Northampton College, Booth Lane Campus, 3 July 2025
The annual Jeff’s Way Awards, part of last night’s Northampton College Annual Awards, once again honoured outstanding young talent in the culinary and hospitality sector, recognising students from Northampton College who have shown exceptional skill, commitment, and promise in their respective disciplines.
The Jeff’s Way initiative was established in memory of Whitco’s founder, Jeff Whitaker, following his untimely death in 2018. The awards programme provides transformative work placements at some of the UK’s most prestigious hospitality venues, fully funded to include accommodation, travel, and mentoring, helping young people build confidence, gain experience, and advance their careers.
This year’s awards celebrate three exceptional students:
Bella McCue – The Jeff Whitaker Award 2025 (left)
Placement: With Alistair Birt, Senior Head Pastry Chef at Harrods, London
Bella completed Level 2 Professional Chef training before specialising in patisserie and bakery. Her consistently high grades and passion for pastry reflect her ambition to master this highly skilled craft.
Ben Crawford – Student Chef of the Year (right)
Placement: With Andy MacKenzie, Executive Chef at Exclusive Collection of Hotels and Venues, via the Chefs Academy
Having completed Level 2 and 3 Advanced Professional Chef courses, Ben is known for his focused approach and strong academic performance. He is planning to continue his studies at university to deepen his expertise and broaden his culinary perspective.
Jack Cole – Hospitality Student of the Year
Placement: With Chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin at Galvin La Chapelle, a Michelin-starred restaurant in London
Jack has excelled on the Hospitality and Events course, demonstrating a natural flair for customer service and attention to detail. His placement will span both front- and back-of-house operations, offering valuable insight into the complete hospitality experience.
Each placement offers a one-week stage at a centre of excellence committed to developing future talent. The programme has already produced a strong alumni network known as Jeff’s Brigade, whose members have gone on to work in elite kitchens or launch their own businesses.
Vita Whitaker, CEO of Whitco, said: “Jeff’s Way is more than an award – it’s a legacy that opens doors, builds confidence, and fosters real-world growth for exceptional young people. We are incredibly proud to partner with industry leaders who continue to champion and invest in future talent. Seeing the progress of our past winners proves just how impactful these experiences can be – both personally and professionally.”
In a gesture of thanks to the placement hosts, Wilmax England Tableware—one of Whitco’s exclusive partners—will be sending a curated selection of tableware to each establishment. These elegant pieces not only showcase the professional standard Whitco champions but also provide a practical tool for the students to present their dishes in a polished and professional manner.
Recipients are invited to plate and photograph selected dishes with the students, creating high-quality imagery for both their personal portfolios and the growing Jeff’s Way archive. These visuals help capture the spirit of the programme and serve as lasting reminders of the journey each student has undertaken.
For more information about the Jeff’s Way programme, visit https://whitcoltd-com.stackstaging.com/about/jeffs-way/
For more press information please contact:
SJ Middleton
PR & Marketing Director
E: sj@whitcoltd.com
T: 07977 184136