Vanilla coffee bar, Hull
Small businessman Les Pooley (above, right) approached the College in early 2007 to deliver food hygiene training for staff at Vanilla Pod, his café in Beverley.
He then opened a second café called Vanilla in Hull, opposite the St Stephens shopping centre.
Mr Pooley asked Jaqui Graham (above, centre) from the employer engagement unit to visit his premises and give input to the design of the kitchen to ensure it met food safety regulations. He also rang for a set of questions to interview the chiefs and the staff.
He said: "I deal with Jaqui a lot and she has given me her mobile phone number, which is rare.
"She gives a face to a corporate body. She has shown me that the College is not just for training but supporting the employer when he really needs it, and this has changed his whole attitude to colleges and training.
"East Riding College has given me a lot of help and the tutors and assessors have been incredibly flexible.
"For example, when the electrics went, the tutor came on the Sunday instead of the Friday to train the staff."
Three days before the crucial assessment visit by a Hull City Council environmental health officer, Mr Pooley needed assistance with an internal audit, and Jaqui drew up a system for him to use.
Vanilla earned a sought after A grade for food safety and hygiene under the city council's "Scores on the Doors" scheme.
Jaqui will continue to visit every six months to ensure continuity and support from the College.
