Hotelympia search for Hot Talent begins

Hotelympia are once again launching their Hot Talent competition to seek hospitality’s brightest young hopefuls.

This year the competition is looking to crown both a back and front-of-house champion to acknowledge the work done in every aspect of the sector.

Hot Talent offer promising workers under 30 the opportunity of work experience with two of the most respected names in the trade. One winner will get the chance to work with chef Ben Spalding (Roganic, The Fat Duck, Le Manoir) at his new venture, bespoke events caterer Creative Belly.

Also on offer will be time spent with hospitality consultant and trainer Esher Williams (The Savoy, L’ortolan, The Fat Duck) will give a work placement to a deserving front-of-house Hot Talent.

As well as the work placements, sponsors Villeroy & Boch will be offering both winners a spot on the unforgettable two-day study trip to its Luxembourg HQ.

Toby Wand, Managing Director at Hotelympia Organiser, Fresh Montgomery, said: “Attracting and retaining the best young talent is crucial for the future of the hospitality industry which is why we have reprised the Hot Talent scheme for 2014.

“This time around we have decided to crown both a front-of-house and back-of-house champion. Eating out is not just about the quality of the food anymore. A dining establishment stands or falls on being able to offer the full consumer experience.

“I urge anyone under thirty who feels they have what it takes to be our 2014 Hot Talent –regardless of which side of the pass they work on – to sign up today.”

Former winner April Partridge was just 17 when she claimed the 2012 Hot Talent has gone from strength to strength since winning the title two years ago and she said: “Competitions like Hot Talent are so important for young people who put the work in – winning was incredibly humbling and a great feeling to know that you were making your peers and your industry proud.”

Entries for the 2014 edition are now open and will be until Friday 14 March. Candidates can either nominate themselves via a link on the Hotelympia website or can be nominated by a colleague or peer by emailing Jamie Svensen and Jamie.svensen@freshmontgomery.co.uk.