Acorn Winner 2006: Luca Carichini

Luca Carichini
Age: 27
Position: Operations manager, Royal Clarence hotel, Exeter

Career to date… Carichini began his career in hospitality in 2002 when he became chef de rang at Michael Caines Restaurants. He was promoted to assistant restaurant manager within a year and went on to become manager of the restaurant for a further two years. He became operations manager of the hotel after the launch of the Abode Hotels group in 2005.

Why is he a winner? Carichini understands perfectly the standards expected from a two-Michelin-starred chef such as Michael Caines. He is able to work to strict budgets and knows that training is required for all staff to maximise the potential and the profit of the business. He understands the daily pressures of his staff, and they in turn feel comfortable talking to him on any subject, work-related or not.

He has also been involved in organising students and school children to work in the hotel, in the kitchen and front of house. Special charity dinners have been run by the students, and Carichini has made special efforts to inspire and introduce them to the catering industry, Michael Caines and local producers.