Springboard celebrates Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Reflecting on Progress
Springboard take great pride in sharing the strides we have made in our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy over the past year. Our dedicated EDI strategy group is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for our team and our beneficiaries. We recognise the importance of monitoring our progress, celebrating our successes and acknowledging areas where we can continue to grow.
Over the past two years, our team has been dedicated to advancing EDI initiatives within our charity and beyond. From implementing new policies and programmes to engaging in meaningful conversations and collaborations, we have worked to create positive change and promote a culture of belonging for all.
In this blog, we will take you on the journey through our achievements, sharing insights, and lessons learned along the way. From increasing representation in leadership positions to hosting impactful events and training sessions, each accomplishment represents a step forward in our collective efforts to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
Join us to reflect on the progress we have made:
Our initial focus was on establishing key objectives and priorities for the group to propel us forward and chart our organisational course.
They are:
Inclusive Culture: Cultivate and promote an inclusive culture that harnesses the talent, skills and diversity within our workforce.
Diverse Workforce: Identify, attract and retain a diverse pool of candidates boasting a rich array of experiences and talents.
Beneficiary Needs: Anticipate the needs of our beneficiaries, ensuring our services are accessible and meet their requirements.
In 2023, we introduced our EDI calendar, curated by our Springboard EDI group and refined based on feedback from our broader team. Below are some highlights of our activities:
- International Women’s Day: We honoured the occasion by celebrating our own inspirational female colleagues and trainees online and conducting a highly motivational session led by empowering female Ambassadors.
- Pride Month: This month served as a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, where we showcased the progress in gay rights and highlighted the ongoing efforts for global equality. We hosted a panel discussion featuring three LGBTQIA+ Hospitality Ambassadors, drawing exceptional feedback from our team and candidates.
- Pronouns Awareness Session: Delivered by our HR Manager, Kristina Dushkova, this session aimed to raise awareness about the importance of respecting individuals’ pronouns, validating their identities and creating a comfortable environment for discussions around this topic.
- National Inclusion Week: We celebrated unity and acknowledged inclusion in all its forms. Our EDI team underwent external training on various inclusion topics and welcomed specialists to share insights on inclusion and best practices.
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Our Head of Employability conducted a training session on race awareness and being ‘anti-racist,’ alongside a guest session where IHG Hotels shared their global initiatives for fostering inclusivity at all levels of their organisation.
These activities represent just a snapshot of our ongoing commitment to EDI and our journey toward creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
We will provide more updates as we continue to drive positive change within our organisation and beyond.
Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 calls for nominations to celebrate hospitality heroes
The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025, sponsored by Delaware North, are now open for nominations, inviting individuals and businesses across the sector to showcase their incredible achievements. Set to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in the Sir Bobby Moore Room on 2nd April 2025, the awards promise to be a night of unforgettable celebration, recognition and inspiration.
The Springboard Awards for Excellence honour achievements across various categories, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of the hospitality sector. Categories for 2025 offer a wide range of opportunities for recognition, including:
– Career Development Initiative sponsored by Diageo
– Employee Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
– Sustainable Business Award sponsored by Nestlé
– Community Engagement sponsored by 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s
– Best Employer sponsored by Boyes Turner
– Employee Engagement Award sponsored by Indeed Flex
– Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award sponsored by BaxterStorey
– Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Bidfood…and many more!
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, says: “This is your chance to shine a spotlight on those making a difference. To celebrate excellence in hospitality by recognising those who are committed to raising standards, driving innovation, and championing the industry’s future. Whether you’re a small, family-run business or a large, multi-national company, the Springboard Awards for Excellence is the ultimate platform to showcase your success or nominate someone you feel has gone the extra mile.”
To enter, or nominate an individual or business, simply click here and complete the submission form by Monday 6th January 2025.
Empowering Futures: Sodexo’s Commitment to Workforce Development
This September, our long-time business partner and supporter, Sodexo UK, hosted its 2024 Annual Labour Party Conference Fringe Event in partnership with The Purpose Coalition, at ACC Liverpool. The event showcased the powerful collaboration between Sodexo and Springboard, highlighting their commitment to workforce development and community support.
Mike Green, commercial projects director at Sodexo Live! shared inspiring insights into their ongoing relationship with Springboard. He stated, “The front of house operation for the evening event was fully delivered by team members who have joined us through our Springboard partnership. Jack, the supervisor behind the bar, was employed into our supervisory team only three weeks ago. He came for an enrichment day having been unemployed for some time. The team spotted his potential during the day and asked him to come back for an interview, along with another trainee, Andrew. Both were then given positions in our team on site, with Andrew becoming a floor manager.”
Mike added that they have recruited 55 employees from Springboard during the past three years into the Sodexo Live! team at ACC Liverpool “None of these have been recruited through job fairs etc. They have all been brought in having been provided with work experience or after enrichment days and workshops that we host with Springboard. We bring Springboard trainees in, give them a site tour and allow them to shadow work with our senior team. We also support telephone interviews to help prepare the trainees for other work opportunities.”
Mike expressed pride in the team’s efforts, noting that this is just one aspect of the extensive outreach and training initiatives that they implement. He emphasised the significant value this relationship brings to the local community, a sentiment echoed by the Springboard team.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Natalie Kendall, the interim catering services director for Sodexo Live! at ACC Liverpool for her leadership; to Melissa O’Neil, who oversees staffing for the food and beverage operation, as well as Wade Dutton, the training and development manager who manages the relationship with Springboard and the Sodexo Live! team. Wade’s dedication to inclusion has also earned him a nomination for the Spirit of Inclusion category, representing Sodexo Live! in the Sodexo UK annual Spirit of Sodexo Awards.
We also extend our gratitude to Kate Nicholls, Chair of the ACC and Springboard Trustee, for her unwavering support.
Give Back This Christmas: Support Springboard with Your Raffle Ticket Purchase and a Chance to Win Big!
Christmas is just two months away today and we’re inviting you to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of unemployed individuals seeking meaningful careers.
This Christmas, your donations to the Springboard Charity can help transform the
futures of countless trainees facing barriers to employment.
To add a touch of excitement to the festivities, the charity are holding an online Christmas raffle and tickets are available now for just £10 each. You could be in with the chance of winning one of five exquisite prizes, perfect for treating yourself or gifting to your team, clients loved ones or friends.
Why not ditch the tacky Secret Santa presents this year and buy the thoughtful gift of a raffle ticket, giving your colleague the chance to win an exquisite prize and donating to Springboard on their behalf?
Prizes include:
- A GAIL’s Bakery Hamper
- A champagne afternoon tea for two at Fortnum & Mason
- Lunch for Two, including a bottle of wine chosen by the Sommelier in Wolfgang Puck’s at CUT
- One night accommodation including breakfast at art’otel Hoxton
- A Cocktail Masterclass for four at any Nightcap venue
For more information and to purchase raffle tickets, click here.
Together, we can futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality. Thank you for your support!
Springboard announces new business partnership with PPHE Hotel Group!
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with PPHE Hotel Group, who share our ethos to inspire young people and their parents to select hospitality as a valid career choice. They joined us on our ‘Careers & Education Business Partnership’ and immediately set the wheels in motion by kindly hosting our Summer School 2024 programme, at the Park Plaza London Victoria.
This Summer School 2024 culminated with the exciting graduation of 16 trainees, and once again Lisa Price and Helene Dosseur co-ordinated with their colleagues to host this graduation event at the Park Plaza London Waterloo. Our cohort of trainees were made to feel very welcome at the respective hotels by Stefanie Hardy (General Manager), Elis Mihailova (M&E Sales & Planning Manager), and Reka Toth (F&B Manager) and their respective teams. Everyone felt inspired with the talks given at both events by Executive Vice President Operations, Daniel Pedreschi, who talked about shared about his own journey in hospitality, and also how The Savoy Education Trust played a crucial part in his career. Here’s what Daniel had to say about the event, “It was an absolute pleasure to host the launch of the Springboard Summer School 24 at Park Plaza London Victoria, and we are incredibly proud to be able to support and partner with such an incredible initiative. To be able to inspire the next generation and provide opportunities to all is something we at PPHE Hotel Group are passionate about, and look forward to further events and projects together in the future.”
A huge thank you to The Savoy Education Trust and all the businesses who supported Springboard with our 2024 Summer School, and congratulations to our trainees on their incredible achievement – we wish them the best of luck as they venture into their careers.
We did it! The 2024 Springboard Virtual Race is complete!
The Springboard Virtual Race 2024 challenge: To Cambodia & Back, is now complete.
This July, nearly 400 hospitality industry friends and peers came together to take part in the annual Springboard Virtual Race 2024: To Cambodia & Back.
Over the past 31 days, teams of up to 20 people have been challenging themselves to cover as many miles as possible through walking, running, swimming, cycling, wheeling ‘To Cambodia & Back’ (14,000 miles between each team), whilst raising as much money as possible for Springboard, with a fundraising target of £3,500 per team. All teams have collectively covered a tremendous 108,456 miles this July, wow!
We are thrilled to share that we have exceeded our £80k target!
With your phenomenal help, support from over 800 donations, and our generous sponsors – we surpassed the target on the final day of the challenge. A fitting end to an exciting, fun and fit July. Thank you all for helping us beat our target and for your incredible industry support! The JustGiving page will remain open for the whole of August, so still time to donate HERE.
Scroll down for the full list of winners…
The teams have been enjoying a bit of healthy competition between each other and pushing themselves daily, to try and reach the top spot.
We are delighted to announce the team who managed to complete the full 14,000 miles – Winner of Most Miles covered by a Team goes to BaxterStorey – People Panthers Team, who covered an impressive 14,022.33 miles. Congratulations!
Double congratulations to BaxterStorey – People Panthers Team, who also won Best Team Fundraiser, raising an impressive £5,093.86 via 160 donations. Brilliant effort, well done!
Other wins include Best Individual Fundraiser went to Luke Walton – from the Bidfood Peleton Team. Best on Foot was Steve Wilson – from the BaxterStorey, People Panthers Team who managed to cover a whopping 675.42 miles over July.
Sincere thanks to everyone who took part – for your commitment, time, and efforts over the last month. To all supporters for donating so generously, we are so grateful. And special thanks to our sponsors, for helping make this challenge possible.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR WINNERS
____________________________________________
Winner of the Most Miles covered by a Team
BaxterStorey – The People Panthers who covered an impressive 14022.33 miles,
and the only team to complete the full journey ‘To Cambodia & Back’ and cover the full 14,000 miles.
Group Prize: Canapés and drinks reception for x20ppl – at Apex Hotels
1st place – BaxterStorey, People Panthers Team covered 14,022.33 miles
2nd place – The Mighty Ambassadors 2 – Return of the Lycra covered 11,925.74 miles
3rd place – Team Bidfood Peleton covered 10,377.41 miles
4th place – Team Graysons and Hospitality Consultants covered 9,027.4 miles
5th place – Team Vacherin (CH&CO) covered 7,969.97 miles
____________________________________________
Winner of Best Team Fundraiser
Congratulations to BaxterStorey – The People Panthers, who raised a
phenomenal £5,093.86 fundraised via 160 donations. Brilliant effort, well done!
Group Prize: Drinks reception and nibbles for x20ppl – at Hilton Bankside
*Special mention to The Mighty Ambassadors 2 – The Return of the Lycra, who were SO close
with £4,992.79 through 118 supporters (and donations via Juniper Ventures fundraising events).
____________________________________________
Winner of Best Individual Fundraiser
Luke Walton (of AAK) – from the Bidfood Peleton Team, has raised an impressive £2,895.
Wow, well done for all your hard work fundraising for Springboard.
Prize: Overnight stay for two adults – at Luxury Family Hotels
*Special shout out to Michael Hales and Frank Coughlan also – both so close to the top spot.
____________________________________________
Winner of Best on Foot (walking & running)
Great job from Steve Wilson – from BaxterStorey, The People Panthers who managed to
cover a whopping 675.42 miles over July. Superb effort.
Prize: Overnight stay with breakfast and golf for two – at The Belfry Hotel & Resort
____________________________________________
Winner of Best Cyclist
The winner of the most miles pedalled, goes to Dan Waistell – from BaxterStorey, The People Panthers,
who managed to cover an incredible 1545.05 miles from cycling. Amazing result.
Prize: One night stay with dinner for two – at Crerar Hotels
___________________________________________
Winner of Best Swimmer
Nikki Hale (of Oliver Kay) – from The Veggie Victory Team, covered 135.6 miles through swimming, excellent work.
Prize: Two night stay with breakfast for two, plus cocktails – at Crowne Plaza
____________________________________________
Two Winners of Best Social Media
Charlotte Ryan (of Oliver Kay) – from The Veggie Victory Team
Prize: £50 GAIL’s Bakery voucher
David Lapsley (of Apex Hotels) – from The Mighty Ambassadors 2 – Return of the Lycra
(*made up of Springboard Ambassadors)
Prize: £50 GAIL’s Bakery voucher
____________________________________________
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Q&A with our Cambodia Trekkers
In April, 24 trekkers set off on the adventure of a lifetime across Cambodia, all in support of Springboard. We sat down with our very own Chief Operations Officer, Kelly Johnstone, and Operations Director, Bryan Grierson, to talk about their time on the trek…
Q: So, welcome back! How does it feel to back home?
Bryan: I 100% have the Cambodia Blues! It was an absolutely incredible experience – I loved every moment of it. One of the biggest challenges I’ve taken on yet, but it was definitely worthwhile. I’ve semi recovered from the experience!
Kelly: It’s definitely a lot cooler in Scotland! We were in 43/44 degree heat every day, but I am told when I was out there it felt more like 50. It probably took me a couple of weeks to recover from the jetlag.
Q: A huge congratulations to you both on completing your 100km journey! How did it compare to last year’s trek?
Bryan: For me, you know, I thought it was a completely different challenge. This is my second trek, so the dynamics are a little bit different when you do it the second time around, and it definitely felt hotter than last year!
Kelly: I think that they were both very difficult for very different reasons. They were both hot. But for me, the difference was definitely the community projects, it was a much closer connected trip to our charity this year, so with the things that we talk about later, like the Eco bungalow and the hotel school – I felt like that was really close to what we do as an organisation.
Q: Why did you decide to take on another Springboard trek?
Bryan: Of course, raising the crucial funds for the charity, to support the work we do. I also think that there’s a lot of excitement about the trek with the industry, and I think that people and businesses look forward to getting the opportunity to apply and be a part of that experience. Obviously, we’re raising money to keep up the good work that we do and it’s very significant. A massive thank you to everybody that fundraised.
Kelly: This is my 4th one and I’m really grateful for every experience. I’ve done Peru, Nepal, Nicaragua and now Cambodia.
I guess the reason why we took it on is when we came back from Nicaragua, we were really still blown away with the impact we can have over there. We started the wheels going for another trek, mainly to raise funds for Springboard. It’s really challenging to organise, getting all the trekkers together to start the fundraising at what is difficult times.
But the end result is £94,000 for Springboard – hopefully reaching the £100,000 mark soon.
The legacy that we leave in these countries is amazing, but I think I’ll officially hand the baton over to someone soon!
Q: What were some of the preparations you took before embarking on your journey?
Bryan: Mindset is just as important as physical fitness. You can only train so much here in the UK, because you can’t obviously train for 45/46 degree heat. Some people said the only way you could physically train for that was maybe going to do 50 squats in a sauna!
But definitely, getting out, walking as much as possible, training in the gym, obviously looking after your nutrition, and all that sort of stuff. Just making sure you’ve got a healthy body and mind.
Kelly: Physically I’m generally a fit person, I exercise 5-6 times a week with a mixture of strength and Pilates. But someone did tell me on the second trek, the best way to prepare for a trek is to walk, because that’s what you’re doing – walking lots. So, I was racking up about 80/100km every weekend walking, just getting the legs going.
But for me, I was also overcoming some personal health challenges that I’d had for about 18 months. So, it was a real mental challenge that I could go out and do it again with having some challenges going on in the background, but I did it, and as Bryan said, “It’s up here (points to head), as much as it’s in your legs.”
Q: Is there a proud moment that sticks out to you from this year’s trek?
Bryan: It was a proud moment, but it was also a very challenging moment as well. The difference between the two tracks – Nicaragua was very hilly the whole track, whereas Cambodia was all relatively flat.
We had a three-kilometre uphill trek in the afternoon, which blew my mind. To be honest, there was parts of it where you had to think “I am going to get up this” because there were a few moments where I thought I couldn’t continue, but you just have to keep going.
And then obviously another highlight for me was probably finishing the trek off at Angkor Wat and seeing the sunset, and then going back the next morning to see the sunrise as well – such an amazing experience.
Kelly: There were lots of highlights for me. I think camping at a Buddhist temple was a really good experience. The views. The way the Monks were with you. The blessing that we got one night from the monk. And then combining that with the sunrises and the sunsets – you’ve never seen anything like this before in your life.
I’d also have to say the whole connection that the community project had with the hotel school, it aligned really with what Springboard does. The bungalow that we’re helping build is going to be part of that community’s sustainable income and the school that’s in that community is going to send pupils to the hotel school in Siem Reap that help disadvantaged people. So, there’s a full circle there going on. We’re going to try and continue to work with them from a distance and that aligns very much with what Springboard does.
I also have to mention, the food and the hospitality that they served at the hotel school was, I mean Michelin star. It was awesome.
Q: And finally, what did you think about Cambodia?
Bryan: It just completely blew my mind. The people are so friendly, so nice, so welcoming. The food – I didn’t have a bad meal the whole time I was there. We ran a local sports day at the community projects with 40 other kids, all taking part in different activities, and everyone was just so friendly. Very upset to leave on the day we flew back but overall, a great experience, and I would 100% go back.
Kelly: Everything that Bryan said. The people are very humble and friendly. Not just the people that we stayed with, but the guides. The guides were so kind, and they had a wicked sense of humour!
The thing that just rises above for me was the food. It was so fresh. Everything was brilliant. All the people with specific dietary requirement were catered for as well. I also just noticed how clean everywhere was.
I would definitely go back to Cambodia and explore it for personal leisure, rather than a 100km trek!
Hospitality superstars honoured at Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024
Twenty winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024 have been announced at a prestigious ceremony hosted by comedian Simon Brodkin at the InterContinental Park Lane.
Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor IHG, the awards celebrated those that have gone above and beyond to grow their organisations, look after their people and champion the industry.
The evening began with the Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Savoy Educational Trust. Winner Sophie Pace-Balzan was recognised for showing tenacity and passion to overcome challenges which had previously prevented her from finding employment.
Steve Munkley, David Mulcahy and Brian Turner received the Chris Beaumont Outstanding Achievement Award to honour their 25 years of support for the FutureChef school cooking competition and supporting the next generation of culinary talent.
Eden Hotel Collection, Rare Restaurants and Z Hotels were also double winners on the night, while Sodexo scooped the new Partner of the Year award.
The 2024 Awards for Excellence raised a total of £175,310 for the Springboard Charity through sponsorship, tickets sales and fundraising on the night.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “In congratulating the winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence, we recognise the remarkable achievements within the hospitality industry. These awards create a brilliant occasion for us to come together and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our industry highlighting their exceptional successes and highly talented teams.
“Once again, the support in the room for the finalists and winners was outstanding. The InterContinental Park Lane has provided us with the perfect setting to be together, offer our congratulations and to celebrate the greatness of our industry. The more than £175,000 raised was a record for the event and will help an enormous number of people gain news skills and secure work in the hospitality industry.”
THE SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2024 WINNERS:
Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award – sponsored by Savoy Educational Trust
Sophie Pace-Balzan
Best Recruitment Initiative Award – sponsored by Caterer.com
Z Hotels
Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award – sponsored by HIT Training
Greene King
Employee Engagement Award – sponsored by Boyes Turner
Eden Hotel Collection
Best Training Programme Award – sponsored by Blastness
Leonardo Hotels
Career Development Initiative Award – sponsored by Diageo
RARE Restaurants
Best Use of Technology Award – sponsored by MAPAL Group
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
Talent Development Team of the Year Award – sponsored by Hospitality Jobs UK
Z Hotels
Employee Health and Wellbeing Award – sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
Eden Hotel Collection
Community Engagement Award – sponsored by 5 Hertford Street & Oswald’s
Aurora Foxes
Disability Champion Award – sponsored by Sodexo
Hilton
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – sponsored by CH&CO
RARE Restaurants
Best Education and Industry Partnership Award – sponsored by San Carlo
Academy by Simon Rogan
Sustainable Business Award – sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems
Apex Hotels
Springboard Ambassador of the Year – sponsored by BaxterStorey
Kyle Basnett, Gusto Restaurants
Best Employer Award – sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Partner of the Year – sponsored by IHG Hotel & Resorts
Sodexo
Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award – sponsored by Bidfood
Steve Munkley
David Mulcahy
Brian Turner
24 courageous trekkers fundraise in support of Springboard
In April, 24 fantastic trekkers will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime, as they venture to Cambodia, all in support of Springboard.
Our trekkers will be setting off on a 100km trek through the Cambodian Wilds, from Siem Reap to Wat Preash Bat Bun Tham, to Kulen Mountain, and finally Angkor Wat for a sunrise to remember. Before the Trek sets off, they will aid in constructing eco bungalows in and around Siem Reap to enable those living there to benefit from easy access to careers in the city’s flourishing tourism and hospitality industry.
As part of their fundraising, our trekkers have been getting innovative when it comes to their methods! From Quiz Nights to Supper Clubs, to Cambodian Steet Food Stalls – you name it!
Take a look at what our trekkers have been up to…
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our trekkers, and their determination to conquer this incredible challenge. Below is a full list of our 2024 trekkers. If you would like to show your support to our trekkers and help us continue to futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality, then please click their name to follow through to their JustGiving page.
We’ll be sharing some highlights from our trekkers adventure over the 13 days they spend in Cambodia, so make sure you’re following us on social media to keep up to date with what they get up to!
Reese Ventura named 2024 Champion of Springboard FutureChef
© Jane Henderson Photography
Reese Ventura, 15 years old from St Philomena’s Catholic School for Girls in London, has been crowned the 25th champion of Springboard FutureChef, a competition to find the UK’s best young chef, beating more than 13,000 students from 515 schools.
The national final took place yesterday (Monday 18 March) at Westminster Kingsway College in London, with 12 talented school children from across the UK battling it out for the top spot.
During the final stage of the competition, the competitors had 2 hours and 45 minutes to prepare a main course and dessert for a panel of industry-leading judges including Adam Handling, Chantelle Nicholson, Graeme Cheevers and Kerth Gumbs.
Since winning her regional heat in London, Reese has worked with her mentor Chef Franky Fernandes, Executive Chef at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, to hone her skills and create dishes that wowed the judges in every round, which included a main of mushroom stuffed chicken ballotine with caramelised cauliflower, fondant potato, purple sprouting broccoli, butternut squash and tarragon jus – and a deconstructed tiramisu consisting of cannoli, chocolate whipped ganache and coffee jelly.
Taking the crown, Reese will now receive ongoing support, development, and apprenticeship opportunities from Springboard, including the chance to have her recipes published.
On being crowned the Champion, Reese said: “I want to pinch myself to see if it’s real…I can’t believe I made it here. Even yesterday, people were asking me ‘do you want to be a chef?’ and I didn’t know. But since winning, it’s a sign to go into hospitality, and it will help me in the future.”
Head Judge and Michelin starred restaurateur Adam Handling said: “Reese’s attention to detail on every part of her components, in terms of seasoning and execution, was quite wonderful. Everything she did met the brief and beyond – so very well done.”
David Mulcahy, FutureChef Chairman and Food Innovation and Sustainability Director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Reese stepped above everybody else. It was a fantastic competition. 12 very, very close people in terms of their abilities. I can’t believe that a 14, 15, 16 year old can cook to that level, at that age. And she’s a worthy winner, but a tough competition – and what a great 25th celebration.”
Reese’s mentor, Franky Fernandes, said: “from Day one I believed in her. The first time I saw her cook I knew she would go a long way. And the important thing was, I knew she had that respect, the dedication, the commitment to learn, and it’s very easy to coach someone who has that passion.”
“She put in a lot of effort coming after school, long hours and travelling. She’s a little shy and I told her – you can use this as your strength. My advice for Reese was to be calm, composed and always have a plan B. We worked on simple elements, respecting the ingredients and cooking it to perfection. I think that’s the key for success. I think I can see her in the MasterChef Finals one day.”
© Jane Henderson Photography
Now in its 25th year, Springboard FutureChef has supported more than 225,000 young people, teaching them how to cook, developing their skills and inspiring them to go on to work in some of the UK’s very best kitchens.
Previous FutureChef winners and finalists include 2023 MasterChef champion Tom Hamblet from South Lodge, and 2023 Roux Scholarship winner April Lily Partridge from the Ledbury.
As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, April Lily Partridge won the Outstanding Achievement Award in the inaugural FutureChef Alumni Awards. Others collecting Alumni Awards, include 2023 FutureChef national finalist Amber Rissmann, who won the Future Talent Award, and Hayley Cancea, 2013 FutureChef champion, who won the Services to Springboard Award.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “Congratulations to Reese and all 12 finalists, as well as April, Amber and Hayley who were the first three winners of FutureChef Alumni Awards. The standard this year was exceptionally high, and the future is looking bright for our industry. Over the past 25 years, FutureChef is proud to have supported more than 225,000 young people, inspiring them to get cooking and consider a career in hospitality and the culinary arts.”
The two FutureChef runner-ups were Iris Bedford, 13 years old, from Rodillian Academy, Leeds, representing the North East, and Freya Barrett, 15 years old, from Penrice Academy, Cornwall, representing the South West region.
Barrett also received the Brian Turner ‘Award for Taste’ by FutureChef Lifetime Ambassador Turner, who said: “Today’s winner created dishes that looked good and tasted good – dishes that said, ‘I’d like some more please’.”