Top industry winners at Springboard awards

Over 450 representatives from the tourism, hospitality, leisure and travel businesses gathered for the awards ceremony to discover who had won the prestigious hospitality and tourism industry awards. Now in their sixth year, the awards showcase and celebrate outstanding business excellence and quality in the hospitality and tourism industry. This year there were 16 awards up for grabs together with the Chris Beaumont Award which recognises exceptional services to the tourism industry. Over 185 entries were received from throughout the UK. The full list of winners follows: Springboard Ambassador Of The Year, sponsored by Hit Training Katie O'Sullivan, Sapporo Teppanyaki Ltd & Il Forno Ltd Best Regional Initiative, sponsored by Cadbury Compass Group UK and Ireland – Fraserburgh Academy Web Award, sponsored by DRP Group Online Travel Training Education Award – Large, sponsored by Institute of Hospitality Cala Coral Group Education Innovation Award – Small, sponsored by City & Guilds Chefs Adopt a School Young People Award, sponsored by American Express Chefs School & Reception School at Folio Hotels Best Student Placement Award, sponsored by Inspire Starwood Hotels Best Initiative to Attract People into Management Award, sponsored by edexcel Firmdale Hotels Diversity in Employment Award, sponsored by Jobcentre Plus Intercontinental Hotels Group Holiday Inn Kensington Best Initiative to Attract Chefs Award, sponsored by handpicked IHG c/o Holiday Inn Coventry Best Employer Award Hospitality & Leisure, sponsored by Investors in People UK Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill Best Employer Travel & Tourism Award, sponsored by ABTA The Co-operative Travel Career Progression Award, sponsored by VT Plus Training West Cluster, Marriott Team Retention Award, sponsored by BSG Compass Group Best Recruitment Hospitality & Leisure, sponsored by caterer.com Paul UK Corporate Citizen Award, sponsored by BII Sodexo The Chris Beaumont Award, sponsored by 3663 Linda Halliday, Baxterstorey Springboard Chief Executive Anne Pierce said: "At a time when business is beginning to get really tough, we believe that recognising achievement is critical to motivation and morale. The Awards for Excellence are a fitting tribute to the passion, enthusiasm and dedication displayed by businesses and individuals who contribute to the quality, variety and creativity within tourism in the UK today. "Our industry continues to set new and tougher standards and to achieve the highest possible levels of customer satisfaction. Without doubt, the enthusiasm, excitement and commitment demonstrated by our award winners set a wonderful example for others in the industry to follow."