He commented: “As we approach the festive period, we can all agree that 2020 has been a difficult year. It has been a year filled with absolute devastating firsts for many of us and there are many challenges ahead. The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of our lives and disrupted the way we work, communicate and connect.

“We stayed home to protect lives, we ate out to help out our beloved hospitality industry, and we clapped for our NHS heroes. We ‘Zoom-ed’ and ‘Team-ed’, we aced our community spirit by delivering meals to those self-isolating and so much more.

“Our holiday festivities may look different this year, but I believe there has never been a better time to show kindness, appreciation and offer our support to those less fortunate.

“We have all made sacrifices to ensure the safety of our loved ones and others in the community, and we should continue to tackle these turbulent times with a positive attitude.

“Looking ahead to 2021, we are hoping for a brighter and healthier year. At the Craft Guild of Chefs, we will continue to embrace new ideas and remain a support pillar for our members and colleagues from the hospitality industry.

“Lastly, my colleagues and I would like to thank Andrew Bennett MBE for his remarkable contribution to the success and growth of the association during his time as chairman.

“Andrew was not only pivotal in shaping the strategy for the association, but he inspired us all with his enormous passion for the hospitality world. We will miss his extraordinary commitment and drive, and I hope to continue his fantastic work in the years to come.”