Royal Armouries Benjamin Campbell honoured as general manager of the year at 2024

Benjamin Campbell, venue director at the Royal Armouries Conference and Events, part of the Restaurant Associates Group, has been named general manager of the year at the 2024 Foodservice Cateys Awards.

The Foodservice Cateys Awards, now entering its eleventh year, took place last Friday at the Royal Lancaster London Hotel celebrating individuals, teams, and business shaping the foodservice industry.

Ben's leadership has been nothing short of exceptional. With his dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities, he has transformed the Royal Armouries Conference and Events into one of the top venues in Leeds. In addition to its five galleries, Ben is responsible for running the on-site restaurant, conference, and events business across the museum’s 13 spaces.

Since joining the Royal Armouries in 2021, Ben has led a £1.2m investment in the conference and events spaces at the museum, which led to a six-figure increase in sales. His work is marked by an innovative and inclusive approach, ensuring every event, big or small, exceeds expectations.

Ben has fostered a culture of support and growth among his team, driving not only their success but also the success of the business as a whole. His relentless focus on operational excellence, customer service, and community involvement has made him a key figure in the city’s event landscape. As a Leeds native, Ben’s passion for the city is evident in everything he does. His close collaboration with local businesses, the city council, and support for community initiatives has been fundamental in delivering outstanding results for Royal Armouries and the region as a whole.

The Foodservice Cateys Awards therefore recognised Ben for his ability to consistently deliver excellence while maintaining a humble, supportive leadership style that resonates with his team. He has successfully navigated industry challenges and led the Royal Armouries Conference and Events to success, particularly in the competitive corporate events sector. He has been instrumental in creating new partnerships, championing sustainability initiatives, and supporting local hospitality talent. His contribution to the Royal Armouries goes far beyond managing events – it’s about creating opportunities for growth and showcasing the city’s best.

“I’m truly honoured to receive the general manager of the year award at the 2024 Foodservice Cateys,” said Ben. “This recognition means so much, and I’m incredibly grateful to my amazing team and the wider community for their continued support. It’s been a privilege to help drive the Royal Armouries forward and contribute to the success of Leeds as a thriving destination for events. The future holds so many exciting opportunities, and I’m eager to continue working with my team to build on this momentum and deliver even more for our clients and the city. "

This award highlights Ben’s unwavering dedication to his team, his venue, and the wider community. His recognition at a national level is a well-deserved honour, and the team are immensely proud to have him at the helm of the Royal Armouries Conference and Events.