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.