Winners across 18 categories will be revealed on Thursday 30th April 2026 at Park Plaza London Riverbank, bringing together hospitality operators, suppliers, and supporters from across the industry.

The Springboard Charity received more than 200 entries and nominations for its renowned annual awards, reflecting the sector’s continued commitment to excellence. From pioneering in technology and innovation to leading by example in sustainable business, nominees reflect the very best of hospitality.

The awards aim to celebrate the individuals and organisations shaping the future of hospitality, recognising their innovation, creativity and unwavering commitment to their teams, communities and the wider industry.

Chris Gamm, chief executive at Springboard, commented: “The Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026 will be a truly spectacular celebration of everything that makes our industry so special.

“The quality, diversity and ambition of this year’s shortlist reflects a sector that continues to innovate, collaborate and invest in its people. Our nominees represent the very best of hospitality, and we’re excited to bring the industry together to recognise their achievements.”

There is no shortlist published for the Springboard Partner of the Year Award and Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award. Winners of these awards are announced on the night. The full shortlist includes:

Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award

• Juliane Rodrigues
• Kaleem Naeem
• Laura Cunningham
• Nicola Wagland

Best Recruitment Initiative Award, sponsored by Caterer.com

• Candid Hospitality
• Holiday Inn Blackpool/RBH Hospitality Management
• IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Mitchells & Butlers
• The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Apprenticeship Programme Awards, sponsored by HIT Training 

• Compass Group UK & Ireland
• JKS Restaurants
• Juniper Ventures
• Malmaison & Hotel du Vin
• The QHotels Collection

Training Programme Award, sponsored by Dominus Hospitality

• BaxterStorey
• Dishoom
• ETM Group
• Mitchells & Butlers
• Sodexo
• The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Career Development Award, sponsored by Diageo

• Dishoom
• Hawksmoor
• Leonardo Hotels
• Pizza Pilgrims
• Starbucks UK 

Employee Engagement Award, sponsored by Tayto Group – Real Crisps

• Flat Iron
• Gaucho Restaurants
• Parkdean Resorts         
• The Savoy Hotel
• Valor Hospitality 

Employee Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels

• Flat Iron
• Gaucho Restaurants
• Hilton Birmingham Metropole
• JKS Restaurants
• Leonardo Hotels
• Valor Hospitality

Hospitality Careers Champion Award, sponsored by Nestlé Professional

• Aurora Foxes
• Hospitality Junior Board
• IHG Hotels and Resorts
• Mitchells & Butlers
• The Hospitality Hero

HR Team of the Year Award, sponsored by NatWest

• De Vere
• Elior UK
• Malmaison & Hotel du Vin
• Mitchells & Butlers
• The Savoy Hotel

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by CH&Co

• Elior UK
• Hilton
• Leonardo Hotels
• Valor Hospitality
• Voco Grand Central Glasgow (IHG)
• Whitbread

 Community Engagement Award, sponsored by RB Holdings

• Celtic Manor Resort
• Lauren McCormick (Mitchells & Butlers)
• Red Engine
• TERN - The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network
• Apex Hotels

Education & Skills Partnership Award, sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts

• Aurora Group
• Compass Group UK & Ireland
• Delaware North UK
• Hospitality Connect
• University of Wales Trinity St David

Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Sybron

• Punch Pubs & Co
• Axiom Hospitality
• BM Caterers
• JKS Restaurants
• The Headland Hotel and Spa

Technology and Innovation Award, sponsored by Sodexo

• Delaware North UK
• Lore Group
• Mitchells & Butlers
• Pizza Pilgrims

Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey

• Conrad Brunton - Tonic Talent
• Diana Orlova-Kozlovska - Vacherin
• Grant Sired-Hutson - Nando’s Cardiff
• Lauren McCormick - Mitchells & Butlers
• Louise Darroch - Yellow42 Recruitment
• Rachel Murray - IHG Glasgow Voco Grand Central & Kimpton Blythswood

Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Boyes Turner

• Incipio
• Sodexo
• The Savoy Hotel
• Valor Hospitality
• Virgin Incentives