Foodservice Cateys 2025: People and Training Award, Claire Huish, Bennett Hay

This year’s People and Training Award goes to an individual whose people-first approach, from clients to employees and the community, has made her a standout winner.

 

Claire Huish took up the position of HR and operations director at Bennett Hay in January 2025 after working as HR and wellbeing director. She has taken on the challenges of her new role with great enthusiasm and determination, driving significant people-focused innovation to strengthen the business’s career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and its recognition and reward culture. 

 

Among her achievements is a transformational project within the contract caterer’s people training offer. The Community Management Training programme for Bennett Hay’s serviced offices aims to equip all customer-facing roles, including front of house, security and facilities, with the skills to elevate the guest experience and ensure a unified, one-team approach. Such was the success of the programme that one of Bennett Hay’s clients, Here East in London, created a new role to lead service excellence across the entire campus.

 

Huish’s approach also shines in her spearheading Bennett Hay’s Leadership Academy, where 12 employees can accelerate their career path into leadership roles. Many alumni have progressed into senior positions, while others have moved on to apply their skills across the sector, helping to raise standards industry-wide. 

 

For those who cannot be physically present for training and development, Huish introduced Reelyze, a digital training and internal communications platform that makes training more inclusive and efficient.

 

Huish is also strongly committed to improving employee wellbeing through a programme delivered in partnership with workplace training organisation Beanology, which offers sessions focused on emotional intelligence, empathy and communication, strengthening individual and team resilience. The sessions are now a core part of Bennett Hay’s training programme and part of its offering to clients and service partners to support them with their own wellbeing agenda.

 

In an industry where many people’s first language is not English, Huish saw the necessity of introducing mental health first-aid training in as many different languages as possible. In less than a year, the number of trained first-aiders has doubled, forming a diverse mental health team that ensures all colleagues feel represented and supported. Huish also developed the caterer’s People First Awards, which celebrate individual achievements with a dedicated ceremony that boosts morale and reinforces a culture of appreciation.

 

She is a strong advocate for the industry, from sharing her journey and career insights with students at Westminster Kingsway College to forming a partnership with a local primary school to promote food education and hospitality careers, and her outreach work continually shines a light on the diverse and rewarding careers available in foodservice.

 

Huish’s contribution to Bennett Hay’s workforce, but also its clients and community more widely, cannot be understated. As one judge said: “Clare is a true ambassador for people, culture and training.” And with that, she is highly deserving of this year’s award.

 

Judges’ comments

“Claire is a true ambassador for people, culture and training, holding a dual role and ensuring Bennett Hay remains a people-first business as its continues to scale.” Jo Harley 

 

“Claire implemented an approach to improve people culture through many initiatives, supporting a very well-rounded strategy.” Jules McEachern

 

The shortlist

• Hannah Carter, BaxterStorey
• Wade Dutton, Sodexo Live!
• Claire Huish, Bennett Hay
• Rapport

See previous winners of the award