BAHA award winners announced

Nicolson was presented with his award by the Association's chief executive Carl Weldon and Chairman Pau Dukes last month at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London. Nominations for this category, put forward by Members of BAHA to the BAHA Council, had to have: an exemplary track record; be willing to train and lead their staff; be totally dedicated to the hospitality industry, with the intention of remaining in the profession; demonstrate strong attention to detail; keep abreast of current codes of practice; and command respect within the hospitality sector and wider business community. In recognition of outstanding commitment in promoting and developing financial education in the hospitality industry, the BAHA 'Corporate Employer of the Year 2008' went to the De Vere Collection; and the BAHA 'SME Employer of the Year' was won by The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury, Berkshire. Carl Weldon and Paul Dukes presented Neil Harrison – finance director, the De Vere Collection – and Daniel Buck – financial manager for the Peter Michael Collection which owns the Vineyard at Stockcross – with cut-glass trophies. A special BAHA Lifetime Achievement award for outstanding service to hospitality industry financial management – only ever awarded twice before – was presented by Paul Dukes to David Cook, who has been BAHA's President since 2004. Meanwhile, BAHA recognised the outstanding student successes in the three stages of the Education and Training Programme (ETP). The top student award – the coveted 'BAHA Overall Student of the Year Award 2008' – went for the second year running to Andrew Ranger, assistant financial controller, the De Vere Carden Park Hotel, near Chester, Cheshire. ETP February 2008 Stage 2 winner in Operational Management Accounting, Ranger was presented by Debra Adams, BAHA head of administration and education, and BAHA councillor and education committee member Cathy Burgess –from Oxford Brookes University. The programme provides learning and skills development for aspiring hospitality accounting professionals wishing to gain the skills and knowledge required to manage hospitality finance divisions, or gain an understanding of the accounting function of a hospitality unit.