Marion and I spent yesterday at the Carden Park Hotel near Chester. We were attending the annual CEDA conference which culminated with a Gala Awards dinner.We were delighted that Instanta was nominated in the category for best light equipment supplier but disappointed when we didn't win. We were also delighted to see so many of our customers shortlisted for awards for the best kitchen projects of last year with every nominee on our books. The overall Grand Prix winner was Court Catering for the fabulous new kitchen at the famous River Cafe. It was highly appropriate for Court's Chairman Nick Howe who is so much at home on the river with his coaching of the Oxford University team to win with this most famous of London restaurants. Congratulations Nick.
Despite the razzmatazz of the awards, the evening will be remembered by most who attended for the emotionally charged presentation of the Industry Personality Award to John Kitchin of C&C Catering by his son, CEDA Chairman Peter. It was wonderful to see an award presented with such genuine feeling, obvious love and affection and total lack of inhibition. There was hardly a dry eye in the house by the time Peter finished his heartfelt tribute and it was great to see the award being given with a kiss. Well done Peter and congratulations John for a well deserved accolade.
Having been to a lot of these events over the last twenty years I must congratulate CEDA Chairman Peter Kitchin on the standard of the annual conference which has come on in leaps and bounds under his stewardship. The day now flows like a well oiled machine and is an eclectic mix of speakers and workshops all of which manage to run to time. I was particularly impressed by the standard of speakers.
Douglas McWilliams was a sort of Jeremy Clarkson of the Economics Scene and presented an amusing take on the current state of affairs (although, as Guardian readers we wouldn't figure high on his Christmas card list)
Neil McDaid once worked in Barclays City Office (a few years after me) and knew many of my old colleagues. He gave some sage advice on how to get finance from your bank using the Barclays training acronym CAMPARI although his SODA (Sod Off Don't Ask) is far more appropriate in the current climate.
Andy Bounds is someone who makes me wonder if we are influenced by our names as Andy literally bounds with energy. He is an exceptional motivational speaker who offers sensible and stimulating tips on sales.
Finally my very favourite speaker Tim Harford who writes for the FT as well as presenting on TV and radio.Tim's take on micro economics was hilarious. I now know that if me and Marion were planning next week's Orange Wednesday today we would be trying to find somewhere showing "Roshamon" but no doubt when next Wednesday comes it will be "Monsters Vs Aliens". Well done Tim I might even consider reading the FT now and then.
One final note on the conference. Over £10,000 was raised for Claire House children's hospice. A moving video was shown at the dinner. This is a truly worthwhile cause.
The Orwell Awards last week had a section for blogging. No I wasn't in the running, I don't have enough readers yet although I am pleased to say that they are increasing rather than declining.I would like to see more comments though. Perhaps I need to be more controversial to get them. The winner was Night Jack written by an anonymous detective. You can check it out here. He's clearly an excellent writer. I haven't read enough yet to decide if I see eye to eye with him.
I'll leave you with a reminder of the work being carried out by Claire House.Click here if you would like to make a donation.
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