Spring 2010 - Welcome

Welcome to all our existing members and new members to the first edition of Stockpot for 2010.

Nobody could say that 2009 was an easy year; this time last year I was talking about the economic downturn and wondering what kind of effect this would have on all of us in the hospitality industry. But while it has been a trying year, we must look forward in 2010 with hope and optimism for our industry and grasp those green shoots of recovery so we can grow.

The Guild is strong because of you, our members and our business partners, who work with us on dozens of events and initiatives promoting all the positive aspects of our industry.

Hotelympia, the biggest event this year in the UK, will see hundreds of chefs competing for coveted medals and awards, and static entries this year are up by 17% on 2008, which may be an indicator that the industry has turned the corner.

Hotelympia 2010 promises to be superb. The Craft Guild Culinary Academy will be there in force competing throughout the week, and they will also have a crack team in the La Parade des Chefs. To book your tickets and a place for lunch in the Culinary Academy’s restaurant on Sunday, February 28, go to www.hotelympia.com and click on La Parade des Chefs. It promises to be a great event.

As the Craft Guild’s chairman I have always been very proud of the culinary team. They are the front line of the Guild and promote the camaraderie and skill that is in abundance out there in the industry. I wish them well in their quest for gold this year.

Also I would like to mention to keep a look out for the forthcoming Craft Guild National Chef of the Year 2010, the most coveted award in the UK. Will it be you this year?

Finally the renovations that started late last year on the Guild’s head office are all now complete, which will secure the house for many years to come for the Guild committee and its members.

In my last comment as chairman I would like to thank all the members and everyone I have had the good fortune to work with or meet over the past three years. It has been a privilege to hold the position of chairman and one I have enjoyed immensely. The Guild is a strong organisation with real industry reach and is the voice on many levels.

Long may it continue.

Nick Vadis
National Chairman
Craft Guild of Chefs

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