< Back to stories
HC-One announces semi-finalists for first-ever Chef of the Year competition

This month, HC-One is announcing the 12 talented semi-finalists in our first-ever Chef of the Year competition, marking a major milestone in celebrating culinary excellence across our care homes.

The competition, launched earlier this year, aims to shine a light on the creativity, skill and passion that HC-One’s chefs bring to our residents each day. From preparing nutritious, personalised meals to delivering exceptional dining experiences, our catering teams play a vital role in promoting wellbeing, dignity and quality of life in our homes.

Following a competitive entry process, 12 chefs have been selected to go through to the semi-finals, where they will showcase their culinary talents in a live cook-off on Tuesday 18th June 2025 at Leeds City College Printworks Campus.

Our semi-finalists are:
          ●  Roy Simpson from Balfarg care home in Glenrothes
          ●  Emma Jones from Altham Court care home in Lincolnshire
          ●  Deb Bailey-Knibbs from Highfield care home in Tadcaster
          ●  Kieran, from Snapethorpe Hall care home in Wakefield
          ●  Tatenda Don Jailos from The Harefield care home in Uxbridge
          ●  William Coats from Quayside care home in Yoker
          ●  Duane Brown from Bradley Hall care home in Huddersfield
          ●  Mark Evans from Augustus Court care home in Leeds
          ●  Sean Hampson from Rosebridge Court care home in Wigan
          ●  Leam Cave from Holme Lea care home in Stalybridge
          ●  Philip Greenwood from Elstree Court care home in Eastbourne
          ●  Beata Matusiak from Harley Grange care home in Leicester

Each semi-finalist will be supported by their Group Development Chef mentor as they prepare for the next stage of the competition this summer.

The Chef of the Year competition reflects HC-One’s ongoing focus on food, nutrition and hospitality as key pillars of great care. It also highlights the development opportunities available within HC-One’s catering teams – from apprenticeships to management roles – across our teams in England, Scotland and Wales.

We wish all our semi-finalists the very best of luck in the next stage of the competition and look forward to sharing more as the journey continues!

Explore catering careers with HC-One by visitng our careers website

HC-One’s RV Extra Care Devon named one of the ‘Top 20 Home Care Providers in the South West of England 2025’ for second consecutive year

HC-One’s RV Extra Care Devon located in Honiton, Devon, is delighted to announce that it has been named one of the Top 20 Home Care Providers...

Read more
Celebrating care excellence across HC-One homes

HC-One is delighted to celebrate a series of recent inspection successes across our homes in England and Scotland — with four services...

Read more
Introducing One Community: supporting colleagues making a difference in our communities

We are delighted to announce the launch of One Community – a new HC-One initiative that brings together our shared commitment to supporting...

Read more