At CH&CO, creating amazing food and service experiences that leave lasting impressions is what we’re all about.  From workplaces and education institutions to iconic venues, renowned tourist attractions, livery halls and events, our brands bring something special to every sector of hospitality we touch in the UK and Ireland.

Our people are at the root of our success. We’re committed to encouraging and developing them at every stage of their careers, ensuring everyone has the right tools and opportunities to grow with us and succeed. From the chefs and on-site teams serving our customers to those in our offices supporting our operations and clients, we want our people to feel supported, included and inspired to be their best.

From apprentices to senior leaders, we nurture talent with training, mentorship and real career opportunities that unlock potential and give our people the confidence and skills to excel in their roles, grow professionally and personally, and reach their goals. 

Hospitality is an exciting career choice with a wide variety of roles and pathways available. With the right attitude, energy and support, the possibilities are endless. It’s important that we work closely with our partners to champion our industry, highlight opportunities and inspire future talent to join our vibrant sector.

For 40 years, the Acorn Awards have led the way in recognising hospitality’s rising stars. This esteemed award not only spotlights winners’ achievements to date but also their successes to come. We’re proud to continue our partnership with The Caterer as headline sponsor of the Acorn Awards and to play our part in celebrating and nurturing tomorrow’s industry leaders.

Caterer.com makes finding the right hospitality talent simple. Using intelligent technology and unrivalled industry reach, we help employers connect with the best candidates quickly and effectively, supported by outstanding service at every step.

Beyond hiring, we bring the hospitality community together through partnerships, live sessions and shared insight to strengthen the sector as a whole. That commitment is why we are proud to support the Acorns Awards 2026.

The Acorns celebrate the industry’s brightest emerging talent; individuals whose flair, passion and impact will shape hospitality’s future. Supporting them means supporting the future of hospitality.

Umbrella Training is a leading and award-winning UK training and apprenticeship provider specialising in hospitality and catering. Working in close partnership with employers nationwide, we deliver high-quality, bespoke training programmes designed to support professional growth, strengthen teams and drive long-term business success.

With experience supporting more than 5,000 apprentices, Umbrella Training has built a strong reputation for delivering impactful, industry-relevant learning that reflects the realities of modern hospitality. Our programmes span front and back of house roles, management, leadership development and emerging skills, helping individuals build sustainable careers while enabling businesses to develop and retain talent.

At the heart of our approach is a belief in continuous learning, collaboration and meaningful return on investment, ensuring training delivers real value for both learners and employers. This commitment has been recognised through many industry accolades, including two prestigious Princess Royal Training Awards and a Foodservice Catey.

Beyond skills development, Umbrella Training is passionate about raising standards across the sector and creating a more inclusive, resilient hospitality workforce. As sponsor of the Acorn Awards, we are proud to champion emerging talent and support the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the industry.