Acorn winners 2016: Jessica Clark, 25

Ambition "To continue to develop and work my way up into a senior operations role."

Armed with a hospitality degree, Jessica Clark joined CH&Co's Lusso in June 2011 in a graduate role. The company quickly spotted her commitment and within just five months she was offered the job of project manager.

It's a role that put her in charge of mobilising new contract gains across the UK and being fully financially accountable for them. The eight single sites and one group of seven sites she has overseen to date generate annual turnover of £6.1m and cater for 6,800 customers a day. Clark has also been involved in Tupe for 40 staff and recruited 70 more.

Her managers point out that she is always looking for ways to deliver over and above her day job. For instance, she helped launch the company's Food Philosophy initiative in 2015, which pushed grab-and-go sales up by 42% year on year in the pilot site.

Her enthusiasm for the industry is tangible, too, demonstrated by her recent application to be a Springboard Ambassador. As well as driving relationships with colleges and universities, she has been a member of the Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme since 2011 and has been a mentor for two placement students every year.

Clark is also helping to raise money for charity Surrey Docks Farm, which supports young adults and children with learning difficulties.

The company has recognised her commitment, awarding her the Genius Award in 2015 and recently promoting her to the position of general manager at Mishcon de Reya LLP.