• home
• about
• awards
• events
• resources

1 nomination from readers

• Hoxton Apprentice is the best example of a quality and competitive business that is solely focused on effecting social change. There are many examples of similar enterprises, however they may either provide training or return a proportion of their profits to social causes. Hoxton Apprentice is different. It is a consistently professional business operation that has received critical acclaim since opening in 2004, including the first Michelin recommendation for a social enterprise restaurant. Most importantly though, Hoxton Apprentice deserves recognition for the work it does with individuals, over 120 apprentices have worked in the restaurant since it opened. For example, Leon started as an apprentice in 2004 - with no job, no qualifications and feeling as though he had no future. On completion of the apprenticeship he moved on to work at White's Gentleman's Club, and has since progressed to a Chef de Partie role at the Commonwealth Club. Sophia was an apprentice in 2005, during which time she overcame housing issues, and finally moved out of the hostel system, and developed such strengths and confidence in herself that she was able to apply for a professional position at the restaurant working as a senior waitress and supporting other apprentices coming through the programme. She is now working at a private member's club in Piccadilly as a senior waitress.

  The success of Hoxton Apprentice is ultimately the result of a staff team truly dedicated to the work they do, and they deserve recognition for this. It would mean so much for them to be rewarded for their work. The restaurant manager, Patrick, is not only dedicated to making the restaurant a business success, he also devotes much of his time supporting apprentices to overcome the many barriers they face.

  18 May 2008