7th May 2025

Springboard FutureChef competition names Country Range as headline sponsor

Written by: Edward Waddell
After nearly a decade of supporting the next generation of young college chefs through its sponsorship of the Student Chef Challenge, the Country Range Group has now turned its attention to schools after being announced as a headline sponsor for the 2025/2026 Springboard FutureChef competition.

Passionate about addressing the skills gap in the hospitality industry, the partnership marks a ‘significant milestone’ in the Country Range Group’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent and providing a vital pipeline for the industry’s future workforce.

The Springboard FutureChef engages with over 25,000 young people annually across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It supports the development of key life skills and showcases the exciting careers available in the hospitality sector.

Earlier this year, the search for the UK’s best young chef concluded with 16-year-old Carys Williams from Pontarddulais School in Swansea emerging as the 2025 Springboard FutureChef champion following a final in London.

Held at Capital City College in Westminster on the 24th March 2025, the FutureChef final saw 12 talented young chefs from across the UK compete for the title in Springboard’s annual crown.

Each finalist had two hours and 45 minutes to prepare a main course and dessert for a panel of industry-leading judges, including Adam Handling, Alain Roux, Brian Turner, Chantelle Nicholson, Cherish Finden and 2024 winner Reece Ventura.

Previous Springboard FutureChef winners include 2023 MasterChef: The Professionals champion Tom Hamblet, 2023 Roux Scholar winner April Lily Partridge, and Graeme Cheevers, Owner of the Michelin-starred Unalome in Glasgow.

Graham Caldwell, Country Range Group marketing manager, said: “The Country Range Group and our members are dedicated to supporting the foodservice sector and we recognise the importance of investing in young talent.

“The Springboard FutureChef competition is a truly exceptional initiative and as a long-term supporter of food education and training, the exciting sponsorship aligns perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation of culinary professionals and strengthen the hospitality industry.”

“Springboard FutureChef is more than just a competition - it’s a monumental movement that provides invaluable skills and experience to young people, fosters industry connections and strengthens career pathways for culinary talent.

“With an unbelievable track record for developing young cooks, we’re thrilled to take on the role of headline sponsor and look forward to working with Springboard to invest in and inspire the next cohort of young chefs.”