Students Success in MARCHE Awards
Adam Finney
Food Service Assistant of the Year
Congratulations to Hospitality Supervision student, Adam Finney who has won Gold in the 2011 MARCHE Awards for Excellence. Having beaten off stiff competition from industry professionals, Adam was announced as the Food Service Assistant of the Year at the packed MARCHE Awards for Excellence ceremony at the International Convention Centre.
The MARCHE Awards for Excellence is an established annual competition which recognises and rewards people working in the hospitality and events industries.
For the competition final Adam had to prepare and lay a table then serve a luncheon for four guests including wine. His skills were then judged on making two floater coffees at the table.
Adam is due to complete his NVQ Level 3 Hospitality Supervision in July and, as his career plan is to ultimately become a sommelier, Adam is taking additional wines and sprits qualifications at the college. He also works part time at award winning Opus restaurant in Birmingham.
Delighted with his achievement Adam said; “ Winning this award is a dream come true. I first started college to train to be a chef but the more experience I had front of house, the more I realised that was the career for me because creating the best customer experience is at the heart of my work. Working in hospitality can take you around the world and I can’t wait to get going with my career”.
Amy Hollier, Food Service Lecturer, University College Birmingham said:
“Adam has great passion for what he does and we are all delighted that he has won the title of Food Service Assistant of the Year. He is a dedicated and talented student who will go far and his success is well deserved”.
Before finishing college this year Adam will represent UCB in the forthcoming Toque d ‘Or competition with fellow chefs and food service students.
Richard Price
Receptionist of the Year
Congratulations go to Richard Price who went for Gold and got it at the recent MARCHE Awards for Excellence.
Richard, 21, who is currently on a fast track route of the BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management programme at UCB, scooped the Gold Award in the Receptionist’s category after impressing the judges with his skills and dedication.
Richard works part time as a Receptionist at the Macdonalds Burlington hotel in New Street, Birmingham and has worked there for 3 years.
Originally, when Richard was studying for a National Diploma in Hospitality at the college he completed his work placement at the Burlington Hotel. He made such an impression when there they were keen to keep him on and so encouraged him to work part time whilst studying for his degree.
For the competition final Richard took part in a role play test with a disgruntled customer, did a presentation to the judges on the skills required to be a good receptionist and joined a group discussion about hotel security.
Jacqui Boyd, Hospitality lecturer said:
“Ever since Richard started on the national diploma everyone knew that he had the right skills and passion to work in the hospitality industry. He is level headed and committed to great customer service which is why he is doing so well. The future is very bright for him and we all wish him every success.”
Ryan Doyle
Silver - Receptionist
Well done to BTEC Travel and Tourism student Ryan Doyle who won Silver at the MARCHE Awards held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
Ryan, 17, scooped the award in the Receptionists category. He works part time at the Jury’s Inn hotel on Broad Street and is already flying high in his career after being made a supervisor a few months after starting the job last year.
For the competition final Ryan took part in a role play test with a disgruntled customer, did a presentation to the judges on the skills required to be a good receptionist and joined a group discussion about hotel security.
Ryan is from Sutton Coldfield and went to Arthur Terry School. He joined UCB at 16 and is now considering staying on at the college to start a hospitality business degree in September.
Travel and Tourism lecturer, Julie Hambleton said:
“What a fantastic achievement for Ryan. He is an exceptional student who at only 17 is showing great talent and passion for the hospitality industry. He is a great role model for other students and definitely one to watch”.
Joe Williams
Silver - Cook and Serve
Degree student Joe Williams is celebrating after winning Silver in the MARCHE Awards for Excellence held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.
Joe, 21, is in the second year of the BA (Hons) Hospitality Business Management programme and won the award in the Cook and Serve category.
The final, a team effort involving two chefs and Joe working as the waiter, involved them preparing and serving a meal. Joe also had to prepare a liqueur coffee in front of the judges, serve drinks, talk through food and wine matching and do a flambé dish at the table. Communication and timing skills between Joe and the chefs in the kitchen were also judged.
Joe works at Michelin starred restaurant, Simpsons in Birmingham and was recently promoted to a Chef de Rang (Head of Station) position.
Rob Smith, Assistant Dean, College of Food, who mentored Joe said:
“Originally when joining college Joe never felt that working front of house in a restaurant would be suitable for him. I could always see the potential he has and this fantastic win has proven just how impressive he is. He works hard, is focussed and has good people skills, in other words all the attributes you need to succeed”.