Last month our team had the honour of participating in the Ready Steady Cook competition in support of Candlelighters Trust, a Yorkshire-based charity dedicated to helping children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

Our Office Manager, Dannielle Perks and Senior Events Manager, Aimee Locke embraced the challenge, competing to create a two-course meal in just two hours using surplus ingredients provided by Company Shop Group.

Keep reading to find out more about Dannielle’s experience on this exciting and meaningful day….

 

Pre-challenge Reflections

What inspired you to participate in the cook-off challenge for Candlelighters?
Let’s just say “inspired” might be a stretch—it didn’t take much convincing when the email invitation landed! It sounded like a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, step out of our comfort zones, and have some fun along the way. Supporting Candlelighters and testing our cooking skills was a no-brainer!

How did you decide on the dishes or themes you were going to cook?
Well… we didn’t! The suspense was part of the excitement. We only learned about the ingredients a week before, and even then, there was a chance the list could change. So, our strategy was simple: wing it on the day and let creativity take over.

What was the overall goal of the event?
For us, it was all about supporting Candlelighters while enjoying a great team-building experience. The event brought together fundraising, camaraderie, and a fun way to raise awareness for a wonderful cause—all in one.

 

During the Cook-Off:

What was the atmosphere like during the cook-off?
The atmosphere was electric—fun and competitive! Some teams were laser-focused, while others took a more relaxed approach. But as the clock ticked down, the pressure ramped up for everyone. The final few minutes were a flurry of plating, last-minute fixes, and a shared sense of urgency.

Were there any standout moments or funny incidents during the cooking process?
Our station stayed relatively drama-free, although our “backup tasters” (eager spectators) polished off any extras we had set aside! Around the room, you could hear whispered tactics, occasional cries for professional help, and, of course, someone inevitably burned something—it wouldn’t be a cooking challenge without it.

What dishes did you create?
We whipped up a two-course meal:

• Main Course: Crispy Chicken on a bed of ragu, served with dauphinoise potatoes.
• Dessert: Honey and apple crumble with caramel jus

 

Post-Event Reflections:

What were the final results? Did you win or receive special recognition?
While we didn’t snag the top prize, we proudly walked away with medals for our efforts. The competition was fierce, which has us motivated to up our game for next year. Ultimately, the real win was raising funds and awareness for Candlelighters—but let’s just say our sous-chef, Aimee, had a harder time letting go of the competitive edge!

What was the most rewarding part of the cook-off challenge?
Seeing how everything came together was incredible. On a personal note, I surprised myself—it was my first time making an apple crumble, and one of the tasters said they’d pay for it in a restaurant! That’s a win in my book.

How did the event help raise funds or awareness for Candlelighters?
Our entry fees directly supported Candlelighters’ fundraising efforts. Beyond that, the event itself was a masterclass in community collaboration: donated ingredients, volunteer time from the college staff and students, and the collective energy of everyone involved made it unforgettable.

What was your favourite part of the experience?
It’s hard to choose! The combination of cooking under time pressure, working as a team, meeting new people, and supporting an incredible charity made the whole experience memorable.

Would you participate in a similar event again? What advice would you give to others?
Absolutely! My advice? Prep a bit beforehand—something we didn’t have much time for. Having a few recipe ideas and thinking about plating could give you a competitive edge. After all, presentation is key—we eat with our eyes first!

 

Participating in the Ready, Steady, Cook challenge was an unforgettable experience that combined fun, teamwork, and charity. We’re excited to keep supporting other great causes in the future!