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
Interstate Hotels and Resorts
Best Staff Communication
The Dorchester Collection & 45 Park Lane
Employee Health & Wellbeing
Dishoom
Best Use of Digital Media to Promote Sales or Service
Holiday Inn Barrow in Furness
Best Delivered “Dine at Home” Experience
Made in Oldstead
Best National Support for Vulnerable People
Now Pause
Best Group Community Engagement
The Dorchester
Best Internal Covid-19 Training Programme
D&D London
Best Management Preparation
PPHE Hotel Group
Best Employer
Royal Lancaster London
Best Use of Technology to Improve Customer Experience
Delaware North
Most Innovative Alcohol Strategy
Essex Spirits Company Ltd.
Best National Support for Key Workers
Medirest
Best Individual Community Engagement
Jeni Edwards (Ijess consulting)
Best Corporate Social Responsibility
Brakes
Business Innovation
Harri
Chris Beaumont Award
Diego Masciaga
