There were over 200 entries to the Springboard Awards for Excellence, a record number. The awards ceremony itself will take place aboard Oceandiva, Smart Group's 600 capacity and 86 metre long vessel, which is Co2 neutral.

The awards aim to recognise and celebrate the UK and Ireland’s hospitality superstars. This includes those who have ‘inspired’ us over the last year with their resourcefulness, creativity, innovative ideas, those who have supported the growth of their organisation, developed their co-workers and been leaders within their communities.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: "The Awards for Excellence is a great opportunity for the industry to come together and commend our top businesses, showcasing their successes and hugely talented workforce. Each year, the award ceremony grows and becomes more exquisite; This year is no different and we are excited to be holding the Awards for Excellence on this exclusive new venue on the River Thames."

The 2023 Springboard Awards for Excellence shortlist:

Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award – supported by Braehead Foods

• Safiyyah Fletcher
• Jacqueline Haney
• Jordan Harrison
• Scott Heeps
• Toby Markham

Best Training Programme

• Brewhouse and Kitchen
• Eden Hotel Collection
• Elior UK
• Tattu
• Umbel Restaurant Group

Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award - sponsored by HIT Training

• Brewhouse and Kitchen
• Compass Group UK & Ireland
• Greene King
• Mitchells & Butlers
• Sodexo

Best Education & Industry Partnership

• Aurora Foxes & Hilton
• IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Manchester Hotel Association
• Millennium & Copthorne Hotel at Chelsea FC
• Sodexo

Best Recruitment Initiative - sponsored by Caterer.com

• Accor Hotel Services
• Axiom Hospitality
• BM Caterers
• Brewhouse and Kitchen
• Gails Bakery

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award - sponsored by CH&CO

• Compass Group
• Millennium & Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea FC
• Rare Restaurants
• Sodexo
• The Crumbs Project

Disability Confidence Award - sponsored by Sodexo

• Brewhouse and Kitchen
• Hotel Brooklyn
• The Crumbs Project

Best Talent Onboarding - sponsored by Mapal

• Compass Group
• Dishoom
• Gleneagles
• Hand Picked Hotels
• Rare Restaurants

Career Development Initiative - sponsored by Diageo

• Dakota Hotels
• Leonardo Hotels
• Philema Hospitality Management
• The Athenaeum Hotel
• Z Hotels

Employee Health & Wellbeing sponsored by Blue Badge Access

• Eden Hotel Collection
• RBH Hospitality Management
• The Hari
• Valor Hospitality

Best Retention Initiative - sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels

• Dishoom
• Philema Hospitality Management
• Searcys
• The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Business Innovation Award - sponsored by Harri

• BM Caterers
• Dorchester Collection
• Marsham Court Hotel
• Sodexo

Sustainable Business Award - sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems

• Apex Hotels
• Hilton
• Lamington Group
• Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
• Lexington Catering
• Rare Restaurants

Community Engagement - sponsored by 5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s Clubs

• Mum Recruitment
• Rare Restaurants
• RBH Management
• Steel Hospitality
• Wagamama

Best Employer- sponsored by American Express

• Brewhouse and Kitchen
• Eden Hotel Collection
• Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
• The Belfry Hotel & Resort
• The Pineapple Club, Birmingham

Springboard Ambassador of the Year

• Geoff Baird, Henderson Group
• Parris Beckford, Turtle Bay
• Christopher Fox, Apex Hotels
• Michael Taylor, Sodexo
• Jill Whittaker, HIT Training