Almost 450 industry professionals and supporters of Springboard watched the virtual event, which featured appearances from some of the industry’s biggest names including Paul Ainsworth, Michel Roux Jr and Clare Smyth.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “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.”

During the event Springboard’s fundraising initiative ‘Virtual Race to Nicaragua’ was launched.

Marketing and event partner, Amy-Jane Cahalane, added: “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!”

The Springboard Awards for Excellence winners include:

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