Elior UK is proud to announce that Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE, co-founder of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, has been recognised with the Women of the Year Game Changer Award at Women of the Year 2024 Lunch & Awards on Monday 7th October, at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. She was awarded in honour of her exceptional contributions to improving food safety and advocating for people living with allergies.
Recognising Tanya’s transformative impact on the industry, a coalition of companies have come together to sponsor the Game Changer Award. In addition to Elior UK, caterers including Compass, Aramark, BaxterStorey, and CH&Co, as well as key suppliers such as Delice de France and Around Noon supported the award. This unprecedented collaboration underscores the catering community’s unified commitment to supporting Tanya’s mission to improve food safety and to honour her incredible achievements.
Catherine Roe, CEO of Elior UK and a member of the Women of the Year Board, spearheaded the nomination of Tanya for this award. She said: “At Elior, we’ve seen first-hand how challenging it was for the catering industry to adapt to the requirements of Natasha’s Law. Tanya’s determination has transformed not just regulations, but attitudes toward food safety, educating both businesses and the public on the importance of clear labelling.”
Tanya’s campaigning for better food labelling laws following the tragic loss of her daughter to a severe allergic reaction, led to the implementation of Natasha’s Law in 2021. This legislation requires food businesses to display full ingredient lists and allergen information on all pre-packaged food, significantly enhancing safety and confidence for millions of people with allergies across the UK.
Charlotte Wright, Director of CSR & Wellness, Elior UK, who also serves on the Women of the Year Management Committee, said: “Tanya’s courage and tenacity have inspired not only our company but the entire catering industry to come together for a common cause. We are united in recognising Tanya’s impact on the industry and society at large. She has driven positive changes for the greater good and we are delighted to support her nomination for the Women of the Year Game Changer Award.”
Upon receiving the award Tanya Ednan-Laperouse OBE said: “I am honoured to be nominated for the Women of the Year Game Changer Award. Our work at the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation is far from over, but this recognition is testament to the progress we have made and the lives we are striving to protect.”
Lady Louise Vaughan, Chair of Women of the Year, commented: “We are honoured to present Tanya with our Women of the Year Game Changer Award. She is a remarkable woman who has used the darkest moment of her life to tirelessly campaign to improve food standards and prevent others from severe allergic reactions. Her work has transformed the lives of millions, making it safer and easier for allergy suffers to eat in public and private. Tanya’s passion and dedication make her a true game changer, and we could think of no one else more deserving of this award this year.”
As the original women’s networking event, Women of the Year has brought together a powerful community of remarkable women for 70 years. Striving to inspire and empower women, whilst championing those making a difference to others. Its annual Lunch and Awards celebrates and shines a spotlight on extraordinary women from all walks of life. A non-profit organisation, Women of the Year is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, whose aim is to continue the legacy of founder Tony Lothian by recognising, celebrating, and advancing the achievements of women throughout the United Kingdom and around the world.
