Springboard UK has announced the winners of this year’s Awards for Excellence, following its much-anticipated virtual event. Celebrating the outstanding achievements in hospitality last year, the winners were selected across 17 categories.

The virtual awards included categories to showcase businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond, demonstrating the ability to quickly adapt and implement new, successful initiatives to support their employees, communities, key workers and the NHS during the pandemic.

Hosted by British comedian and television presenter, Paul Sinha, the event featured appearances from some of the industry’s biggest names, including Paul Ainsworth, Andi Oliver, Michel Roux Jr and Clare Smyth and was watched by almost 450 industry professionals, media and supporters of Springboard. 

With hundreds of entries, over 40 businesses made the shortlist, with the winners recognised for everything from employee health & wellbeing and staff communication, to the best dine at home experience and most innovative alcohol strategy.

Springboard CEO, Chris Gamm, says: “Despite being faced with such adversary in 2020, the hospitality industry went above and beyond and deserves to be celebrated. All the winners have undertaken amazing work, achieving incredible results, despite the circumstances the sector has been faced with. Springboard are thrilled to be recognising them”.

The event also saw the launch of Springboard’s new fundraising initiative – ‘Virtual Race to Nicaragua’. A trek to Nicaragua was set to take place in Central America itself in March 2020, to raise vital funds for Springboard, but the trip was postponed due to COVID-19.

Marketing and Event Partner, Amy-Jane Cahalane says: “The Virtual Race to Nicaragua will take place wherever you are in the UK and your miles will be tracked online, contributing to your team’s progress. We’re giving everybody the opportunity to get involved, get fit, have fun and raise money for Springboard!”  

Teams of 30 people will be encouraged to cover a mere 5,300 miles throughout May 2021, the challenge is sure to excite walkers, runners and cyclists from the hospitality industry and beyond. Find out more about the virtual race to Nicaragua, here www.springboard.uk.net/virtual-race

The winners

Best Implementation of Virtual Training – Sponsored by HIT Training
Interstate Hotels and Resorts

Best Internal Covid-19 Training Programme
D&D London

Best Staff Communication – Sponsored by Caterer.com
The Dorchester Collection & 45 Park Lane

Best Management Preparation – Sponsored by CPL Learning
PPHE Hotel Group

Employee Health & Wellbeing – Sponsored by pladis
Dishoom

Best Employer – Sponsored by American Express
Royal Lancaster London

Best Use of Digital Marketing to Promote Sales or Service
Holiday Inn Barrow in Furness

Best Use of Technology to Improve Customer Experience
Delaware North

Best Delivered “Dine at Home” Experience
Made in Oldstead

Most Innovative Alcohol Strategy
Essex Spirits Company Ltd.

Business Innovation – Sponsored by Compass Group UK & Ireland
Harri

Best National Support for Key Workers – Sponsored by CH&Co
Medirest

Best National Support for Vulnerable People
Now Pause

Best Individual Community Engagement – Sponsored by BaxterStorey
Jeni Edwards (IJess Consulting)

Best Group Community Engagement – Sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
The Dorchester

Best Corporate Social Responsibility – Sponsored by Diageo Learning for Life
Brakes

Chris Beaumont Award – Sponsored by Bidfood
Diego Masciaga

Our award sponsors

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