The 48 shortlisted hospitality businesses competing to win a coveted Springboard Award for Excellence on 20 April has been announced. The charity were delighted to receive more than 200 entries and nominations this year, a record number for their prestigious annual awards. This made the judging process tougher than ever for the panels of hospitality professionals, compiled of external Springboard supporters and ambassadors.

The awards ceremony itself will take place aboard Oceandiva, Smart Group’s impressive 600 capacity, 86 metre long vessel, a revolutionary, Co2 neutral event space, on the River Thames.

Broadcaster and journalist Gordon Smart, presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, will be the host for this year’s awards. Gordon is predominantly known for having hosted afternoon shows on talkSPORT, BBC Radio Scotland, the evening show on Radio X and Weekend Breakfast on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The awards will recognise and celebrate the UK and Ireland’s hospitality superstars. This includes those who have inspired us over the last year with their resourcefulness, creativity, innovative ideas, those who have supported the growth of their organisation, developed their co-workers and been leaders within their communities.

Looking forward to the event, which takes place on 20 April, Springboard’s CEO, Chris Gamm said: “The Awards for Excellence is a great opportunity for the industry to come together and commend our top businesses, showcasing their successes and hugely talented workforce. Each year, the award ceremony grows and becomes more exquisite; This year is no different and we are excited to be holding the Awards for Excellence on this exclusive new venue on the River Thames.”

Tables and tickets are now available to purchase to attend the event at https://springboard.uk.net/springboard-awards-for-excellence-2023

 

THE SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2023 SHORTLIST: 

 

Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award – supported by Braehead Foods

Safiyyah Fletcher

Jacqueline Haney

Jordan Harrison

Scott Heeps

Toby Markham

 

Best Training Programme

Brewhouse and Kitchen

Eden Hotel Collection

Elior UK

Tattu

Umbel Restaurant Group

 

Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award – sponsored by HIT Training

Brewhouse and Kitchen

Compass Group UK & Ireland

Greene King

Mitchells & Butlers

Sodexo

 

Best Education & Industry Partnership

Aurora Foxes & Hilton

IHG Hotels & Resorts

Manchester Hotel Association

Millennium & Copthorne Hotel at Chelsea FC

Sodexo

 

Best Recruitment Initiative – sponsored by Caterer.com

Accor Hotel Services

Axiom Hospitality

BM Caterers

Brewhouse and Kitchen

Gails Bakery

 

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – sponsored by CH&CO

Compass Group

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea FC

Rare Restaurants

Sodexo

The Crumbs Project

 

Disability Confidence Award – sponsored by Sodexo

Brewhouse and Kitchen

Hotel Brooklyn

The Crumbs Project

 

Best Talent Onboarding – sponsored by Mapal

Compass Group

Dishoom

Gleneagles

Hand Picked Hotels

Rare Restaurants

 

Career Development Initiative – sponsored by Diageo

Dakota Hotels

Leonardo Hotels

Philema Hospitality Management

The Athenaeum Hotel

Z Hotels

 

Employee Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Blue Badge Access

Eden Hotel Collection

RBH Hospitality Management

The Hari

Valor Hospitality

 

Best Retention Initiative – sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels

Dishoom

Philema Hospitality Management

Searcys

The Belfry Hotel & Resort

 

Business Innovation Award – sponsored by Harri

BM Caterers

Dorchester Collection

Marsham Court Hotel

Sodexo

 

Sustainable Business Award – sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems

Apex Hotels

Hilton

Lamington Group

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Lexington Catering

Rare Restaurants

 

Community Engagement – sponsored by 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s Clubs

Mum Recruitment

Rare Restaurants

RBH Management

Steel Hospitality

Wagamama

 

Best Employer- sponsored by American Express

Brewhouse and Kitchen

Eden Hotel Collection

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

The Belfry Hotel & Resort

The Pineapple Club, Birmingham

 

Springboard Ambassador of the Year

Geoff Baird, Henderson Group

Parris Beckford, Turtle Bay

Christopher Fox, Apex Hotels

Michael Taylor, Sodexo

Jill Whittaker, HIT Training