Northampton-based ABDA Design is celebrating success at the CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) Awards 2025, where the company was recognised for its outstanding contributions to the catering and design industry.
This achievement is particularly meaningful as it comes just three months after the management buy-out by Claire Smith and Richard Steade, marking an exciting new chapter for the company.
Operations co-ordinator, Amie Rice, was honoured with the Rising Star Award, an accolade that celebrates emerging talent within the sector. Amie’s achievement recognises her dedication and exceptional work ethic, having joined ABDA Design only two years ago from a completely different profession. During this time, she has quickly established herself as a vital member of the team taking the lead on wellbeing and introducing new initiatives to support the business.
In addition to Amie’s individual success, ABDA Design was also shortlisted for the Project Management Award for its work on the Charnwood Bakery project. This complex piece of work required detailed project management skills to complete within a tight eight-week timeline. With it being a live site, operating around the clock, the ABDA team had to collaborate with other contractors and demonstrate their flexibility to manage and co-ordinate all aspects of the build.
Claire Smith, managing director of ABDA Design, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised by CEDA this year. Being shortlisted for the Project Management Award for our work on Charnwood Bakery is a fantastic achievement for the whole team, but I’m especially proud of Amie for winning the Rising Star Award.
“She has gone above and beyond to learn and understand a completely new industry, and her dedication to not only our business, but the whole sector in such a short time is incredible. This recognition is so well-deserved, and we’re all incredibly proud of her.”
