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.