Cut-Price Guild Show Offer

8th February 2010, 1:58pm

As the largest UK chefs' association with members worldwide in foodservice and hospitality, it's clear why Hotelympia is such an important event in the calendar for the Craft Guild of Chefs (stand S2650).

From students and trainees to top management working everywhere from Michelin starred restaurants to school catering divisions, the Guild has members in every field and hopes to attract even more interest at this year's five day event.

For starters, the Guild is offering chefs a recession busting 25% discount on membership if they sign up during the show, which will come as great news to those feeling the pinch.

The Craft Guild is also taking part in a Ready Steady Cook style showdown with LACA chefs at Cost Sector Live and is involved in a mix of live theatre cook offs and static displays in the competitive arena, Le Salon Culinaire.

The association is sponsoring the junior class Restaurant Plates Main Course and Plated Fish Main Course competitions in the Salon Display, and joining forces with two of its business partners to back Tilda Chef of the Year and the Major Mini Series Hot Fish Culinary Challenge in the Live Theatre senior class.

The winner of the Alaska Seafood Challenge in the Live Theatre senior class, meanwhile, will get the chance to cook their winning dish in The Skillery, which is sponsored by the Guild.

The Guild's Culinary Academy will compete in heavyweight bouts including the Live Theatre's Master Chefs Grand Prix, sponsored by Manitowoc. Team members include Adam Smith, UK gold medalist at this year's World Skills in Calgary, taking part in the Grand Prix for the first time.

A team of six chefs will compete in the La Parade des Chefs' Open Team Grand Prix. Culinary Academy members have also signed up for individual cold work categories in both junior and senior classes, from Restaurant Platter to Floral Sugarcraft.

To discuss membership, events and future training visit the Craft Guild of Chefs or Culinary Academy stand. Alternatively, call 0208 948 3870 or visit www.craftguildofchefs.org

Getting Geared Up For the Recovery

A host of services and support enabling hospitality businesses to gear up for recovery will be showcased by People 1st on its stand, S2264.

Skills and training specialists from the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism will be on hand to advise hospitality businesses on how they can reassess their existing skills base, ensure their staff do more to retain existing customers, and generate new business.

Businesses can book consultancy appointments with People 1st's experts beforehand or at the event. Consultants will go through various options, including a reassessment of the business' skills needs and potential solutions, including industry specific training services.

Businesses can also receive a demonstration by uksp.co.uk, the unique website bringing together advice on careers, jobs, employers, colleges, qualifications and funding for the hospitality industry.

Employers will be able to view a demonstration of the site, including an innovative career map that details specific job profiles and progression routes within the hospitality industry.