Dishoom, Whitbread, The Savoy Hotel, BaxterStorey and IHG Hotels and Resorts were among the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026 winners, crowned at Park Plaza, London Riverbank on Thursday 30 April.
The sold-out event brought together hospitality operators, suppliers and industry leaders to celebrate excellence across 18 categories, recognising the talent, innovation and dedication driving the industry forward.
At the heart of the Awards for Excellence is Springboard’s mission to change lives through hospitality. Every winner and nominee represents the people, employers and partners helping to open doors into meaningful careers, build confidence and skills and support individuals from all backgrounds into work where they can thrive.
The ceremony was hosted by award-winning comedian, Harriet Kemsley, best known for her appearances on Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie To You?, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Evening entertainment also included a live performance by award-winning string ensemble, Dolce Strings.
Speaking after the event, Springboard CEO Chris Gamm, said: “From the outstanding nominees to the deserving winners, the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026 shone a light on the incredible talent, dedication and brilliance that define our industry. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion, innovation and commitment on display, and to bring people together to celebrate the individuals and teams who continue to raise the bar for hospitality every day.”
The event raised £190,000 for the Springboard Charity through sponsorship, ticket sales and fundraising. This vital funding will directly support young people, jobseekers and those facing barriers to employment, helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to start a career in hospitality. Through Springboard’s employability programmes, individuals are supported into work, while also futureproofing the talent pipeline.
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The full Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026 winners were:
Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award – Nicola Wagland
Best Recruitment Initiative Award, sponsored by Caterer.com – Candid Hospitality
Apprenticeship Programme Award, sponsored by HIT Training – Juniper Ventures
Training Programme Award, sponsored by Dominus Hospitality – BaxterStorey
Career Development Award, sponsored by Diageo – Dishoom
Employee Engagement Award, sponsored by Tayto – REAL Crisps – The Savoy Hotel
Employee Health & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels – Leonardo Hotels
Hospitality Careers Champion Award, sponsored by Nestlé Professional – IHG Hotels and Resorts
HR Team of the Year Award, sponsored by NatWest – The Savoy Hotel
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, sponsored by CH&Co – Whitbread
Community Engagement Award, sponsored by 5 Hertford Street – Lauren McCormick (Mitchells & Butlers)
Education & Skills Partnership Award, sponsored by IHG Hotels & Resorts – Hospitality Connect
Sustainable Business Award, sponsored by Sybron – The Headland Hotel and Spa
Technology and Innovation Award, sponsored by Sodexo – Lore Group
Springboard Ambassador of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey – Diana Orlova-Kozlovska – Vacherin
Employer of the Year Award, sponsored by Boyes Turner – Valor Hospitality
Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Bidfood – Esther Brittan MBE – Hilton
Springboard Partner of the Year Award – Savoy Educational Trust
