The competition recognises foodservice and hospitality industry professionals, under the age of 30, who go above and beyond their job role. Individuals are nominated, rewarded and recognised by their peers.
Entries were welcomed from all types of businesses within the foodservice and hospitality industry including food manufacturing, wholesalers and contract caterers.
The 17 semi-finalists have been invited to a ‘special VIP drinks’ event at The Shard on 5 September 2019 where three finalists will be selected to go through to the final. The winner will be announced at the Arena Autumn Event taking place at Haberdashers’ Hall on 30 September.
The overall winner will be invited to sit on the Arena Board for 12 months and receive tickets to Arena networking events throughout the year.
The 17 semi-finalists are:
•Penny Kachellek, front of house assistant, CH&CO
•Ailsa Le Poidevin, assistant reception manager, The Ritz
•Emrys Hughes, applications engineer, Plasma Clean
•Tereza Pospisilova, floor manager, CH&CO
•Oliver Darrington, groups and conventions manager, The Landmark
•Ross Taylor, trader, Creed Foodservice
•Alison Hulley, coffee and brand manager, Aramark
•Ben Draffan, general manager, The Bear
•Antony Woodcock, managing director, GIG
•Sam Ross, general assistant - City of Glasgow College, BaxterStorey
•Ruth Hansom, head chef, Pomona's Notting Hill
•Rosie Cadogan, nutritionist, BaxterStorey
•Leo Kattou, senior sous chef, Simpsons Restaurant
•Lizzy Doole, new projects co-ordinator, Confex Ltd
•Tristan Winter, FOH caballo lounge, Loungers
•Tommy Knott, barman / waiter, The Castle
•Mollie Earnshaw, supervisor, Loungers