2019 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 2019 Acorn Scholar.

Now in its 16th year, searching for our 17th scholar, the competition presents a young manager, chef, HR manager, sommelier, or any 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, sales director of Bartlett Mitchell; award-winning chocolatier and patissier Will Torrent; Daniel McLoughlin, business-owner at Rocksalt Café, Ireland; Charlotte Horler, operations manager, New Hall Hotel and Spa, Sutton Coldfield and 2018 winner, Sandra Preciado, events manager, The Rosewood hotel, London.

The judging panel selected to interview the successful finalists includes: Sean Wheeler, hospitality human resources and operations, Principal Hotels; James Horler, chief executive, 3Sixty Restaurants; Kayleigh Wiltshire, global learning and development manager at 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, brand director, Paddy & Scott's.

Scholarship judge Jo Harley, managing director of people and talent specialists Purple Cubed commented: "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 if shortlisted present their submission to the panel of judges at the Rubens at the Palace hotel, London on the 26 November 2018.

Overlooking Buckingham Palace and within easy walking distance to Victoria Station, this historic hotel has been fully renovated and offers a host of new restaurants and bars.

Malcolm Hendry, general manager, the Rubens at the Palace, said: "We are very much looking forward to hosting the Acorn scholarship judging and dinner at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel. It's great to be part of this amazing programme. Good luck to the candidates and see you all in November."

The closing date for entries is 26 October 2018.

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