Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 28th May 2026 Issue no. 1212

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Sodexo celebrates 600-plus colleagues reaching long service milestones

Last week, Sodexo UK & Ireland welcomed over 300 colleagues celebrating 20, 30, 40 and even 50 years' service for a special dinner in recognition of their hard work and loyalty.

In total over 600 colleagues hit their career milestone in 2024 and 2025 with the largest cohort celebrating 20 years of service. For others it has been longer, with around 100 having reached 30 years, 25 celebrating 40 years and three having been part of the Sodexo family for half a century.

Ceri Hornsby (pictured) is one of the three colleagues celebrating 50 years’ service. Ceri has been a valued member of the team at Colchester Garrison where Sodexo provides a wide range of food and FM services. Over the years she has worked alongside colleagues who have served their country and returned as veterans to work with Sodexo, and she's built bonds that have lasted decades. Her loyalty and valued contribution is appreciated by all who work with her, which now includes her daughter who has joined the team there and hopes to follow in Ceri's footsteps.

To say thank you to Ceri and all those celebrating milestones for their loyalty and commitment, all were invited to join Sodexo UK & Ireland's senior leaders for a special dinner at the Emirates Old Trafford stadium, the home of Lancashire Cricket where Sodexo Live! is the official culinary partner. Executive chef Andy Hare and his team curated a delicious three course meal.

"Through decades of service, dedication and passion it is our people who have helped shape Sodexo into what it is today,” admits Jean Renton, CEO, Sodexo UK & Ireland. “The Long Service Awards is such a special event to celebrate the significant contribution that these colleagues have made.

"This commitment and longevity is exactly what our founder, Pierre Bellon, envisioned - a company where people can grow, flourish and find personal fulfilment. The real success of Sodexo is not in its size or reach, but in the opportunities it creates for people to find pride in their work, and to be motivated to make a positive difference. It is important to me that personal contributions are recognised and celebrated - and I thank and congratulate every single colleague who has hit a long service milestone with Sodexo."

Bill Buchan, HR director, Sodexo UK & Ireland adds: "When we talk about long service, we're not just marking the passing of years. It is about recognising loyalty, contribution and the countless moments, big and small, that each of our colleagues have given to help shape Sodexo. Every milestone being honoured at our long service awards represents commitment, resilience, and passion for what we do, and it is wonderful to hear their stories from over the years at this special event. Our success is from our people delivering excellence every day and we thank them."

For Sodexo its 30,000 plus employees are the beating heart of its business, which is why it invests in rewarding and recognising their achievements through a range of activities and events. The long services awards are one of the highlights of this programme, which also includes the company's annual Spirit of Sodexo awards which recognise colleagues who bring to life its values and are making a difference every day.

9th October 2025