Springboard Awards for Excellence Winners Announced!
Hilton, Whitbread, Greene King, Dorchester Collection and Vacherin were among the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 winners, crowned at Wembley Stadium yesterday. The star-studded event, delivered in partnership with Delaware North, honoured the sector’s most innovative and dedicated professionals, setting a new benchmark for excellence in the field.
Hosted by the charismatic sports broadcaster Geoff Shreeves, the awards ceremony was a night to remember, featuring a surprise performance by M People’s Heather Small that brought the house down. Guests were treated to welcome drinks in the Lioness Bar, followed by an exquisite four-course meal with paired wines in the prestigious Sir Bobby Moore Room.
| SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS LIST: Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year – Kyle Steward Best Recruitment Initiative Award, sponsored by Caterer.com – Greene King Best Apprenticeship Strategy, sponsored by HIT Training – Mitchells & Butlers Employee Engagement, sponsored by Indeed Flex – Valor Hospitality Best Training Programme, sponsored by IHG – Adam Handling Collection Career Development Initiative, sponsored by Diageo – Z Hotels Best Use of Technology – Brewhouse and Kitchen Talent Development Team of the Year, sponsored by Sybron – Incipio Group Employee Health and Wellbeing, sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels – Punch Pubs & Co Community Engagement, sponsored by 5 Hertford Street & Oswald’s – Greene King Disability Champion, sponsored by Sodexo – Whitbread Diversity, Equality and Inclusion, sponsored by CH&CO – Dorchester Collection Best Education and Industry Partnership – The Belfry Hotel & Resort Sustainable Business, sponsored by Nestlé Professional – Rare Restaurants Springboard Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by BaxterStorey – Alice Barrett, Vacherin Best Employer, sponsored by Boyes Turner – Eden Hotel Collection Partner of the Year – Hilton Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution, sponsored by Bidfood – Ian Smith and Gillian Dalziel, Diageo |
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 were truly spectacular. In a year that once again tested our industry’s resilience, these awards celebrated the determined spirit and impressive innovation that define the hospitality industry. Each nominee and winner represent the very best of our sector, showcasing the bright future of hospitality and the incredible individuals shaping it”.
The event, which raised a record-breaking £179,000 for The Springboard Charity through sponsorship, ticket sales and fundraising. This will help fund Springboard’s work to futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality and tourism by promoting the industry, attracting talent and equipping individuals with essential skills through its employability training courses and careers programmes.
For more information on how to get involved in next year’s awards, please email amyjanec@springboarduk.org.uk.
Allister Richards Appointed Chair of The Springboard Charity
The Springboard Charity is delighted to announce the appointment of Allister Richards, Chief Operating Officer of CH&Co, as its new chair. Allister takes over from Alastair Storey, who has led the charity’s board since 2019, overseeing its growth and impact as it expanded its reach and strengthened its support for those entering the hospitality industry.
During his six years as Chair, Alastair has overseen the charity’s work in supporting more than 21,000 people into jobs in the hospitality industry. A key achievement during his tenure was the successful delivery of the Springboard to 2022 project, which helped the sector rebuild its workforce by equipping job seekers with the necessary skills and opportunities.
Alastair Storey, Chairman and CEO of Westbury Street Holdings, said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of The Springboard Charity and witness the incredible impact it has on young people’s lives. I am confident that under Allister’s leadership, the charity will continue to grow and change lives for the better.”
Allister Richards, Chief Operating Officer of CH&Co, added: “The Springboard Charity plays a crucial role in shaping the future of hospitality by inspiring and supporting the next generation. I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the team to build on its successes and drive further positive change.”
Chris Gamm, Chief Executive of The Springboard Charity, said: “I’d like to thank Alastair for his outstanding leadership and commitment over the past six years. His guidance has helped Springboard grow its impact significantly, supporting more young people into life-changing careers. I’m delighted to welcome Allister as our new chair and look forward to working together to continue driving forward our mission.”
Springboard’s EDI Group Celebrates International Women’s Day
As International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on gender equality worldwide, we’re proud to celebrate the talented women who form the backbone of Springboard’s innovation and culture. Their contributions aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to our commitment to promote an environment where women thrive at every level.
International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the achievements of women and reflect on the work still needed to achieve true equality. At Springboard, we are proud of the talented women who are part of our success, shaping our organisation with their leadership, innovation, and dedication.
A Majority-Women Workforce – Women make up 66.10% of Springboard’s workforce, with 39 female colleagues driving projects, collaborating on solutions, and shaping our company’s future. This figure reflects our ongoing efforts to create opportunities for women.
Leadership That Inspires- 70% of management roles are held by women, with 14 female managers steering teams toward success. This is a percentage well above national averages, as data shows that women make up just 38% of senior leadership in the UK. Their leadership ensures that diverse perspectives shape decision-making at the charity. At the senior executive level, 6 out of 10 senior leaders are women, demonstrating that gender equality isn’t just a goal but a lived reality at Springboard.
Building an Inclusive Future – Our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) group works tirelessly to ensure fairness in our recruitment processes and we’ve embedded inclusivity into Springboard’s DNA.
While we are proud of our progress, we know there is always more to do. Our EDI group works to ensure fairness in recruitment and workplace culture. True inclusivity is not a one-day event – it’s a continuous journey. Let’s keep pushing for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Springboard Empowers Women in Nottingham
A remarkable all-female course took place in Nottingham, offering participants a unique blend of industry insights, skill-building workshops, and empowering experiences. The course, designed to inspire and uplift women in their professional journeys showcased the impact of inclusive environments.
The three-week course consisted of various industry visits and workshops:
Roxy Ballroom
The course kicked off with an exhilarating industry day at Roxy Ballroom, where participants engaged with the female-led team. The day was packed with inspiring career talks, a hands-on cocktail session, and pint-pouring demonstrations. Venue tours and Q&A sessions provided valuable insights into the hospitality industry.
Pitcher & Piano
Led by Events Manager Chelcie G., the visit to Pitcher & Piano proved to be a truly inspiring and empowering experience. Participants felt supported and safe, creating an environment where they could openly discuss their challenges as women seeking employment. This session highlighted the importance of creating supportive spaces for women in the workplace.
Confidence Workshop
A standout feature of the course was the confidence workshop led by Rebekah Henry, Springboard. As the course progressed, participants grew more comfortable with each other, leading to increased confidence in asking questions and sharing experiences. The group’s motivation visibly grew, demonstrating the power of a supportive community.
St James Hotel Experience
Springboard Ambassador, Julian Saunders from the Best Western Hotel Group, provided an immersive industry day at St James Hotel. Participants gained experience in various hotel operations, including kitchen work (complete with bread-making!), table setups, and housekeeping. The day also included valuable interview and industry advice, offering a comprehensive view of the hospitality sector.
Just a few weeks after the course concluded, several participants have secured employment or are pursuing further education! More successful outcomes are expected to follow off the back of this insightful programme.
Time to break the glass ceiling for women in hospitality
Gillian Dalziel, CSR programme manager Learning for Life at Diageo
The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of economic growth and social interaction, offering various career paths for individuals with diverse skill sets and passions. Yet, despite the abundance of opportunities, one big challenge is the prevalence of gender bias and unequal representation at leadership levels for individuals seeking a career in hospitality.
In the UK and Scotland, the industry plays a pivotal role in employing women, with around 60% of the workforce in the UK being female and 54% in Scotland. However, this representation dwindles significantly at senior management levels, with only 11% of senior roles in the UK and 36% of managerial and proprietor roles in Scotland held by women, underscoring the need for greater gender diversity and inclusion initiatives.
As programme manager for Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, I have witnessed both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender equality in hospitality. While the industry is taking commendable steps towards gender equality, a pressing need remains to empower women to ascend to leadership roles.
Delivered in partnership with hospitality charity Springboard, the Learning for Life programme is committed to preparing women for successful careers in this sector and last year 53% of our graduates were female. Our recent all-female workshops in Glasgow and Nottingham exemplifies this commitment, focusing on equipping women with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive. This initiative is part of our broader goal to address the skills shortage in hospitality and promote the sector as a viable, long-term career option.
Several factors contribute to the imbalance in leadership roles. Coupled with persistent gender stereotypes and a masculinised organisational culture that continues to plague the industry, the “ideal worker” notion, tends to favour masculine traits, further sidelining women.
The industry’s demanding and irregular hours also pose significant challenges for women juggling caregiving responsibilities and there remain limited opportunities for networking, mentoring, and sponsorship, which are crucial for career advancement.
To move the dial on gender equality in 2025, the hospitality industry must adopt a multi-faceted approach to address these issues. By implementing family friendly policies and flexible working hours we can help women manage their dual responsibilities. Another essential part to foster trust and fairness is to have transparency in recruitment, promotion and pay equity. Establishing robust mentoring and support networks can guide and encourage women to pursue leadership roles. Additionally, regular training to address unconscious bias and promote an inclusive culture is vital for progress across the sector.
The benefits of having women in leadership roles are well-documented. Studies have shown that companies with women in leadership positions see increased productivity and better financial performance as women often bring different perspectives and insights, enhance collaboration, inspire commitment, and improve organisational fairness.
Having women in leadership creates a positive feedback loop by dissolving stereotypes, promoting true equality, and inspiring others, thereby establishing a pipeline for future generations.
The time for systemic change is now. By advocating for and implementing systemic changes, we can accelerate the pace of gender equality in hospitality, setting an example for other industries. Diageo’s Learning for Life programme and The Springboard Charity are committed to this cause. Through continued effort and dedication, we can create a future where women are not just present in the hospitality industry but are leading it.
60 hospitality superstars shortlisted for the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025
Sixty trailblazing individuals and businesses in the hospitality sector have been shortlisted for the prestigious Springboard Award for Excellence 2025. Winners across 18 categories will be crowned on Wednesday 2nd April 2025 at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
The charity was delighted to receive nearly 200 high quality entries and nominations this year for its renowned annual awards, a testament to the industry’s resilience and commitment to excellence. This year’s entries set a new benchmark, making the judging process exceptionally challenging for panels of esteemed industry professionals, all dedicated supporters and ambassadors of Springboard.
Sponsored by Delaware North, the awards ceremony promises an unforgettable evening at Wembley Stadium, the UK’s largest sports venue. Guests will enjoy welcome drinks in the Lioness Bar, followed by a four-course meal with expertly paired wines by Davy’s, all within the prestigious Sir Bobby Moore Room. Adding to the experience, attendees will have the opportunity to explore rare sporting memorabilia and take in breathtaking views of the iconic football pitch.
These awards recognise and celebrate the UK’s hospitality superstars, recognising individuals and organisations for their innovation, creativity and unwavering commitment to their teams, communities and the wider industry. From developing co-workers to driving organisational growth, nominees reflect the very best of hospitality.
Looking forward to the event, Springboard CEO Chris Gamm said: “The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 are set to be spectacular. In yet another year that has tested our industry’s resilience, these awards celebrate the determined spirit and impressive innovation that define hospitality. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, each nominee represents the very best of hospitality. We’re not just recognising achievement; we’re showcasing the bright future of hospitality and the incredible individuals shaping it.”
Tables and tickets are now available to purchase to attend the event here.
THE SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2025 SHORTLIST:
Best Recruitment Initiative Award, sponsored by Caterer.com
Greene King
Holiday Inn Blackpool / RBH Hospitality Management
Punch Pubs & Co
Sodexo
Valor Hospitality
Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award, sponsored by HIT Training
BaxterStorey
Compass Group UK & Ireland
IHG
Leonardo Hotels
Mitchells & Butlers
Employee Engagement Award, sponsored by Indeed Flex
BaxterStorey
Flat Iron Steak Limited
PPHE Hotel Group
Richmond Hill Hotel
Valor Hospitality
Best Training Programme Award
Adam Handling Collection
Compass Group UK & Ireland
Incipio Group
Leonardo Hotels
Sysco GB
Career Development Initiative Award, sponsored by Diageo
Hilton London Metropole
Leonardo Hotels
Rare Restaurants
Z Hotels
Zizzi
Best Use of Technology Award
A2H Solutions
Brewhouse and Kitchen
Delaware North UK
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Talent Development Team of the Year Award
BM
Dishoom
Incipio Group
Leonardo Hotels
Malmaison & Hotel du Vin
Employee Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
CH&CO
Punch Pubs & Co
Rare Restaurants
Signature Dining
Community Engagement Award, sponsored by 5 Hertford Street & Oswald’s
Apex Hotels
The Breakfast Club
Greene King
mum
Omi Bar
Disability Champion Award, sponsored by Sodexo
The Crumbs Project
Fuller’s
Greene King
Hunky Dory Restaurants, a franchise of McDonald’s Restaurants
Whitbread / Premier Inn
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award, sponsored by CH&CO
BaxterStorey
Dorchester Collection
Haven
Hilton
Indeed Flex
Best Education & Industry Partnership Award
The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences
Aurora Foxes
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
IHG – voco Grand Central Hotel & Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa
Richmond Hill Hotel
Z Hotels
Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Nestlé Professional
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Bidfood
KERB
Rare Restaurants
RBH Hospitality Management
Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey
Alice Barrett, Vacherin
Ben Sutton, The Grand Hotel Brighton
Diana Gailiunaite, CH&CO
Lauren McCormick, Omi Bar
Louise Darroch, Yellow42
Best Employer Award, sponsored by Boyes Turner
BaxterStorey
Dakota Hotels
Eden Hotel Collection
Hilton
Permanently Unique
Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award
Andrew Bennett
Catrina McGregor
Kyle Steward
Nadia Mahichani
Tyana King-Wagner
Springboard partner of the year and Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Bidfood, will be announced on the night.
Springboard celebrates Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Reflecting on Progress
Springboard take great pride in sharing the strides we have made in our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy over the past year. Our dedicated EDI strategy group is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for our team and our beneficiaries. We recognise the importance of monitoring our progress, celebrating our successes and acknowledging areas where we can continue to grow.
Over the past two years, our team has been dedicated to advancing EDI initiatives within our charity and beyond. From implementing new policies and programmes to engaging in meaningful conversations and collaborations, we have worked to create positive change and promote a culture of belonging for all.
In this blog, we will take you on the journey through our achievements, sharing insights, and lessons learned along the way. From increasing representation in leadership positions to hosting impactful events and training sessions, each accomplishment represents a step forward in our collective efforts to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
Join us to reflect on the progress we have made:
Our initial focus was on establishing key objectives and priorities for the group to propel us forward and chart our organisational course.
They are:
Inclusive Culture: Cultivate and promote an inclusive culture that harnesses the talent, skills and diversity within our workforce.
Diverse Workforce: Identify, attract and retain a diverse pool of candidates boasting a rich array of experiences and talents.
Beneficiary Needs: Anticipate the needs of our beneficiaries, ensuring our services are accessible and meet their requirements.
In 2023, we introduced our EDI calendar, curated by our Springboard EDI group and refined based on feedback from our broader team. Below are some highlights of our activities:
- International Women’s Day: We honoured the occasion by celebrating our own inspirational female colleagues and trainees online and conducting a highly motivational session led by empowering female Ambassadors.
- Pride Month: This month served as a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, where we showcased the progress in gay rights and highlighted the ongoing efforts for global equality. We hosted a panel discussion featuring three LGBTQIA+ Hospitality Ambassadors, drawing exceptional feedback from our team and candidates.
- Pronouns Awareness Session: Delivered by our HR Manager, Kristina Dushkova, this session aimed to raise awareness about the importance of respecting individuals’ pronouns, validating their identities and creating a comfortable environment for discussions around this topic.
- National Inclusion Week: We celebrated unity and acknowledged inclusion in all its forms. Our EDI team underwent external training on various inclusion topics and welcomed specialists to share insights on inclusion and best practices.
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Our Head of Employability conducted a training session on race awareness and being ‘anti-racist,’ alongside a guest session where IHG Hotels shared their global initiatives for fostering inclusivity at all levels of their organisation.
These activities represent just a snapshot of our ongoing commitment to EDI and our journey toward creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
We will provide more updates as we continue to drive positive change within our organisation and beyond.
Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025 calls for nominations to celebrate hospitality heroes
The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2025, sponsored by Delaware North, are now open for nominations, inviting individuals and businesses across the sector to showcase their incredible achievements. Set to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in the Sir Bobby Moore Room on 2nd April 2025, the awards promise to be a night of unforgettable celebration, recognition and inspiration.
The Springboard Awards for Excellence honour achievements across various categories, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of the hospitality sector. Categories for 2025 offer a wide range of opportunities for recognition, including:
– Career Development Initiative sponsored by Diageo
– Employee Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
– Sustainable Business Award sponsored by Nestlé
– Community Engagement sponsored by 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s
– Best Employer sponsored by Boyes Turner
– Employee Engagement Award sponsored by Indeed Flex
– Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award sponsored by BaxterStorey
– Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Bidfood…and many more!
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, says: “This is your chance to shine a spotlight on those making a difference. To celebrate excellence in hospitality by recognising those who are committed to raising standards, driving innovation, and championing the industry’s future. Whether you’re a small, family-run business or a large, multi-national company, the Springboard Awards for Excellence is the ultimate platform to showcase your success or nominate someone you feel has gone the extra mile.”
To enter, or nominate an individual or business, simply click here and complete the submission form by Monday 6th January 2025.
Empowering Futures: Sodexo’s Commitment to Workforce Development
This September, our long-time business partner and supporter, Sodexo UK, hosted its 2024 Annual Labour Party Conference Fringe Event in partnership with The Purpose Coalition, at ACC Liverpool. The event showcased the powerful collaboration between Sodexo and Springboard, highlighting their commitment to workforce development and community support.
Mike Green, commercial projects director at Sodexo Live! shared inspiring insights into their ongoing relationship with Springboard. He stated, “The front of house operation for the evening event was fully delivered by team members who have joined us through our Springboard partnership. Jack, the supervisor behind the bar, was employed into our supervisory team only three weeks ago. He came for an enrichment day having been unemployed for some time. The team spotted his potential during the day and asked him to come back for an interview, along with another trainee, Andrew. Both were then given positions in our team on site, with Andrew becoming a floor manager.”
Mike added that they have recruited 55 employees from Springboard during the past three years into the Sodexo Live! team at ACC Liverpool “None of these have been recruited through job fairs etc. They have all been brought in having been provided with work experience or after enrichment days and workshops that we host with Springboard. We bring Springboard trainees in, give them a site tour and allow them to shadow work with our senior team. We also support telephone interviews to help prepare the trainees for other work opportunities.”
Mike expressed pride in the team’s efforts, noting that this is just one aspect of the extensive outreach and training initiatives that they implement. He emphasised the significant value this relationship brings to the local community, a sentiment echoed by the Springboard team.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Natalie Kendall, the interim catering services director for Sodexo Live! at ACC Liverpool for her leadership; to Melissa O’Neil, who oversees staffing for the food and beverage operation, as well as Wade Dutton, the training and development manager who manages the relationship with Springboard and the Sodexo Live! team. Wade’s dedication to inclusion has also earned him a nomination for the Spirit of Inclusion category, representing Sodexo Live! in the Sodexo UK annual Spirit of Sodexo Awards.
We also extend our gratitude to Kate Nicholls, Chair of the ACC and Springboard Trustee, for her unwavering support.
Give Back This Christmas: Support Springboard with Your Raffle Ticket Purchase and a Chance to Win Big!
Christmas is just two months away today and we’re inviting you to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of unemployed individuals seeking meaningful careers.
This Christmas, your donations to the Springboard Charity can help transform the
futures of countless trainees facing barriers to employment.
To add a touch of excitement to the festivities, the charity are holding an online Christmas raffle and tickets are available now for just £10 each. You could be in with the chance of winning one of five exquisite prizes, perfect for treating yourself or gifting to your team, clients loved ones or friends.
Why not ditch the tacky Secret Santa presents this year and buy the thoughtful gift of a raffle ticket, giving your colleague the chance to win an exquisite prize and donating to Springboard on their behalf?
Prizes include:
- A GAIL’s Bakery Hamper
- A champagne afternoon tea for two at Fortnum & Mason
- Lunch for Two, including a bottle of wine chosen by the Sommelier in Wolfgang Puck’s at CUT
- One night accommodation including breakfast at art’otel Hoxton
- A Cocktail Masterclass for four at any Nightcap venue
For more information and to purchase raffle tickets, click here.
Together, we can futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality. Thank you for your support!