The story so far
Tony and Tina Bricknell-Webb swapped their chain of betting shops for the world of hospitality 15 years ago. Since 1996, they have been running Percy's Country Hotel and Restaurant near Okehampton in Devon. They grow nearly all the organic produce themselves, including chicken and lamb, which Tina, a locally acclaimed chef, cooks.
The couple are currently trying to tackle the skills shortage in the area by setting up a chef's academy. Nearly everything is in place: Hobart is providing the equipment, the Learning & Skills Council has pledged £5,500 per student, and the Duchy College has agreed to be a course verifier.
To build the academy, the Bricknell-Webbs need £1.1m. They submitted a bid to the South West of England RDA for £800,000.
It has been a year since Tina and Tony Bricknell-Webb applied to the regional development agency (RDA) for an £800,000 grant for a chef school to train 36 local students. Now, at last, they've got their answer. Sadly, it's "no".
Tony says the RDA turned down the bid because it felt the cost per head was too great. He says that, without the extra facilities, Tina will only, at a squeeze, be able to train 12 young chefs a year rather than the planned 36. They are committed to training at least nine, as six more teenage students have already been invited to join over the next three months.
While he must be disappointed, Tony didn't waste any time moping. Ever the pragmatic businessman, he simply put in another bid with the RDA, this time to build a £350,000 kitchen extension, which at least would give them a bit more space.
"It's taken so long to get a decision that other opportunities have opened up," says Tony. "The RDA wants the chef school to work, so we've reapplied to them for a kitchen extension - it will probably work out better than having two kitchens."
Meanwhile, Tina has been encouraging the three existing students to organise dinner parties for friends and family about every six weeks. Although they already run the Acadamy restaurant at lunchtimes, the aim is to help them develop their organisational skills and boost confidence. The students buy the food at cost, and Tina talks them through the recipe, then they go off and do it in their own time.
Ironically, the fact that the students are doing so well has made it difficult to find a sous chef to help Tina. "These kids know the way we work, so it would be difficult for somebody coming in," says Tony. "They are also very well educated and some sous chefs are not, so it would be a problem for them."
While life at Percy's continues, Tina has not stood still. One exciting development has been her appointment by Tesco to give cookery demonstrations at the Royal Devon County Show this month and the Royal Cornwall Show in June. Taking the students will help build up their confidence, and will also be in line with the Percy's philosophy of supporting and working alongside local farmers and producers.
While Tony sent the AA inspector packing a few months ago because he doesn't agree with the grading system, the RAC has fared better. Tony even said the RAC's recent visit was the most constructive and detailed inspection he has had. He's also pleased that they retained their gold ribbon for accommodation and four Dining Awards. "The inspector came across as being there to help and encourage, as opposed to being an adversary," Tony says.
He's also rather cheerful on another note. Tony's horse, Lady Percy, came a disappointing sixth at a recent race meeting, but it turned out to be a loss with a silver lining. He had placed a £55 bet on her to win, but when he checked his ticket, he realised he had been given the wrong bet - for a winning horse. The mistake gave him a windfall of £231 - and it was his birthday, too.
Factfile
Percy's
Virginstow, near Okehampton, Devon
Tel: 01409 211236
Web: www.percys.co.uk
Owners: Tony and Tina Bricknell-Webb
Opened: March 1996
Bedrooms: eight
Restaurant seats: 36 (28 in use)
Estate: 130 acres
Investment: £365,000
Figures, April 2002 to April 2003 (previous year in brackets)
Turnover: £27,237 (£23,237)
Increase: 12.7%
Monthly staffing costs: £4,456 (£3,986)
Room occupancy: 47% (42%)