CHEF ACADEMY TAKES TOP TRAINING AWARD

Our Chef Academy team have proudly taken home the Training Programme Award at the Springboard Awards for Excellence, held at the Westminster Plaza Hotel. 

It was a brilliant moment for a programme that’s been shaping culinary careers across our business for nearly two decades and a reflection of the impact it continues to have in our kitchens and beyond. 

Chef Academy trainer, John Hicks said: “Being shortlisted for Training Programme Award alongside such a strong line-up of businesses was something to be proud of. Taking home the award just sums up the impact of what we’ve built – a genuinely game-changing training programme, powered by an incredible team of people who make it all happen”. 

Since launching in 2007 with just 18 chefs, the Chef Academy has grown into something we’re really proud of. To date, it has supported 984 chefs, delivering structured training from Levels 2-5 in Culinary Arts and Leadership. Open to everyone from kitchen porters to senior chefs, it’s about building the next generation of culinary leaders. People who think in taste, create without limits and live our 5Cs: craft, creativity, community, carbon and cheer. 

Based out of our Obsessed Lab in Newbury, learning is designed to be hands-on, where chefs can explore and develop their skills in a practical, supportive space. From fire and smoke cookery to sessions with chef partners, alongside study tours, regional hero visits and masterclasses, the journey is designed to inspire, fuel creativity and most of all, be fun.

Support chef and alumni, Charlie Becke said: “Joining the Academy has been life changing. It’s given me structured training and mentorship from Rik and John, our chef partners and improved my confidence not only in cooking but leadership too. The programme fast tracked my growth and has opened many doors, not forgetting the amazing people and allies I’ve met along the way. It has turned my passion into purpose and shows that BaxterStorey truly invests in its people, not just plates”. 

Director of food and beverage, Greg Bramwell added: “I am so immensely proud of the Chef Academy team for winning this prestigious award. As we look ahead to celebrating 20 years of the Academy in 2027, and another 111 chefs graduating from the programme on the 6th May, this accolade feels especially meaningful. It’s a powerful testament to a team that is not only incredibly talented, but endlessly inspiring, one that continues to raise the bar and set the standard for all Chef Academies across our industry. Quite simply, this team are the originals – the GOAT’s for culinary training and development”.