1st Oct 2008 - 00:00
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Abstract
A survey of over 2,000 Brits found that 92% of respondents said that the hospitality industry had become increasingly appealing and celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver injected fun into the industry.
Some 24% said they dreamt of opening their own pub or restaurant, meanwhile 68% of all respondents said their opinion of the hospitality and catering industry had changed over recent years; 81% of which said they saw the passionate aspect of the sector through TV and celebrity personalities.
Further research from Caterer.com found that 61% of Brits admitted to taking an interest in at least one catering television programme, and 21% of these claim to have had no previous interest in cooking.
Ian Burke, from Caterer.com, commented on the study: "We have certainly noticed an increase in the amount of people looking for careers within hospitality and firmly believe that strong television personalities, such as Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay have made the sector appealing to a whole variety of people."
Michael Coaker, lecturer in the culinary arts at Thames Valley University, added: "It doesn't surprise me at all that the catering industry has become increasingly popular within the UK. This year has been one of our most successful years in recruiting students for our full time chef restaurant diploma course and a new kitchen has just been fitted to cater with the high demand for students." Weblink: www.caterer.com