Paul Grimshaw, Managing Director of catering distributor D.D.P. Ltd, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of Westminster Kingsway College (WKC).

The Professional Fellowship Award for Excellence in Education acknowledged not just D.D.P’s role as a supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables to the college over the last 20 years, but also Paul’s regular and valuable contribution to the education of the WKC students.

He was presented with his Fellowship – alongside another man well acquainted with NCGM, Michel Roux Jr – at an event that also marked the graduation of and celebration of the achievements of students who had recently completed their course at the college.

Paul is the third generation of his family in the business and has worked in the Market since 2001. He has relished the opportunity to educate the next generation of top London chefs at WKC. “It has been a pleasure being involved with lecturers and students every day for the last two decades,” he said. “Supplying them with produce is one thing, but I’ve also really enjoyed trying to assist students, discussing lesson plans with lecturers, accommodating market visits or going into the college to show off produce during their lessons.”

Building every chef ’s awareness of the intricacies of the fresh produce supply chain is extremely important, he added. “There are challenges in supplying fresh produce every day, which I embrace. There are day to day hurdles that have to be overcome by our industry, which could be weather anywhere in the world, transport conflict or simply the vagaries of supply and demand. I’ve always seen it as my role to ensure our customers are kept abreast regularly and to find alternative solutions when necessary.

“Passing on information is vital and although we cannot foresee every hurdle approaching, it is good education for everyone in the catering industry to expect the unexpected – whether you’re working in the market or a busy kitchen.”

Paul Jervis, Head of Hospitality & Culinary Arts at Westking, presided over the ceremony and commented: “Paul [Grimshaw] has been an incredible supporter of the college over many years. His contributions have ranged from joining our student careers fairs and showcasing produce and the supply chain, to co-presenting lessons on fruit and vegetables and their origins. “Paul is an invaluable link between the college and New Covent Garden Market and the regular updates he provides us on the availability of produce and what is in season plays a very strong role in the creation and design of the college’s menus.

“The whole team are exceptionally grateful to day-to-day support from Paul and we look forward to continuing our relationship moving forward.”

Paul [Grimshaw] added: “I am humbled and honoured to be given such a wonderful accolade. We have always had a fantastic relationship with the lecturers and student chefs at Westking and it’s been a privilege to be part of the journey of so many young, aspiring chefs. Just like the lecturers at the college, I remain passionate about fresh produce. I hope that I have helped in a minor way to pass some of this on and it has been hugely rewarding when I meet former students who work for customers and remember us.”

D.D.P. has been at the forefront of a campaign that sees the whole market support WKC, by providing two products a month – one homegrown and one imported – for the student chefs in each of the three years at Westking to focus on. A fact-filled PDF is also supplied, with details about the provenance and nutritional values of each product. “D.D.P. has a very prestigious past history, but I am a firm believer that this should be used to contribute to the future,” said Paul. “Our experience and knowledge can help the development of those in the catering industry, both younger and older.”