Coutts Forum for Entrepreneurs - Social Philanthropy with Fifteen London

On Tuesday 4th December, Coutts & Co hosted a unique Coutts Forum for Entrepreneurs event at the inspirational Fifteen London restaurant, founded by Jamie Oliver.

Sixty of Coutts' entrepreneur clients were given the opportunity to hear Jamie's success story and his wider ambitions for social entrepreneurship at this exclusive private dinner. Guests were treated to an expert demonstration in creating the finest Italian pasta from the Fifteen apprentices. A lucky few got the opportunity to create their own dishes before enjoying a dinner personally prepared by him and his team.

Jamie described his personal journey from apprentice to successful celebrity chef and why he now felt compelled to give back to the industry he loves. Fifteen recruits apprentices from under privileged and often difficult backgrounds to improve their lives through professional chef training. Jamie instills in them a love of food and the processes behind being a chef. When he conceived the concept for Fifteen, all those around him insisted it was too big a risk, but five years on the programme continues to be a resounding success.

Throughout his career Jamie has met numerous passionate and inspiring mentors and he strives to evoke this interest and dedication in his own team. For example their training involves trips to farms, vineyards, fisheries and cheese makers, so providing the opportunity to experience first hand the people and devotion that goes into creating great food. One of Jamie's apprentices, on discussing his own story, said that "if it wasn't for Jamie I would either be dead or in prison", highlighting the impact that this example of social entrepreneurship has had on people's lives. 

Jamie also discussed Fifteen as a model for social entrepreneurship that can work regardless of industry, with benefits for both the employees and employers, and how he hopes to see more business owners replicating this in future.

Guests had the opportunity to ask Jamie intimate questions, including how he selects his apprentices, to which Jamie replied that "the glint in their eyes and ambition" shows him who will benefit the most from the scheme.

The event forms part of Coutts' ongoing commitment to provide platforms for entrepreneurs to network with like-minded individuals and discuss their own business ventures and the challenges and achievements associated with them.