to know that every child who comes to Newmarket Academy is being offered high quality food served by

Vicky and the team with such enthusiasm and personal care. I am delighted that Vertas have recognised that she is indeed the ‘Employee of the Year’.”

The full list of winners and runners up can be found at on the Making the Difference Awards page.

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