The 48 shortlisted hospitality businesses competing to win a coveted Springboard Award for Excellence on 20th April has been announced.

We were were delighted to receive more than 200 entries and nominations this year, a record number for our prestigious annual awards. This made the judging process tougher than ever for our panels of hospitality professionals, compiled of external 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 20th 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 here.

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 – sponsored by Valor Hospitality

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 UK & Ireland
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 UK & Ireland
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