Following Monday’s final of the 2026 Springboard FutureChef competition, we wanted to share the results!
Competition Results:
- We were delighted to see Kate Skinner, representing North Scotland, crowned as this year’s FutureChef Champion.
- Rya Smith (Wales) was awarded 1st Runner Up, and Ren Hopkin (East Midlands) took 2nd Runner Up.
- We were also proud to see Jessica Klapsia (South West) receive the Brian Turner Award for Taste – a fantastic achievement.
As proud members of the Country Range Group, it’s great to see the continued support for initiatives like FutureChef, helping to inspire young talent and create real opportunities within our industry.
Comment from Amanda McDade, National Head of Careers and Education, Springboard:
“This year’s competition has been our biggest yet, with over 16,000 young people taking part – a true testament to the growing passion and talent within the next generation of chefs. Programmes like FutureChef are vital in nurturing young culinary talent and inspiring future careers in hospitality. None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of partners like Country Range. Their commitment enables us to continue delivering meaningful opportunities, industry connections and hands-on experiences for students across the UK. With their support, we’re confident that FutureChef will remain a transformative platform for young people, opening doors to exciting careers and helping to address the industry’s skills gap. Together, we’re not just shaping future chefs; we’re cultivating the culinary stars of tomorrow.”
