With the year rapidly coming to a close, I would like to reflect on what have been eight very exciting months for me personally.

Being at the forefront of the Craft Guild of Chefs has presented some very exciting and equally challenging opportunities for the future. With huge responsibility in securing the future of the Craft Guild membership, we must continue to progress and change in order to attract new members and business partners. This, we hope, will make us more current and outgoing – especially in our attempt to support the numerous projects, trends and issues that we need to adhere to.

In November, the Craft Guild held yet another successful Business Partners Lunch at the Clothworkers Hall (London) courtesy of CH&Co for the second consecutive year. We thank them for their continued and unwavering support who without, the Guild would be in a far different place.

Prepared and cooked entirely by CH&Co apprentices, the three-course meal received much acclaim and the Guild acknowledged their achievement with a certificate of thanks.

Having recently completed another marathon of competition at this year’s World Skills (the NEC Birmingham), I would also like to thank Steve Scuffell and Pauline Tucker for their hard work in organising this prestigious event.

We must also thank you, our members, for the time and commitment that you dedicate to the Guild, to help us maintain the competitions and training that we run throughout the year.

My own special thanks also go to Andrew Green for the support and dedication that he has shown throughout my tenure thus far.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year, and I look forward to see you all again in 2019.

Andrew Bennett MBE, National Chairman

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