Oxford Brookes students win Young Guns competition

17 March 2009 by Daniel Thomas

Two hospitality students from Oxford Brookes University have been crowned as the winners of this year's Young Guns competition.

Fiona Stewart and Amelieke Verwiel beat strong competition from eight other finalists and will now attend the Catering & Hospitality Forum on board cruise ship Arcadia between 17-20 June.

Whilst on board, the winners will receive a thorough mentoring during an intensive two-day immersion into the hospitality industry

Verwiel was described by judges as "calm, together, mature: an exceptional candidate", while Stewart was seen as "polished and professional from the moment she walked in".

Stewart said: "The whole experience was amazing and it was good to meet all the judges but also all the students who had different experiences whilst on placement."

Verwiel added: "It is such an honour to be recognised in this way for the achievements on my placement year and my potential for the future."

They were picked out by a judging panel (see below) at a lunch at Mosimann's in London last Thursday.

Anne Pierce, chief executive, Springboard UK (chairman)
Mat Baker, director of foodservice, Premier Foods
Damian Clarkson, managing director, Red Snapper Events
Henry Dimbleby, chief executive, Leon Restaurants
John Campbell, head of food & beverage, The Vineyard at Stockcross
Emily Manson, deputy features editor, Caterer
Sean Wheeler, group director of people development, Malmaison & Hotel du Vin
Tim West, chief executive, Lexington Catering
Lyn Weimer, people development director, Virgin Limited Edition
Michele Young, retail & brands director, BB's Coffee and Muffins