Michael has been a Springboard ambassador for around eight years supporting the FutureChef competition and helping Springboard attract more people into the hospitality industry. Through his relationship with Foxes Academy he has helped three young people with learning difficulties secure employment with Sodexo.

Michael said: “I am thrilled to receive this award. When I started out as an ambassador for Springboard I wanted to understand what I could do to attract more young people to this fantastic industry. I love getting out and about, visiting schools, colleges, job centres and careers fairs to talk about all the opportunities the sector has to offer.

“The role is so rewarding, the FutureChef competition does not disappoint each year and developing partnerships with the likes of Aurora Foxes and Ways to Work is opening up some amazing opportunities for people to really build a career in hospitality.”

He has visited schools and colleges to talk to young people about career prospects in the hospitality industry as well as encouraging new recruits from others groups such as the over 50s, those with disabilities or the long-term unemployed.

Sean Haley, chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland and Springboard trustee, added: “We are so proud of what Michael has achieved in his role as Springboard ambassador. He is passionate about his role and we are delighted to welcome the new recruits he has supported.

“It is our ambition to provide an inclusive workplace for all, and through his dedication Michael is helping us fulfil that ambition. The hospitality sector is a huge and dynamic industry which is not always recognised. Thank you to Michael for his continued work, developing partnerships to help create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all.”

The other Springboard Awards for Excellence winners included:

• Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award: Toby Markham
• Best Training Programme: Eden Hotel Collection
• Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award: Brewhouse & Kitchen
• Best Education and Industry Partnership Award: Manchester Hoteliers Association
• Best Recruitment Initiative: Axiom Hospitality
• Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award: The CRUMBS Project
• Disability Confidence Award: The CRUMBS Project
• Best Talent Onboarding: Gleneagles
• Career Development Initiative: Z Hotels
• Employee Health & Wellbeing: RBH Hospitality Management
• Best Retention Initiative: Dishoom
• Business Innovation: Marsham Court Hotel
• Sustainable Business Award: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
• Community Engagement: Wagamama
• Best Employer, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
• The Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award: Sally Beck