Cyrenians partnership shortlisted for ECC Business Award
‘Hugely positive’ partnership between Cyrenians and Hawksmoor shortlisted for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Award
Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for the annual ECC Business Awards and we are delighted to be able to share that our partnership with the Edinburgh branch of Hawksmoor, the international steak and seafood restaurant, has been shortlisted in the ‘Inspiring Partnership’ category.
[pictured: Staff from Edinburgh Hawksmoor launching the partnership with Cyrenians at the Cyrenians FareShare Depot in 2022]
Since the partnerships inception in 2022, Hawksmoor employees and Cyrenians ‘Good Food’ and Fundraising teams have been working closely together to share hospitality skills with service users and raise money for homelessness prevention in Edinburgh.
Through special menu items and volunteer days, Hawksmoor staff have contributed over 50 hours of staff time and raised over £11,400 – boosting the confidence and the employment prospects of participants and providing Cyrenians with the funds to support this skills development work.
Kevin, who attended one of Hawksmoor’s sessions at the Cook School, has since found the confidence to seek hospitality experience and is now in paid employment with Cyrenians.
He said: “The knowledge from Mike [Head Chef at Hawksmoor] was very helpful and interesting from a professional chef’s perspective and [to experience] the pace of a working kitchen.”
Hawksmoor has also benefited from the partnership, with the opportunity to understand more about the complexities and challenges faced by vulnerable people in Edinburgh and how they might support staff facing similar challenges in the future.
Caoimhe Duignan, Business Development Manager at Hawksmoor Edinburgh, said:
‘Our partnership with Cyrenians has become a pillar of inspiration for the entire team here at Hawksmoor Edinburgh. Beyond the immediate benefits of heightened morale and job satisfaction, it offers invaluable insights into the lives of people within our wider community and serves as a catalyst for good. Through ongoing collaboration, Cyrenians has highlighted how we can have a positive and long-lasting impact on improving the wellbeing of many people struggling across the city in which we work.
We recognise the role that business and the hospital industry specifically can play in tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness. In order for business to thrive, accessible and affordable housing must be available and structures in place to give people industry skills and the opportunities to come into hospitality. ’
Sophie Bell, Fundraising Manager at Cyrenians said:
“We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award. Our partnership with Hawksmoor is hugely positive and beneficial for us. They help us spread awareness about the reality of homelessness and generously share their time and expertise, not least in catering and hospitality, to hugely benefit the people we support. Hawksmoor has boosted our ability to raise valuable funds to support our work and has helped us engage, encourage and thank high level donors and supporters.”
The ECC award winners will be announced on Thursday 29 February.