Make your nominations for the Acorn Awards 2014
Caterer and Hotelkeeper is looking for 30 of hospitality's brightest stars to be honoured at the 2014 Acorn Awards. Janet Harmer asked past winners how winning an Acorn has changed their career
We are looking for young people who are regarded as outstanding talents, have a commercial outlook, are creative in their respective sectors and are regarded as an inspiration to their peers.
You only have to look at the roll-call of past winners to see the calibre of the individuals who proudly display the accolade on their CV. One of the biggest hospitality stars of this year - Jason Atherton - is a former winner. After carrying off his award in 2000 for his work
at Claudio Pulze's Frith Street restaurant and Cantina Vinopolis, he went on to establish a name for himself at Gordon Ramsay Holdings, with whom he launched Maze at the Marriott Grosvenor Square.
Since 2010 Atherton has stepped out on his own, launching his own business with 
restaurants in Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong, while his portfolio closer to home in London includes Pollen Street Social, Social Eating House and Little Social, as well as the big opening of the year - Berners Tavern at the London Edition hotel.
For many employers and HR managers recruiting staff, the Acorn awards are a benchmark for a person who is eager to work hard, move forward in their career and make a real impact on the wider hospitality industry. In essence, having the Acorn badge on a CV is a mark of future potential and will help open prestigious doors - as it did with Atherton.
Acorn winner 2013
Position then: Chef de partie, Simpson's Edgbaston
Position now: Chef de partie, The Cross at Kenilworth
It was honour enough to be nominated for an Acorn Award; to actually win one was amazing. I feel very proud to be one of such a select group. I met some great and inspirational fellow winners at the awards weekend and still can't quite believe I am one of them! The award has boosted my confidence and hopefully earned me some respect from colleagues. Being recognised for my achievements has made me really appreciate that the sky's the limit if you work hard enough.
Acorn winner 2013
Position then: Cluster learning and development manager, Hilton Gatwick Airport
Position now: Director of training and development, Waldorf Astoria, New York
Winning the Acorn has meant so much. It was amazing to meet other like-minded winners. We all feel we should encourage others in the industry to achieve great things, as well as continue to push ourselves to reach our goals and dreams - that's why I am in New York now.
I'm sure that my success at the Acorn Awards helped me be promoted to my current job. The Acorns show employers you are someone who is willing to challenge, take accountability for your development and support others on the way. It makes you feel special - it's fantastic!
Acorn winner 2013
Position then: New site opening general manager, Whitbread - Premier Inn
Position now: Cluster general manager, Premier Inn (Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth and Dorchester)
One of the best things about the awards are the contacts you make within the industry and with the fellow winners - this is invaluable.
I have been repeatedly congratulated and recognised by my extended peer group, offered future career advice and guidance by leading industry professionals and also had to refuse a few recruitment consultants!
Whitbread was extremely pleased with my Acorn achievement. It was mentioned in front of 5,000 people at our annual conference and without doubt helped ratify my achievements at Premier Inn, which gave me excellent standing for my performance reviews.
Acorn winner 2012
Position then: Guest services manager, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Great Milton
Position now: Learning and development manager, Dusit Thani, based in Dubai with frequent travel to Thailand
The Acorn Award made me realise what a world of possibilities hospitality can offer and this helped me to become more determined to succeed. It allowed me to expand my career network and meet key people in the industry that have been inspiring me ever since. It was one of those life-changing moments that boosts your confidence and motivation.
The award definitely contributed to my new appointment as it gave me the confidence to explore a side of the industry that was new to me. I would probably never have considered moving into learning and development and would have never enjoyed the benefits of helping others grow in the industry.
Acorn winner 2012
Position then: Rooms division manager, the Hempel, London
Position now: Deputy general manager, Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, Redhill, Surrey
I am extremely proud to be an Acorn award winner. It is very motivating to think that you have been chosen to be a recipient of this prestigious honour and people certainly take note when they see it on your CV. It has definitely opened up connections and opportunities.
I am now working in a new role with Hand Picked Hotels, which involves more responsibility, with a view towards my goal of becoming a general manager. There is no doubt that being an Acorn winner helped me get the job - the operations director of the company, Douglas Waddell, won an Acorn 20 years ago.
I've really learnt from the other winnersI met at the awards weekend, all of whom are people who challenge and inspire you to push yourself even harder to excel.
NOMINATIONS
Caterer and Hotelkeeper is looking for 30 of hospitality's brightest young stars to be honoured at the 2014 Acorn Awards. Nominations for the 2014 Acorn Awards should be completed online by visiting www.acornawards.co.uk. Entrants from all sections of hospitality - from pubs, bars and restuarants to hotels and foodservice operators - all are welcome. All will be judged by a panel of industry experts in each sector.
The closing date for nominations is 14 February, with judging taking place during March. For further information, contact Shiva Hobson, group events manager, on 020 7881 4826 or e-mail shiva.hobson@catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk
Nominations for the 2014
THE 2014 VENUE - FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, HAMPSHIRE
Set within 500 acres of parkland in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, and yet located only an hour from central London, the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire will provide a glorious setting for the 2014 Acorn Awards weekend, which takes place on 1-2 June.
The 133-bedroom hotel combines the charm of a Georgian country house with the extensive facilities and top-notch service for which Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is internationally renowned.
Its food and beverage options include the Library for afternoon tea, the 80-seat Seasons restaurant, 32-seat Bistro, 24-seat Café Sante in the Spa and Bar 1086.
Guests can relax in the Spa, located within the 18th-century stable block, with its 15 treatment rooms, 20m swimming pool and outdoor vitality pool, or take part in a host of outdoor leisure activities including horse riding, fly fishing, croquet and cycling around Dogmersfield Park.
SPONSORS MESSAGE
At ACT Clean, we know our business and its success begins and ends with the quality, commitment and aspirations of our team and the job they do.
Creating great experiences and partnerships, demonstrating excellence and making a difference is all about people.
The Acorn Awards have long recognised, rewarded and celebrated these attributes and the exceptional talent in our industry that enhances its reputation.
That's why at ACT Clean we're proud to again be supporting the awards. We see our support as playing a very small role in the supporting a vital scheme in an industry we can all be proud to belong to; recognising its future leaders and giving them a platform from which to shine still further. It's our pleasure and privilege to so so.
