News and Events

Fourth Young Gun Winner for Bournemouth

13 April 2007

BU student and 2007 ‘Young Gun’ Sam Johnson

A BU student is celebrating success after being named the UK’s ‘Young Gun’ for 2007 by The Catering Forum.

Sam Johnson is in the final year of a BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Management at BU and is one of just two winners in the national competition that recognises catering and hospitality students who have excelled during their professional placement.

Sam competed against eight other finalists at Mosimann’s in London and was praised by judges for the way he handled his year long placement at the Royal Household, Buckingham Palace.

He said: “I am ecstatic to have won the Young Guns competition. The Royal Household provided a totally unique opportunity and I learned so much about delivering hospitality at the highest level.

“This accolade of being a ‘Young Gun’ in itself is a great achievement that I am very proud of.”

Sam follows in the footsteps of previous ‘Young Guns,’ including last year’s winners Nick Conolly and Josie Simcox, 2005 winner Michelle Roberts, and Lucinda Bence who was named ‘Young Gun’ in 2004.

Sam’s advice to next year’s placement students is simple: “Set your sights as high as possible and aim to be the best!

“While on your placement work hard, be enthusiastic to learn and most importantly demonstrate that you are extremely motivated to employers.

“As I found, conducting myself in this way does and can create many opportunities that at first may seem inconceivable.”

Sam’s award as a ‘Young Gun’ will be formally recognised on board the luxury cruise ship Arcadia in June.

Sam will spend three days and nights on board networking with senior players within the hospitality and leisure industry.

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