'This a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have met some of the most amazing people and been lucky enough to travel the world learning more about the industry. It’s all thanks to the contacts and friends I’ve made through the Acorn Scholarship.
My confidence and knowledge has grown hugely this year and now I’m delighted to have taken on a bigger role within Compass as a result of my new found skills.'
Simone Sylvestre, 2009 winner
"I’m completely bowled over by winning the Acorn Scholarship. I’ve always had a passion for food and it’s this passion that helped me win.
It has been the absolute highlight of my career so far. I have become more skilled and developed my own style in the kitchen. It has set me well on my way to achieving my ambition of my opening my own restaurant.”
Rob Hartwell, 2008 Winner
"Wining the acorn scholarship has exceeded all my expectations! I’ve learnt so much, visited some of the best places and met some of the most inspirational people in our industry. The scholarship has given opportunities to travel abroad and as part of my prize I have started a part-time management course. I really feel that I have developed incredibly this year and I’m really going to miss being the Acorn Scholar!”
Julie Lardie, 2007 Winner
" Winning the Acorn Scholarship has helped launch my ambitions within the industry. I have developed as an individual and as a manager. I have been inspired, gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge and networked with key industry players – invaluable to my career.
Oak and the Scholarship sponsors really have helped turn my dreams into a reality."
Kelly Widley, 2006 Winner
'The Scholarship has now grown to become one of the leading industry prizes to recognise up and coming talent. In the year's that I've been involved I have seen Scholars meet us at the beginning of their Scholarship year and go on to grow and develop beyond all belief. This really is a great opportunity!'
James Horler
Chairman,
Ego Restaurants
"I've been involved with the Acorn Scholarship since its first year and it's amazing to see how much vision and passion there is from the indiviudals that seek to win the Scholarship.
This award helps individuals to make a difference to our industry and in turn inspires those that work within it. What an opportunity The Acorn Scholarship offers for the future of hospitality!"
Michael Caines
Chef and Restauranteur, MBE
"As 'chief mentor' to the scholars, I've really enjoyed seeing firsthand how each one has developed and used the enormous benefits of the scholarship to best effect. This is an inspirational opportunity for anyone with talent, aspirations and an idea and I'd recommend it highly as a fast-track to success. "
Jane Sunley
CEO, Learnpurple
"The Acorn Scholarship was launched as a way of giving something back to the industry, as well as creating an opportunity to reward talent and develop an ambitious individual and their dream. I love being involved in the Scholarship, each year the competition gets tougher and it's extremely rewarding to watch an individual develop in terms of network and confidence throughout their Scholarship winning year.
The Scholarship truly creates opportunities for individuals with real drive, focus and dreams and is fast becoming an accolade every young and ambitious person within this industry wants on their CV!"
Hannah Horler
Managing Director, Cartwheel Recruitment Ltd
"The scholarship gives everyone who enters a great opportunity to network and forge friendships. The winner gets a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop, as with all things you get out what you put in and with the Scholarship you really achieve this."
Nick Green
National Sales Manager, Hotel & Restaurant Division, Villeroy & Boch
