Bradford College

Formal Appointment of IFA Chief Patron and Associated Patrons

Building on its reputation for global excellence, the International Food Academy (IFA) at Bradford College has joined forces with leading Asian restaurants in the UK to develop a new generation of inspiring young chefs to fill the skills shortage in Asian restaurants.

This comes after the announcement that one in four vacancies in Indian restaurants are unfilled.  Restaurateurs throughout the country are facing an unprecedented ‘Curry Crisis’ and are struggling to find skilled chefs due to a tightening of immigration laws. This red hot issue has since been the subject of Parliamentary debate, with the cuisine worth a staggering £3.5bn to the UK economy.

Critically acclaimed award winning restaurateurs: The Aagrah, Prashad and Chino Thai Lotus will work in partnership with the International Food Academy to develop a range of innovative new courses in Asian and international cuisine in a bid to tackle the national ‘Curry Crisis’.

Mr Mohammed Aslam MBE, Managing Director Aagrah Group of Restaurants has been appointed as the Chief Patron of the IFA.  The Aagrah Group is the UK’s largest chain of Kashmiri Restaurants, with 14 branches throughout Yorkshire, serving on average 18,000 customers every week and employing over 400 staff. Mr Aslam is a shining example of how business and the community can connect for the common good. 

Commenting on being appointed Chief Patron of the IFA, Mr Mohammed Aslam MBE, said: “I am privileged and honoured to be Chief Patron of the International Food Academy (IFA).

Food brings people together. The International Food Academy (IFA) provides a far reaching platform and a great opportunity to work together to support businesses as well as promote our great City”.

Mr Bobby Patel, Proprietor of Prashad Indian Vegetarian Restaurant has been announced as a distinguished Associated Patron. The name ‘Prashad’, which when translated, means ‘Blessed Food’ - lives up to its name. Gordon Ramsay described the food at Prashad as ‘Extraordinary’ and ‘The best vegetarian cuisine he had ever had’ after the critically acclaimed restaurant reached the final of Gordon Ramsay’s hit Channel 4 TV series ‘Ramsay's Best Restaurant’ beating off stiff competition from more than 12,000 eateries nationwide.

Reflecting on the Patronage, Mr Patel said: “Being awarded a Patronage at the International Food Academy is a fantastic feeling. I am very proud to be part of an organisation that is focused on developing solutions for the restaurant industry.  I am keen to continue working with the team in forging a workable solution to aid the industry as a whole.”

Distinguished Associated Patron, Miss Charalene Lee, Managing Director of Chino Thai Lotus is a successful business entrepreneur with a string of restaurants.  As a leading authority on exceptional oriental cuisine, Miss Lee was delighted to become an Associated Patron of the International Food Academy.

To celebrate the formal appointment of the Chief Patron and distinguished Associated Patrons of the International Food Academy a special ceremony took place on Friday January 20th.

Michele Sutton OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Bradford College was delighted to formally appoint Mr Mohammed Aslam, MBE, Mr Bobby Patel and Miss Charalene Lee, during the auspicious occasion. 

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Principal Michele Sutton, OBE said: “We’re delighted that the local restaurateurs and employers want to work so closely with us as Patrons of the Academy.  Working in partnership we can develop a new generation of rising stars to enter the industry.” 

Principal Michele Sutton, OBE continued: “I think it’s really important that young people and other employers see that the base for what we’re doing is in the industry - and that we can train people locally to help businesses in Bradford, Yorkshire and nationally thrive!”

Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles is backing the launch of ‘Curry Colleges’ across the UK and was invited to attend the memorable event, along with Baroness Margaret Eaton and Labour MP Mr Gerry Sutcliffe.

Head of the International Food Academy, Graham Fleming concluded: “We are delighted that our Chief Patron and distinguished Associated Patrons will be figureheads for the International Food Academy.”

“As Patrons, they support and recognise the work that we do at the Academy.  Working in partnership, we can improve recruitment and training within the industry and address the impending shortfall of skilled curry chefs in the Asian restaurants.” 

“With over a million unemployed 18 – 25 year olds, there are jobs in our industry.  Through the Academy - they can go from unemployment, through training, into fulltime employment! Hopefully we will spread good practice across the country – helping to create the award winning chefs of the future!”

• Formal Appointment of IFA Chief Patron and Associated Patrons - Gallery