England's National Culinary Team - case study

Competing every two years consecutively in major worldwide culinary competitions, namely the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg and The Culinary Olympics in Erfurt in Germany (both held every four years), England's National Culinary Team have done their part for the Saint George flag since 2008. Since 2010 Lee Corke has led the team and the way in the role of Manager. Even before this role, Corke was already doing his part for the country. Originally a team chef in the Combined Services Culinary Arts Team and,  prior to reforms, an integral part of the British team, whom he captained for years, the world of culinary competitions has run hand in hand with his career. 
 
In his role as Manager, Corke explained that his tasks are multiple. From registering the team, ensuring that fees are paid to the drafting of menus, which need to be sent over in advance, and organising of the all important training sessions in which the teams spend vital time perfecting their dishes. "Last year, for example, the team came together for a workshop for a day in October and prepped a meal for 250 as practice", explained Corke. "They then went on to compete in the Battle for the Dragon in North Wales, which England won with a high Silver and then they received a Gold for their Buffet table at Hotelympia. We are very lucky to have sponsors like Major who facilitate getting to these events. And not only, we also love using their products. The Major Pan-Asian range is great to work with. Aromatic, clean flavours and simple to use at the same time."
 
How does a Chef going about being drafted in to represent England, was one of Major's questions for Corke. He explained that the selection process isn't too strict. "Candidates usually come in the form of Chefs who have done well or have a background in the competition arena. A nucleus of Chefs who work well with each other might be found at Hotelympia for example, which makes for a strong team. In fact, we have a core of about four who have competed together for about four years now. As standalone Chefs, each member of the team is exceptional in their field but for continuity purposes and maintaining standards, renewed participation is important. It also helps drive the competition forward."
 
With regards to the junior team, the selection process is a little different. "The junior team, on the other hand, is formed of students or former students from University College Birmingham. If you had a team with members recruited from all over the country, it would be real struggle to get them together, coinciding release from Head Chefs, restaurants or wherever they are working. Having a lecturer onsite also helps with preparation" said Corke.
 
With the next 2016 Culinary Olympics to be held at the latter end of October, Lee Corke explained why it is so important to be at the event and represent the nation. "Whilst the event is better known amongst Chefs, it is not widely publicized in Britain as the event itself is put on by World Chefs, a worldwide organisation of Chefs societies to which the BFC is affiliated, it really is a huge and dynamic arena to take part in."  To give an idea of numbers and sheer scale, over the four-day event there are usually 36 national teams, 20 junior teams and 10 kitchens on the day, all producing food for up to a thousand people, which as Lee quite rightly pointed out, "is a great opportunity to pitch our skills against some of the best in the world". Major could not agree more.
 
And that all important question...How are the team shaping up this year? Corke is hopeful. "Whilst we have had our ups and downs in terms of results in the past, this year there is a distinctively positive feeling within the team. The Battle of the Dragon and Hotelympia served as excellent confidence boosters. Now, all we need to do is to refine our dishes. We definitely have a good base and a good chance of achieving our goals."
 
Whatever the outcome, it is safe to say that Major are most certainly proud sponsors of the BCF England’s National Culinary team and will be rooting for them all the way. Major’s Managing Director, David Bryant, has said hat he will most certainly be making a trip to Erfurt in October to cheer for the team in person.  “Having sponsored the team for many years now we have high hopes for October.  On behalf of everyone at Major, we wish the very best of luck to Lee, Nick and all the Chefs in England's National Culinary Team. I look forward to watching you in action” said Bryant. “Be inspired and Go create!”