Catering business initiative entices would-be chefs into action

“Budding cordon-bleu's” are being challenged to enhance their catering careers by setting up alone thanks to an initiative driven by older peoples housing provider Housing 21 and backed by TV chef Martin Blunos.

Blunos will host a free seminar for chefs at Diamond Court extra care scheme in Worle on Wednesday 6 October from 10.30am to 4pm in a bid to encourage chefs of all ages to set up their own businesses providing meals for residents.

Housing 21 approached celebrity chef Blunos for help after finding it difficult to recruit local chefs. His expertise will be called upon for advice on menus and budgets as well as healthy eating recipe ideas.

The celebrated chef, who has featured regularly in the media, including on programmes such as Iron Chef UK, Daily Cooks and Saturday Kitchen, has also been called upon to advise budding chefs on setting up their own business within extra care housing schemes.

Housing 21 will have a 'statement of interest' table at the seminar, with staff on hand to offer advice to those considering launching a catering service at Diamond Court.

Delegates will also be encouraged to apply for similar opportunities at other Housing 21 extra care schemes in South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Cirencester.

Housing 21 say that there are many advantages to running a catering business within an extra care scheme, including having a fully-fitted kitchen and restaurant and being able to offer restaurant facilities to the wider community.

The scheme will also be offering its budding chefs a rent-free period for the first six months.

Blunos, who held two Michelin stars for more than 15 years, will act as ambassador to the successful chefs. If the initiative at Diamond Court is successful further seminars could be held elsewhere.

Paula Edward, development programme officer, Housing 21, is excited about the appointment of Blunos. She said: "We want to encourage local chefs to come along to the seminar and find out more about running their own catering business. This is a great opportunity for any chefs thinking about branching out on their own."

Chefs who are interested in attending the seminar should contact the court manager at Diamond Court on: 0370 192 4038 or email: paula.edward@housing21.co.uk

Words: Georgiana Ndlovu

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