The cream of Sheffield hospitality industry came together last night (Thursday 4 October), to celebrate the 16th annual Sheffield Hospitality Association Awards, held at Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa.
Hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield and Look North’s very own Tom Ingall, the Bond themed award ceremony celebrated the very best of the city and wider region’s hotel and venue professionals, those often, unsung heroes, who work tirelessly to make sure that guests and tourist to the region, have a great visit.
Now under the banner of SCR Hospitality, the hospitality association covering the Sheffield City Region, to reflect the organisations growing membership across Sheffield, South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Headline sponsorship was received from City Taxis and support from Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Beacon Purchasing and Jay Jay Media ensuring the 16th anniversary celebrations were a roaring success.
Kenwood Hall became Casino Royal for the evening with Bond theme celebrations, complete with casino tables, Bond villains and a welcome Martini cocktail, shaken not stirred!
Steve Whittaker, Chair of SCR Hospitality Association, said:
“I am immensely proud to be the Chair of SCR Hospitality Association and have the opportunity to honour the best of the city and wider region’s hospitality industry. The Awards is one of the most highly anticipated events of the calendar and this year did not disappoint!
We had the highest number of entries ever in our 16th year of running these awards and the calibre of nominations were exceptional. Our judges had a tough job to decide upon the winners, and almost 200 guests were able to celebrate their achievements at the fabulous awards event. A huge well done to all nominees, and congratulations to all of the winners.”
This year’s highlights included:
Amber Hall of Mosborough Hall took the first award of the evening, Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Sheffield College. The judges were impressed with Amber’s commitment and understanding of the Apprenticeship scheme.
Awarded for her ability to develop individuals and nurture their talents to help them progress to the next level, Kate Stenton, Copthorne Hotel, took home the coveted Mentor of the Year Award, sponsored by Zebra Print Management.
The People’s Choice was the only award voted for by the public and this year saw more nominations than ever before. Mark Jones of Copthorne Hotel brought the house down when he went to receive her award and was extremely proud to have been chosen by the public.
The award for Lifetime Achievement, sponsored by Beacon Purchasing, acknowledges those staff members who have dedicated their careers to the hospitality industry. Congratulations went to Dianne Neville of the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria for almost 30 years of exceptional service at the hotel.
Stacey Morris from Holiday Inn Express was commended for exceptional Customer Service Back of House and took the trophy for the Award. Impressed by her level of enthusiasm and hands on approach, the judges were delighted to award Stacey with the accolade this year.
A tough category to judge, the Customer Service Front of House Award, sponsored by Jay Jay Media, is always fiercely competitive and highly regarded amongst the hotels and venues. The well-deserved winner James Oakley of Holiday Inn Express was awarded for his seamless and exceptional customer service and their ‘above and beyond’ mentality.
Sponsored by Abstract Dance the Unsung Hero Award is a chance for those staff members who are often ‘behind the scenes’ to gain recognition. Paige Timmins of the Copthorne Hotel Hall was recognised for her work ethic, inspiring and enthusiastic approach and willingness to turn her hand to anything.
The Top Team Award, sponsored by Doncaster Sheffield Airport was certainly one of the most raucously applauded throughout the night, with the Maintenance Team at Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa taking first place. The judges were extremely impressed, not only with the strength and supporting evidence of their award entry, but how they worked as a team showing great positivity and supporting one another during the interview process.
A passionate and innovative young talent, there was a lot of love in the room Emma Major, Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa who took the award for Rising Star, sponsored by City Taxis, this year. The judges were impressed by her determination and clear vision of how to progress her career and develop in the future.
