The UK’s largest food and support services company, Compass Group UK & Ireland, has recognised over 100 of its employees at two exclusive ‘Lunch is on Us’ events. Its renewed recognition programme, Be A Star, empowers colleagues to celebrate each other’s incredible hard work and outstanding achievements across three categories: Helping Colleagues, Delighting Customers and Supporting Communities.
Every quarter, the best nominations from across the business are chosen and the stand-out stars are awarded £250, along with a certificate and Be A Star pin. They are also given a paid day off to enjoy a regional ‘Lunch is on Us’ with their nominator at a flagship Compass client venue, hosted by representatives of the UK & Ireland executive team. All winners are also in with a chance to be crowned the end-of-year Legend and win the £10,000 prize.
In the North, guests stepped back in time at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, with a sparkling drinks reception before being treated to a thrilling re-enactment of a 16th-century knight’s battle. Attendees were then invited to savour a menu inspired by medieval cuisine, followed by an exclusive, behind-the-scenes viewing of the museum’s historic artillery collection. To round off the experience, winners and their nominators were given open access to explore the museum’s galleries at their leisure, making the event a truly memorable occasion.
Meanwhile, in the South, stars were welcomed with a drinks reception on the picturesque lawns of the exclusive Cambridge Cottage, an elegant Georgian venue nestled on the outskirts of Kew Gardens. Lunch was a vibrant celebration of a fresh British Summer barbecue, showcasing flavours inspired by the English countryside. Guests enjoyed a private VIP guided tour of the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, with the opportunity to explore further and experience the beauty of Kew at their own pace.
All winners were recognised for their extraordinary acts – from supporting a team member recovering from illness, leading a zero-waste initiative and raising vital funds for a local charity, through to taking life-saving actions such as tackling a fire and giving emergency first aid to a colleague.
Winner Hayley Scott, recognised for her sustainability efforts, attended Kew Gardens and said: “The whole day was a joy, it made me feel very special and appreciated. It was so nice to talk to other people who had won.”
Melanie Tyler Down, Director of Employee Engagement & Communications, shared: “Leading the Be A Star programme is genuinely a privilege. I’m continually inspired and moved by the ripple effect of kindness and recognition it creates across our teams. What makes it truly unique is that it empowers every colleague to celebrate the daily acts of dedication, care and teamwork that might otherwise go unnoticed. This programme isn’t just about recognising remarkable efforts – it’s about building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued and inspired to shine. Reading the nominations, witnessing these moments of connection and gratitude never fails to inspire me.”
