Connect Catering, based at Hithercroft Court in Wallingford, was shortlisted at the 2026 Contract Catering Awards, with team member Sally Allen named a finalist in the Business and Industry Award category.

The awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement across the UK’s contract catering sector.

Victoria Murrell, chief executive officer of Connect Catering, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised at the 2026 Contract Catering Awards.

“To see Sally shortlisted is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work, passion and professionalism shown by our wider team every day.”

Connect Catering is an independent, family-run business established in 1989.

The company provides catering services to workplaces, independent schools, and care homes across the UK.

It has built a reputation for delivering fresh food and excellent service with a personal touch.

The Contract Catering Awards ceremony took place in London in March, bringing together leading businesses from across the country.

Sally Allen’s shortlisting highlights the commitment and expertise of the Connect Catering team.

The company prides itself on building strong client relationships and maintaining high standards in all aspects of its work.

Its team focuses on creating positive dining experiences for employees, pupils, residents, and visitors.

The recognition shows Wallingford is home to successful employers.

Mandy Barnes, who works at Hempton Field in Chinnor, joined Barchester Healthcare in April 2001 and has spent a quarter-century supporting residents and their families.

She received a 25 Year Service Award in recognition of her long-standing contribution.

Adele Keenan, employee services director at Barchester, said: “I’m always pleased to hear stories about the long service of Barchester staff and am delighted Mandy Barnes has achieved this milestone.”

Tyisa Houghton, general manager at Hempton Field, praised Ms Barnes’ commitment.

She said: “She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year.”

Hempton Field is part of Barchester Healthcare, which operates care homes and hospitals across the UK, focusing on personalised care and support.

Bicester Vets on Victoria Road made the transition in November and is now the only remaining independent veterinary surgery in the town after transitioning to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

The veterinary hospital employs 55 staff, including vets, nurses, animal care assistants, and administrative personnel.

Its facilities include five consulting rooms, three operating theatres, dedicated dog and cat wards, an exotic ward, and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Cliff Maw, vet and director, said: “We wanted to secure the long-term independence of the practice and protect what we’ve built for future generations.

“Employee ownership also allows us to recognise the contribution of the whole team, ensuring the people delivering care every day have a genuine stake in its success.”

Mr Maw said the employee ownership model is intended to foster greater accountability and long-term commitment.

He said: “The employee ownership model will hopefully foster accountability and pride in the standard of care we provide.

“We’re keen to expand our educational outreach, including school and community group visits to help promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership alongside hopefully inspiring a future generation of vets and nurses.”

Bicester Vets invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in a new CT scanner and other facility upgrades.

This has reduced the need to refer complex cases outside the area.

Mr Maw explained how the scanner made a difference to one particular case.

He said: “A working police dog had inhaled an ear of corn which was lodged in an airway.

“Our CT scan showed this, and we were able to endoscopically remove the corn, and the patient made a full recovery.”

The scanner has also led to the identification of brain tumours and spinal lesions which would previously have gone undiagnosed.

Mr Maw emphasised the importance of keeping emergency care in-house.

He said: “If your pet becomes unwell in the night, having to travel a long distance to an unfamiliar practice to meet a new vet can be stressful.

“If one of our patients needs emergency care overnight, they will be seen at our practice by our own vets and nurses.”

The practice is accredited at the highest ‘Hospital’ level under the voluntary Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme, reflecting high standards of care, equipment, and protocols.

As an employee-owned, independent practice, Mr Maw said the team is ‘humble and proud’ to be rooted in the community.

He added: “We want to remain a strong, independent practice that continues to serve our community for the long term.”