2018 Acorn Scholarship opens for entries

The Acorn Scholarship, an award created by previous winners of The Caterer's Acorn Awards, has launched its search for its 2018 Acorn Scholar.

Now in its 15th year, the competition presents a young manager, chef, HR manager, sommelier, or any young high-achiever involved in hospitality with the opportunity to make a name for themselves by presenting their skills and ambitions to some of the most respected names in the industry.

There is a prize worth more than £5,000 and the winner will become part of a prestigious Acorn Scholarship alumni. Past winners include Simon Houston, now sales director of Bartlett Mitchell, award-winning chocolatier and patissier Will Torrent and Daniel McLoughlin, opening project manager of Shoda Café & Restaurant.

The judging panel selected to interview the successful finalists face-to-face at this year's final includes: Sean Wheeler, director of people development, Principal Hotels; James Horler, chief executive, 3Sixty Restaurants; Laura Wigley, global director of learning and talent, Dorchester Collection; Moira Laird, human resources director, Valor Hospitality Partners; Ruston Toms, founding trustee of The PM Trust and director of Blue Apple Contract Catering and Hannah Horler, managing director of Cartwheel Recruitment and Jon Reed, operations director of Purple Cubed.

Reed commented: "As people and talent specialists, Purple Cubed takes on the role of coach for our winning scholar each year and the judges and I will be looking for a determinedly ambitious individual, and a leader of tomorrow with drive and passion for our diverse, fast-moving and exciting industry."

Applicants are asked to complete an online entry form and the shortlisted finalists will be asked to present the submission to the panel of judges on the 27 November at The Principal Manchester.

The winner of the 2018 Acorn Scholarship will be announced on the same day at a celebratory dinner at the vibrant city-centre hotel.

The closing date for entries is 24 October 2017.

For more information on the Acorn Scholarship and the prize click here

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