Over 600 guests from across the hospitality industry came together to celebrate the people, organisations and projects working to raise the profile of the hospitality sector as an employer and attract and retain talent.

Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons swept the board winning Education Pipeline Award, Best Student Placement Award, Best Recruitment Initiative Award and The Young People Award.

Philip Newman, director and general manager said: “To win four awards in one night is absolutely amazing and I’m delighted for the whole team as it is a team effort.”

Best Food & Beverage Strategy was won by Vintage Inns. The judges said the pub brand ticked all the boxes and impressed with its ‘Strive For Five’ initiative.

Alison Bradbury, head of HR at Vintage Inns said: “We have made a great effort to address real business needs and approach them in a way that would not only make a profit but to do it in a fun way that engages everyone.”

The very special Chris Beaumont Award was awarded to David Mulcahy from Sodexo for loyal contribution and support for the Springboard FutureChef programme over the past 12 years.

A delighted David said: “It’s great recognition for all the work I have done with Springboard, especially FutureChef, which I have enjoyed helping to develop over the years and something which is very close to my heart. It’s great that I, along with Sodexo, can have a positive impact on these young people’s lives and something which I hope to continue doing for many more years to come.”

Other notable winners were:

Best Regional Initiative: Academy of Culinary Arts
The New Media Award: The Brookwood Partnership Ltd
The People Innovation Award: Creiff Hydro Ltd
Best Chef Strategy:  BDL Management Ltd
Best Management Strategy: Accor UK & Ireland
The Diversity in Employment Award: Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants
Best Career Progression Award: InterContinental London Park Lane
The Retention Award: Charles Wells Pub Compnay
The Corporate Responsibility Award: Paul Bakery
Best Employer Award: Guoman and Thistle Hotels
Springboard Ambassador’s Award: Ann Wulf