Slava Marynychenko has been announced as a finalist for the Learning, Skills and Development Award at the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, sponsored by Keele University.

Slava is studying Level 3 NVQ Professional Cookery at NSCG Stafford College while working at Lowes on Carter Street, where his head chef and mentor George Lowe has said he will be one of the best chefs of his generation. That assessment is already being tested on a national stage. Slava has completed a stage at Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, a Michelin-starred restaurant, competed in the Unox Combi Guru and British Culinary Federation events, and has been named a finalist in the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition. He has also been nominated in the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards Rising Star category. Within college, he is as well regarded for what he gives his peers as for what he achieves himself.

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Slava’s story is one of genuine talent meeting exceptional dedication. To be working in a professional kitchen, studying at college, competing at national level and earning a Michelin-starred stage all at the same time takes a rare kind of drive. Good luck to Slava for the Awards evening.”

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026, followed by The After Party, a late-night celebration for finalists, winners and partners.

To find out more about the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk/awards.