Waterdene Foodservice Are Proud to Support the Next Generation of Culinary Talent

As a proud member of the Country Range Group, we’re delighted to be supporting Springboard FutureChef — the UK’s leading school-based cooking competition for young people.

Country Range’s sponsorship of the FutureChef competition gives us the chance to make a real difference locally — inspiring young people, connecting with schools and teachers, and helping to build a strong, skilled future for the hospitality industry.

What Is Springboard FutureChef?

Springboard FutureChef is a national initiative that helps students aged 12–16 develop key life and culinary skills, while discovering the exciting career paths hospitality has to offer.

Each year, more than 25,000 students take part across the UK — competing in school, local, regional and national heats. Guided by professional mentor chefs, participants learn about nutrition, kitchen safety, sustainability and creativity, gaining first-hand experience of what it’s like to cook in a professional environment.

It’s a competition that inspires confidence, celebrates passion, and opens doors for young people who dream of a career in food.

Why Waterdene Foodservice are Getting Involved

As a responsible foodservice wholesaler we’re passionate about supporting our industry and the communities we serve. FutureChef gives us an incredible opportunity to get involved in something that truly matters — helping to close the skills gap and shine a light on the rewarding careers available in catering and hospitality.

By working alongside schools, teachers and Springboard UK, we’re proud to:

·       Encourage young people to explore their passion for food

·       Support teachers with resources and real-world industry links

·       Help nurture a pipeline of talented, enthusiastic chefs for the future

·       Give back to an industry that means so much to us

We’re not just sponsoring a competition — we’re investing in people, confidence and careers.

Why FutureChef Matters

Hospitality is built on passion, skill and creativity — and FutureChef captures all three. It provides a vital platform for young people to learn, grow and believe in themselves.

The programme helps:

·       Develop life skills like teamwork, organisation and communication

·       Build confidence and self-belief through real-world experience

·       Create pathways into employment through mentorship and industry links

·       Strengthen communities by connecting schools, chefs and local businesses

For us, supporting FutureChef is about inspiring young minds while helping to secure the future of the industry we love.

For Schools and Teachers

If you’re a teacher or head of food technology, FutureChef is a fantastic opportunity to bring the curriculum to life.

Your students will gain hands-on cooking experience, learn from local mentor chefs, and take part in an exciting national competition that builds confidence, teamwork and creativity.

Springboard provides free lesson plans, online learning modules and adaptable classroom resources — everything you need to run your own school heats and take part.

Get involved today and inspire your students to aim higher in the kitchen.

Find out more and register your school https://futurechef.uk.net/register/

For Industry Professionals and Chefs

As members of the Country Range Group, we’re also encouraging our friends and colleagues in hospitality to get involved.

The competition depends on the passion and support of professional chefs and foodservice experts who can:

·       Mentor students and share their expertise

·       Judge local or regional competitions

·       Deliver demonstrations and workshops

·       Inspire students with stories from their own culinary journeys

Giving even a small amount of time can have a lasting impact — helping students discover their potential while keeping hospitality careers in the spotlight.

Join us in shaping the next generation of chefs. Find out how you can get involved https://futurechef.uk.net/register/

A Shared Mission

Through our partnership with Country Range and Springboard FutureChef, we’re proud to play a part in building a stronger, more sustainable future for hospitality.

Together, we’re championing food education, creating new opportunities for young people, and supporting the talented chefs and teachers who make it all possible.

Because the future of our industry starts in the classroom — and we’re proud to help make it happen.