Aspiring food entrepreneurs offered unique opportunity

The Federation of Small Businesses has teamed with renowned Le Cordon Bleu London to launch their annual Julia Child Scholarship.

This year’s scholarship aims to provide would-be food entrepreneurs with the first steps to business success. Applicants don’t necessarily need to be a great cook but need a strong business idea and to submit their application by 16^th June.

The prize, which will be presented to the winner by esteemed Le Cordon Bleu Alumna Mary Berry, and is worth over £60,000, includes:

• A year’s membership of FSB
• A place on Le Cordon Bleu’s Diplôme de Pâtisserie, recognised globally as one of the most respected culinary qualifications in pastry and baking
• A three month Le Cordon Bleu Diploma in Culinary Management
• An internship at the iconic Savoy Hotel; and 12 months luxury accommodation provided by Londonist.

Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, who will join the judging panel, said, “Despite the pressures facing many small businesses – particularly those on the high street – there’s a world of opportunity to succeed as a food and drink entrepreneur. It’s fantastic that the scholarship this year is looking to reward someone with a fresh and innovative food or drink business idea and we look forward to helping them on their exciting journey with FSB membership and business advice.”

Chef Emil Minev, Culinary Arts Director at Le Cordon Bleu, added, “As an institute with a rich heritage spanning over 120 years, Le Cordon Bleu has a long-standing reputation of training the finest chefs and most innovative Food Entrepreneurs in the world. This year’s Scholarship will showcase this and offers a unique platform for those with exciting food business ideas.”

In 2017, more than 28,000 new food businesses opening in the UK. The food sector grew by 89% between 2000 and 2017, more than the economy as a whole (86%). In the food sector (excluding beverages) SMEs accounted for 96% of businesses, 25% of employment and 25% of turnover.

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.