04 July 2007

Top chefs share skills in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield hosted the annual Skills for Chefs conference this week, with several well-known faces from the catering world coming together to share their skills and expertise and celebrate the conference´s 10th anniversary. The prestigious two day conference, which is the largest conference for professional chefs held in the UK, took place on Monday 2 July and Tuesday 3 July 2007, at the University´s Octagon Centre.

Every year, high profile figures from the industry are invited to present at the event and this year was no exception. Prue Leith OBE, well respected in the industry for her work within the areas of food, catering and education, opened the conference. Two of Britain´s most distinguished chefs, Marcus Wareing and Michael Caines MBE, were also at the conference. Most recently seen on the popular BBC series Great British Menu, the pair prepared some of their favourite dishes and shared their colourful experiences.

Over its 10 year history, Skills for Chefs has been renowned for spotlighting topical issues in the catering industry. As chair of the Schools Food Trust, Prue Leith is responsible for overseeing the implementation of legislation for improving school food. At Skills for Chefs, she spoke passionately about changing the culture of food for people in Britain starting when they are young. Prue called upon all the delegates present to do their bit to help give children the practical skills and knowledge of food, by urging them to get involved in a new after school club scheme, organised by the School Food Trust.

The conference also showcased the talents of highly respected chefs from around the world, which included a team of student chefs from Johnson and Wales University in America, who prepared dishes in front of the audience.

One of the main aims of the conference is to recognise and nurture young talent in the catering industry and last year new awards were launched at the conference, the inaugural Skills for Chefs Awards, to recognise Britain´s most talented chefs between the ages of 18 and 21. Among this year´s winners were Matthew Cross from Sheffield College, who won the Skills for Chef Young Chef of the Year award and Adam Lewis from Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, who won the Special Achievement award.

The University of Sheffield is proving to be a highly popular venue for catering conferences in the UK. As well as Skills for Chefs held annually in July, the University also holds an annual Master Chefs dinner and in two weeks time will host the annual University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) conference from 23–25 July. The conference will focus on a recent research project called `Framing the Future´, the most comprehensive piece of research ever undertaken on catering services for students within the University sector, across the UK.

David McKown, Director of Skills for Chefs and Training and Development Manager for the University´s Accommodation and Campus Services, said: "I am extremely proud to be celebrating our 10th anniversary this year. The Octagon Centre here at the University of Sheffield is the ideal venue for a conference such as this, providing excellent social facilities and exhibition space for delegates to network. "

Marcus Wareing said: "It´s a real pleasure to get out of London and come up North to Sheffield for this conference. Skills for Chefs is an excellent opportunity to meet dedicated people from the industry. It´s my first time at Skills for Chefs and a real honour to appear alongside people such as Prue Leith and Michael Caines."

Matthew Cross, who won the Skills for Chef Young Chef of the Year award and who is currently studying for a Professional Chef Diploma at Sheffield College, said: "I am delighted to have won this award and feel really proud that all my hard work has paid off. I would like to thank my tutors at Sheffield College and the staff at Fischers Baslow Hall for all the help and support they have given me. I couldn´t have done it without them."

Andy Cuthbert, from Jumeirah Emirates Towers, which was voted Best Business Hotel in the Middle East and Best Business Hotel in Dubai 2007, said: "An event like Skills for Chefs is out of the norm in the Middle East, so it´s a real pleasure to be here listening to some of the biggest names discussing the issues affecting the industry today. And all the delegates here are a reflection of the care people involved feel for the industry as a whole."

For further information please contact: Jenny Wilson, Media Relations Officer on 0114 2225339 or email j.c.wilson@sheffield.ac.uk

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