Cateys 2024: Public Sector Caterer Award: Paul Robottom, Signature Dining

Paul Robottom, the owner of Signature Dining, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the cost sector. He has steered the caterer in its move into hospice care while continuing to deliver its ethos of
a holistic, person-centred service.

 

Signature Dining’s model for catering, with patients and residents at the heart of all it does, sets it apart from other contract caterers and has raised the bar for standards in the sector.

 

With the addition of nine new hospice sites, Signature Dining’s  portfolio has grown by 37%. Bringing together his and the caterer’s passion for high levels of engagement, the hospice clients are incredibly happy with the service, which not only caters for patients, but also their relatives, visitors and the hospice staff. 

 

Signature Dining has a deep understanding of the social and emotional benefits good food brings and it offers immersive, food-based theme days in all its settings, creating opportunities for teams to engage with residents and patients in a fun and purposeful way. The company’s multi-sensory approach means that theme days are more than a different menu for a day – its teams recreate authentic recipes, decorate dining rooms and trolleys with interactive props and fill the setting with sounds and music and inviting aromas, all chosen to enhance the menu and set the scene for a day to remember.

 

At a time when energy and food prices have spiralled, Robottom has underlined Signature Dining’s support for its clients in controlling costs, seeking best value for the company’s stock and working to keep food costs under control without affecting the standard of the food that leaves the kitchen. Careful planning by chef managers, together with consistent and accurate costs analysis, have allowed it to make well-informed recommendations to clients on the most effective ways in which they can make cost savings. This approach has seen Signature Dining retain 100% of its contracts.

 

As Investors in People, Signature Dining  has also explored ways to encourage people into the industry. Recognising that mature workers aged over 55 typically have fewer sick days, remain in post for longer and bring an abundance of life skills, Robottom oversaw the launch of Signature Prime, a senior apprenticeship scheme. The programme offers workers the opportunity to retrain with excellent career opportunities and progression, as well as flexibility and competitive salaries. Since launching Signature Prime last year, the caterer has taken on seven senior apprentices. Each gave incredible feedback on the scheme and have gone on to take permanent roles, including front of house manager and commis chef.

 

What the judges said

 

“It’s amazing to see a company that cares about those they serve as well as taking pride in the team that delivers the service.” Neel Radia

 

“Signature Dining is a company that cares and works hard to deliver for its clients and residents. An exemplar in the care sector.” Alison Shedlock

 

The shortlist

 

Helene Askham St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School, West Yorkshire

 

Nick Collins Cleverchefs

 

Paul Robottom Signature Dining

 

 

The judges

 

Mark Davies ISS

 

Michael Hales Juniper Ventures

 

Vic Laws AVL Consultancy

 

Alison McCree County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

 

Neel Radia National Association of Care Catering

 

Alison Shedlock University of Manchester