‘Eat Out’ Magazine interviewed Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard UK who said: "The Springboard Awards for Excellence truly celebrate achievement in the industry. The outstanding people in our businesses, the teams that drive our strategies forward, the individuals who delight customers daily, the companies that champion innovation and progression – all make the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry thrive.

"The number and quality of award entries this year has been incredible and all of our winners and short-listed candidates should be hugely proud of their achievements – they're the best in the business!"

Unfortunately, the Barceló Apprentice Chef Academy (BACA) just missed out on the award for ‘Best Initiative to Attract Chefs Award’. Nevertheless, given the tough competition, we were extremely proud for our young initiative to be recognised in the top three short listed companies. 

BACA has entered its second year and on 12^th & 13^th November 14 young apprentices enjoyed a two-day induction, which included private dining with Barceló Hotels & Resorts UK CEO, Charles Prew, and a lesson in basic knife skills with our Executive Chef from the Barceló Lygon Arms Hotel. Our chefs will now undertake a 14 month program which includes hands-on experience in one of our 4 star kitchens and studying for a recognised NVQ qualification, through our partnership with VT Training. They will have direct access and exposure to the Head Chef, who will act as a mentor, coaching and developing practical and interpersonal skills and participate in specially designed workshops which include trips to Grimsby Fish Market, the famous Smithfield Market and Burtwistles Butchers.