Acorn Awards 2026: Mitchell Fraser, Company of Cooks

Position Sales manager, Company of Cooks

Age 27

Nominator Shahail Woodcock, general manager, Company of Cooks 

Mitchell Fraser is driving strong commercial growth at one of the capital’s most historic maritime sites, the Old Royal Naval College, repositioning it as a leading event destination.

Fraser joined hospitality and catering firm Company of Cooks in 2021 and is now leading all event sales across the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. In 2025 alone, the venue delivered seven-figure revenue from 111 events, underpinned by Fraser’s focus on premium positioning and client experience.

His impact has been impressive: he has driven growth in weddings, raising average spend by 83% between 2022 and 2025 through targeted upselling and a more refined offer. In 2022 has invested in specialist training to host South Asian and Afro-Caribbean weddings and events, which has generated significant revenue since.

More widely, he has strengthened relationships with event organisers and high-end suppliers to broaden the venue’s offering. Working with stakeholders including Historic England, he has increased capacity across key spaces, expanding outside capacity from 400 to 800 people and the Painted Hall from 400 to 600. 

He has also managed to strike up deals with Harrods, Valentino and Alexander McQueen after recognising the potential of the college’s aesthetic and architectural appeal, positioning the business firmly within the luxury market. 

Alongside commercial performance, he invests heavily in his team, securing two promotions for his direct reports.

Fraser regularly volunteers his time to assist with charity events, including fundraising challenge for the King’s Trust’s Million Makers annual gala, which he has helped to plan and deliver for the past three years, delivering more than £130,000. In addition, he co-founded a charity supporting underprivileged children in Scotland to access dance and swimming sessions. In its first three years, around 60 children have benefitted from the scheme.