Quotes from the day
Betty Hale, former facilitator for Restormel Regeneration Partnership and Restormel Borough Council, said: “I am thrilled that Fifteen is here and to have been present at such a happy occasion. The building, the setting, the bright new students – Jamie Oliver and his Fifteen teams from Cornwall, London and Amsterdam - all under one splendid roof to launch this inspiring programme for Cornish youngsters. The organisation by the team at Watergate Bay was exemplary making a very relaxed and fun occasion for all.” www.restormel.gov.uk
Don McKenzie, head of catering at Cornwall College, said: “The apprentices came to the college with very little knowledge or ability in the kitchen but with a willingness to learn and what we have already seen is a growth in confidence. It is good to see them now putting their training into context in this environment.” www.cornwallcollege.co.uk
Mark Williams, Learning and Skills Council head of policy for Cornwall said: “The multi-agency investment in the young people is really important for us and now we can physically see how it has all come together - from the environment they are working in to the training and support that they have been given in college and work placements. The young people are animated, the inspiration from Jamie Oliver is tremendous and the money we invested is hugely justified.” www.lsc.gov.uk
Carolyn Webster, European Programmes and Funding Manager, from Jobcentre Plus said: “The restaurant is fantastic and the best thing is the look on students’ faces – the focus is and should be on them today. Although it seems long time ago that we started talking about Fifteen, this has been a real achievement in a short space of time for Cornwall.
“We feel that Fifteen Cornwall will inspire young people to see that there are superb opportunities in Cornwall and see what they can achieve. We have always found jobs in the catering and hospitality industry hard to fill and we need more trained top class chefs in Cornwall. This project is a good thing for the future of this sector.” www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Malcolm Bell, chief executive for South West Tourism, said “The region has been acknowledged as a top region for food and drink and the creation of this restaurant and its association with Jamie Oliver is the icing on the cake. Jamie Oliver involvement - alongside Michael Caines, Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall, John Burton Race and Rick Stein - shows the south west is a region for excellent chefs which offers a choice high quality food.” www.southwesttourism.co.uk
Deborah Smith, head of tourism for VisitCornwall, said: “This is a story about our strategy for economic development and we need to make all sectors work harder and smarter together to achieve this. Putting Jamie Oliver’s name to the regeneration of disadvantaged areas and to support and investment in youngsters who have not got off to best start in life is really important part of this.
“Our surveys show that people see coming to Cornwall for food and restaurants as important as going to the beach – it is an integral part of tourism. Food, tourism and agriculture – all of which are involved in Fifteen Cornwall – make up half of Cornwall’s economy so this project can only be a positive boost for the region.” www.visitcornwall.co.uk
Gareth Pinwell, Restormel Borough Council Chief Executive, said: “The Fifteen launch event went very well – it was great to meet with the young people who will benefit from this innovative project. I am proud that Restormel Borough Council has been involved with this significant project. It assists the Council to meet several of its priorities it wishes to deliver for its community. The facility will stimulate the economy and tourism prospects of Newquay and Watergate Bay. It will also create employment opportunities for the students as well as providing Cornwall with a pool of talent that can be developed further.” www.restormel.gov.uk
Councillor Annette Egerton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Restormel Borough Council, said: “I was delighted to see the pride on the faces of the student chefs and very proud to think that our organisation helped to enable them to have this opportunity. I was also very impressed with the design of the restaurant which has gained national acclaim.” www.restormel.gov.uk
Cllr Terry Lello, Cornwall County Council, said: “I followed Jamie’s last programme and recognise the pressures to be found in a commercial kitchen.
“I’m delighted to be here today and especially impressed with the students and the way they have introduced themselves. They seem confident, happy and very comfortable as a group.
“We have an issue in Cornwall’s children’s services about raising the aspirations of young people in Cornwall – improving their whole life opportunities. I believe this project is welcome and inspirational. Jamie has vision – a great buzz that young people will identify with. I hope today’s students are as excited as we are for them.” www.cornwall.gov.uk
Cllr Andrew Mitchell Cornwall County Council, said:“It’s wonderful to see all the partners involved with this fantastic project here today supporting Fifteen Cornwall.
Given the levels of support shown by businesses and individuals I am sure its success is guaranteed.”
Mark Yeoman, Cornwall Objective One, said: “The Objective One investment has provided a real catalyst for a unique training platform for young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“It links to the ambitions of quality tourism with our local quality food and drink producers and the need to provide real training and career prospects for our young people.” www.objectiveone.com
Stephen Bohane, South West of England Regional Development Agency, said: “Fifteen Cornwall builds and expands two of the two truly distinctive aspects of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; tourism and its local food and drink, putting them at the heart of the regeneration of the local area.
“The opening has been fantastic – there’s a real buzz and the professionalism and confidence of the students is remarkable.
“It has been exciting to see the results of the South West of England Regional development Agency’s investment in this amazing building and its exceptional training kitchen.
“This is another landmark in putting Cornwall on the map internationally as a destination for excellent food and drink.” www.swrda.co.uk
Helen Blake, director of Absolute Design, interior designers, said: “The biggest thing for me now Fifteen Cornwall is open is that it looks exactly like the original design concept – exactly how we wanted it to look – almost better.
The team from Fifteen were great clients who fully supported and trusted our ability to deliver a real wow factor for Cornwall.
“Our inspiration was a real mixture of Jamie Oliver – his personality, surf culture which he is very much part of, location and building, without being too contrived.
It’s all about understanding the customer experience; zoning areas for lots of different types of moods and making a place to work all year round. Fifteen is not just a seasonal destination but must work on a cold winter’s day and the height of summer alike.
“That can be quite a challenge – but the zoning helps. People coming to Cornwall really are design savvy and used to having properly designed spaces; contemporary Cornwall is now wholly up with the contemporary vibe.” www.absolutedesign.co.uk
Dave Noon - Noon Projects
Dave’s Project management team were first onto the site and last off each day taking total control of all work and budgets in delivery, having been involved right from the early tendering and planning stages of the project.
He said: “Of course there have been challenges; we have the best destination for a restaurant in the South West, half way down a cliff, to complete in just 14 weeks. It meant managing many trades simultaneously on site – but all pulled together to deliver a team effort which meant Fifteen Cornwall could open on time. Nearly 90% of the team were locally employed and understand how important this project is for Cornwall.
“It’s been a great job though, proving that Cornwall has the skills and ability to deliver a world class restaurant on time, on budget – and that’s in a short time and to a tight budget.”
Helen Blake added the project would not have happened without Dave! www.noonprojects.co.uk
Manda Brookman – COAST Project
As far as COAST is concerned this is the triple bottom line in action! – the social, the economic and the environmental impact of the tourism industry.
“Fifteen sets out to be socially and economically sustainable – working with youth of a historically deprived area. Fifteen Cornwall has to be commercially viable.
Because of the extra investment in development of environmental systems the restaurant is setting the bar high for environmental sustainability. It makes Fifteen an iconic example of the triple bottom line working together.”
Objective One’s Mark Yeoman adds “Both the environment and giving opportunities to all are key parts of the quality agenda for Objective One and Fifteen Cornwall have taken this goal and provided a real exemplar project delivering economic regeneration and environment gains. www.cstn.org.uk
John Stewart, Foundation Trustee and Director of Fun of Worlds Apart Ltd, a children’s toy and lifestyle company, said: “I’m just overwhelmed by the passion of the apprentices seeing them talking with such enthusiasm and seeing how they have grown during their course. We’ve had fabulous food and relished the confidence, style and nervous energy around today’s launch lunch.” www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/thefifteenfoundation.htm
James Staughton, MD St Austell Brewery, said: “Cornwall strikes again! The Ffteen experience is a world beater.” www.staustellbrewery.co.uk
Steve Abbott, MD Abbotts, said:“Superb venue, fantastic concept, great food, enthusiastic students, winning combination!”
Laurence Osborne, Principal Partner, Laurence Associates, said:“Excellent food and inspirational experience for Cornish youngsters; we are really impressed by the confidence of the students who have been absolutely superb.” www.laurenceassociates.co.uk
Peter Castell, Business Development Manager Combined Universities in Cornwall, said: “Brilliant. The overwhelming impression is the positive outlook of everyone which has been absolutely inspiring. Not only these students, but for all students in the future.
“It’s a challenge to encourage young people to aspire to be world class, Fifteen has proved that with leadership and mentoring it is possible to succeed. Well done Fifteen!” www.cuc.ac.uk
Mr and Mrs Ashworth Senior said: “Our overwhelming impression from visiting Fifteen in London is that of being welcomed into a family; it was a great buzz and an important approach which our sons have picked up on very effectively.
“All the family has a deep love of Cornwall and believe in this project; it’s key that people support the restaurant to make it successful so the charitable Foundation can continue to support and inspire students. Everyone has been so impressed with the apprentices; their great confidence and sense of purpose. It’s wonderful for them and wonderful for Cornwall.”
Tim Smit, Founder Eden Project, said: “Fifteen is so much more than a great new restaurant – it is a statement of confidence in Cornwall; and so much more than that – a statement of confidence in the kids that will go through this place.
“The fact it is already booked up into the future augers really well for the long term.” www.edenproject.com
Philip Rees, Chairman Board of Governors, Cornwall College said: “It is incredibly impressive that 21 of 23 students achieved their NVQ1 in just 4 months; these students who are so bright, bubbly and extrovert now, showing great personal and professional development during their training time.
“Fifteen is deeply impressive and enjoyable; while the concept is something that transforms people who never before had opportunity.
“Today’s launch has been the best testament to what a talented team can achieve through leadership, training and example.” www.cornwallcollege.co.uk
Dan Rogerson MP said: “Fifteen shows that if you give young people in Cornwall a chance they will take it.
“That’s the opportunity Jamie and Fifteen has given them – not just a platform but a springboard. I look forward in 10 years’ time to attending the opening of the first restaurant opened by a Cornish Fifteen student.”
Mayor of Restormel - Cllr Denise Mutton said: “This is an absolutely fantastic launch; Fifteen’s a great opportunity for youngsters, it’s great for Cornwall and it is wonderful to see it all happening in the Borough of Restormel.” Link to www.restormel.gov.uk
Nicholas Malcolm, Managing Director, Sands Resort said: “Fantastic! Just what Cornwall needs! Fifteen is going to be wonderful for the area and at Sands Resort we know we are already taking bookings as a result. Fifteen is also really stylish and it is good to know that it’s local creative designers that are giving Cornwall a contemporary twist.” www.sandsresort.co.uk
Lady Mary Holborow, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, said: “Fifteen Cornwall’s going to be really good for the north coast and especially Newquay. This is another restaurant which is attractive to people both within and without of Cornwall as well as helping these wonderful young people.”
