Acorn Awards 2024 are open for entries
It's time to shine a light on the brightest talent in the hospitality industry, as the Acorn Award judges search for this year's top 30 under 30
As the Acorn Awards approaches its 38th year, The Caterer team is busy making arrangements to celebrate another cohort of 30 of the most inspiring young talent in the hospitality industry.
As tradition dictates, our 30 under 30 awards bring together a group of the brightest stars in hospitality for a weekend of celebrations at one of the UK's top hotels. In prior years, Acorn Award winners have enjoyed various teambuilding activities, with last year's group taking to the water with Solent Rib Charter, travelling at 40mph to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where they were split into teams for a treasure hunt. What activity will this year's winners enjoy? That remains a top secret until the awards celebration in June.
The weekend, of course, always culminates in a celebratory lunch, where the Acorns' industry colleagues cheer them on as they collect their coveted trophy. This week, The Caterer is officially launching the Acorn Awards 2024, sponsored by CH&Co, and we welcome your nominations.
If you know an outstanding individual who inspires their team and looks beyond the day-to-day challenges of their hospitality role, we want to hear about them. Our judges will be looking for people who are constantly adaptable and persevere to go above and beyond in what is a difficult period for this industry. But out of challenging times comes incredible talent and, by recognising these achievements, our Acorn Award winners are encouraged to continue to drive the future of hospitality.
And that's exactly what our previous winners have done, including the likes of chefs Jason Atherton, Marcus Wareing, Glynn Purnell, Elly Wentworth, Will Torrent and the late Gary Rhodes, as well as Nick Jones, the founder of Soho House, Tim Axe, commercial director at Benugo, and Sandra Bein, head sommelier at Mere.
So did Liam Hatcher, head of people and development at CH&Co, who took home his award in 2019: "Inspiring, nurturing and retaining young, entrepreneurial talent is essential for the continued success of our industry," he says. "It's the creativity, verve and boldness of these future leaders that allow hospitality to continue evolving in a progressive, inclusive and exciting way.
"The Acorn Awards are at the forefront of recognising emerging talent and we're very proud to continue our partnership with The Caterer as headline sponsor. Hospitality offers diverse, ambitious career opportunities for those with the gumption to seize them, as is evident in the achievements of past Acorn winners.
"As an Acorn alumnus myself, I can testify that winning an Acorn Award fuelled the fire in me, while opening networks and doors. I'm eternally grateful to the manager who took the time to nominate me, and I wholeheartedly encourage industry colleagues to show their rising stars how proud you are of them by entering them into the Acorn Awards 2024. The rewards will be enjoyed by many. Good luck to all nominees – we look forward to reading your stories!"
Chris Eigelaar, resort director at the Belfry Hotel & Resort, where this year's winners will enjoy their celebratory weekend, adds: "Now more than ever it's vital to nurture and inspire promising future talent within our industry. "Having previously celebrated two Acorn Award winners here at the Belfry, we are honoured to be hosting the prestigious Acorn Awards ceremony in 2024, becoming a part of this career highlight for the winners."
A word from past Acorn Award winners
Lizzie Hennig, head of nutrition, BaxterStorey
"Winning an Acorn Award last year was a massive personal achievement and a highlight of my career so far. The winners' weekend at Southampton Harbour hotel was amazing – not only was it so much fun, but it gave us all the chance to get to know the other winners and learn about their incredible careers. It is an award that will stay with me forever, and I look forward to spotting and helping other future Acorn Award winners receive this prestigious industry award."
Eljesa Saciri, general manager, the Zetter Marylebone, London
"Being an Acorn Award winner is a profound honour, symbolising not just a personal achievement but a commitment to innovation and a positive impact within our industry. It signifies recognition from peers and industry experts, validating the hard work and dedication invested. This accolade continues to serve as a reminder to strive for excellence and to contribute meaningfully, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility within the esteemed community of winners."
About the Belfry Hotel & Resort
Multi-award-winning the Belfry Hotel & Resort, situated in the West Midlands countryside, just 10 miles from Birmingham's international airport, is one of the leading resorts in the UK. It has over 300 bedrooms, three internationally recognised golf courses, 22 meeting and events spaces equipped with the latest technology and an award-winning spa and leisure club, as well as an array of family activities and facilities providing something for everyone.
In 2023 the resort won over 10 awards including England's Leading Resort and England's Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel at the World Travel Awards and People Team of the Year at the Hotel Cateys.
From the sponsor, CH&Co
Creating exciting, memorable food and service experiences is what CH&CO is all about. Across our house of brands, our expertise and enthusiasm span the diverse hospitality sector, including workplaces, leisure, venues, events, livery, stadia, education and healthcare.
One thing our brands have in common is a steadfast focus on developing our people and empowering them to be the very best they can be. Our inclusive culture inspires all our people to grow with us – from the chefs and on-site teams serving our customers to our people working in our offices supporting our operations and clients.
From apprentice to director, people will succeed and grow with the motivation and support to develop their skills and knowledge to be brilliant at their job. We therefore encourage our people with the right opportunities and confidence to grow professionally and personally.
Hospitality is as an exciting career option that offers incredible opportunities to those with ambition, energy and determination. Working with industry partners, we are committed to championing hospitality, raising awareness of the fantastic pathways and limitless potential available to young people, and inspiring and engaging emerging talent.
We're proud to continue our partnership with The Caterer as headline sponsor of the Acorn Awards and lead the way in celebrating the exciting young talent in our industry and nurturing the next dynamic generation of hospitality leaders.
