Newcastle College welcomed Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, to campus this week as part of his recent visit to the North East.
Sir Bryant was joined by a host of VIP guests for dinner at our Chefs’ Academy to discuss the progress of the first-ever Destination Development Partnership pilot as it enters its final year.
The pilot, delivered by Destination North East England with the aim of boosting tourism in the region, has now been running for two years after receiving £2.25 million from the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) in 2021.
The dinner saw students from the college preparing and serving food to more than 30 guests including NCG’s CEO Liz Bromley and Principal of Newcastle College Jon Ridley, alongside North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, Sarah Green and John Marshall, the CEO and Chair of NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
Attendees discussed the progress and learnings of the Destination Development Partnership to date and showcased the region’s collective ambition to double the value of the regional visitor economy in ten years.
Jon Ridley said: “We were delighted to welcome Sir Chris Bryant and guests to our campus this week to discuss the Destination Development Partnership and its impact on our region.
“We take our role as an anchor institution of the North East to develop the region’s future and current workforce seriously. Guests at the meal were able to enjoy delicious food and exceptional service in a welcoming setting created by Newcastle College students. Our catering and hospitality students hone their craft in the kitchen and front of house, so when they complete their course or graduate they are ready to work in the hospitality and tourism sector. The Chefs' Academy is open to the public and, as our guests discovered, it is a hidden gem in our city training tomorrow's best talent."
Liz Bromley added: “It was fantastic to welcome Sir Chris Bryant and Mayor Kim McGuiness, as well as partners from across the region to Newcastle College for this important discussion. Educators, employers and local stakeholders working in partnership is key to economic success, so this was an excellent opportunity to discuss how we can work together most effectively for the benefit of our region.
"It was of course made even better by sharing an excellent meal prepared and served by our own students, which was a great example of how Newcastle College develops skilled and talented people who will be at the centre of the region's hospitality and tourism sector."
The evening also gave Newcastle College’s hospitality students a unique opportunity to gain real experience of a formal catered event, something that is key to all courses offered at the College.
The Chefs’ Academy is an award-winning, AA College rosette restaurant, supporting 175 catering and hospitality students to hone their skills in a professional real-working environment.
Isla Hedley, currently studying Level 3 Professional Cookery at Newcastle College said: “Working at the Chefs’ Academy alongside my studies gives me a chance to get real experiences like this, but with the support of my classmates and tutors.
“Cooking for this formal event was a different environment than what I’m used to, especially with ministers and other VIPs there. It was nerve-wracking but it was a good experience that gave me a chance to see what it’s really like to be a chef.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant to the North East and share our ambition to promote the North East globally – growing the sector to bring more visitors to our beautiful region.
“The North East is amazing – so it’s only right that we share it with our visitors! With fantastic culture, history and so much to see and do, the North East continues to welcome tourism that stimulates our local economy and helps us to thrive.
“A huge thank you to the students from Newcastle College’s Chef Academy – their talents are clear to see and really showcased our next generation’s culinary skills!”
Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said:“It was a real privilege to host Sir Chris Bryant alongside our North East Mayor to discuss our plans to attract and unlock further investment and growth across our visitor economy.
“The visitor economy is at the heart of the devolution deal and this visit was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate our growth and investment potential. Together we will transform the North East of England into a world-class, regenerative, accessible, inclusive and welcoming destination.
“A huge thank you to the students from our long-term partners, Newcastle College who prepared and served food for more than 30 high-profile guests, the service was outstanding and was a real demonstration of our region's commitment to developing the next generation of catering and hospitality talent- critical to accelerating our region’s growth potential.”