The new awards are being run in partnership with Hospitality Action, Hospitality Proud and Hospitality Jobs UK to ‘shine a light on the heroes of lockdown’.

HRC Event Manager, Ronda Annesley comments: “We have been in awe of the resilience, innovation and kindness that we have seen from so many individuals and businesses within our industry over the past few months. With hospitality re-opening from 4th July, our awards are homage to those that went above and beyond to help and support others in such difficult times. This is their opportunity to receive the recognition they so truly deserve.”

Awards include:
The Most Inspiring Product or Service Award celebrates a product or service that has made a significant contribution to supporting hospitality businesses during lockdown. The winner has demonstrated initiative and astuteness to deliver a product or service that has been instrumental in helping businesses survive and thrive during lock-down.

The Most Impactful Social Media Campaign Award honours a positive and successful use of social media in extraordinary circumstances. The winning campaign will have communicated a strong message and succeeded in meeting its goals, whether that is to raise awareness, launch a product or service or to drive sales.

The Most Innovative At-Home Experience Award celebrates an experience that has made a significant impact during lockdown for its dynamism and innovation. The winner has demonstrated creative thinking and, as a result, is reshaping the at-home experiences market, pushing the boundaries of future experiences consumers will have at home.

The Best Community Initiative Award honours a campaign that has gone the extra mile to support their community during lockdown. The winning initiative has been recognised for uplifting the spirits of those around them and putting a smile on the faces of those in need.

The Most Dynamic Collaboration Award is presented to a group of individuals or businesses who have come together to create an innovative new opportunity or provided exceptional support during lockdown. This partnership has been formed to solve a requirement and has assisted at a time when it was needed.

The Best Business Transformation Award is presented to a business that has pivoted in order to better serve the community during lockdown. The winner has adapted their business model, demonstrating flexibility, innovativeness, and nimbleness to keep afloat and place themselves at the centre of the community effort.

The Outstanding Business of Lockdown Award is presented to a business that has made a significant contribution during lockdown. A forward-thinking pioneer, recognised for their dynamism, resourcefulness, and support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Outstanding Individual of Lockdown Award recognises an individual who has been influential and has made a significant contribution during lockdown. The winner is recognised for their energy, resourcefulness, and commitment to providing support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Awards will be judged by a panel of industry experts, as well as the hospitality community.

If you believe someone deserves to be awarded for their contribution to the industry during lockdown, please look at the procedure here and nominate by 24th July. Self-nominations are accepted. The winners will be announced at a special ceremony which will take place in September.