Contract caterer Geoffrey Harrison launches charitable foundation

After a successful trial year, contract caterer Geoffrey Harrison, has officially launched his charitable foundation.

The Geoffrey Harrison Foundation was set up a year ago to improve and aid education and learning within UK hotels, restaurants and hospitality services.

The trial year has already seen more than 150 people on the course, which contributes to the Saturday morning Junior Chefs Academy held at University of West London in Ealing and the Young Chef Academy at Westminster Kingsway College in Victoria.

Aimed at year 10 and 11 students, the 10-week course covers food preparation, cooking, presentation, hygiene, safety, teamwork, organisational skills and foodservice techniques and culminates in the preparation, cooking and serving of a formal three-course meal to family, university staff and foundation trustees.

Founder and chairman Harrison said at the official launch: "It has always been my aim for Harrison Catering Services to be managed in an exemplary way and an important part of that is what we do in the area of corporate social responsibility."

So far, over 70% of students have gone on to pursue a full-time course related to hospitality. Although the foundation is fully funded by Harrison Catering Services, some extra funding has also been provided by the Savoy Educational Trust, for additional training courses.