10 June 2025
“My chefs and I are beyond proud to win this prestigious National Accolade of Group Care Home Caterer of the Year 2025.It is with great dedication, teamwork, and effort that we have achieved this result in a very demanding catering sector.Over the last 8 years since I took on the role of Group Catering Manager for Abbey Healthcare UK—and with 44 years’ experience as a fully qualified chef, including **35 years dedicated to health and social care catering—we’ve come immensely far.From menu compliance to specialist diets, from ongoing chef skill training to maintaining 5-star EHO ratings, we’ve worked relentlessly to raise our standards year after year.It’s taken 24/7 commitment—but the results speak for themselves.A lot of compliance goes into getting this far, from nutrition traceability to sustainable, healthy seasonal menus, and our Healthy Eating Award with EHO has been maintained throughout.Our Dignity in Dining Manual—which I personally created for the group—and our regular Group Catering News magazines have also been key to this achievement.Every aspect of catering, from budget control to equipment, training, and certifications, has contributed to us winning this award.I am immensely proud of our chefs for the continuous hard work they put in every single day to make sure our wonderful residents receive the highest standard of food care possible—including participating in national food days and celebrations throughout the year.Catering is always a team effort—whether you’re one of our chefs, a manager, or the one who brews the tea. This win belongs to all of us.”
“Absolutely buzzing with pride! 🏆 To be part of the team that’s just won Group Care Home Caterer of the Year UK 2025 is a massive achievement for all of us at Abbey Healthcare.This win isn’t just about the food—it’s about teamwork, consistency, passion, and raising the standard across every home we serve.A huge thank you to our incredible Group Catering Manager, Joanne Ankers—your belief in us, your push for excellence, and your relentless support made this possible. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Our Head Chef , Liz Marsh from Farnworth Care home perfectly summed up what this award means:
“I feel that winning the Group Care Home Caterer of the Year award in the UK is a great achievement for all of the chefs in the group. We deal with some great challenges every day, but we put our residents first and foremost in everything we do. Thank you, Jo, for your help and support.”
“We are all proud of what you have achieved for Abbey Healthcare, Jo. It was going nowhere before you came. Well done from the whole team at Kendal.”
“Jo, you deserve this award. You’ve supported all of the chefs within Abbey Healthcare. You’re always available whenever one of us needs advice and support throughout the year.”
“I feel that winning the Group Care Home Caterer of the Year award in the UK is a great achievement for all of the chefs in the group. We deal with some great challenges every day, but we put our residents first and foremost in everything we do. Thank you, Jo, for your help and support.”
