Mark Higgs of the Castle at Edgehill wins BII Licensee of the Year 2017

Mark Higgs of the Castle at Edgehill in Warwickshire has won the title of British Institute of Inn keeping (BII) Licensee of the Year 2017.

Higgs picked up his award at the BII summer event at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in the City of London yesterday.

Higgs said: “Winning Licensee of the Year will help give me a platform to champion this great sector. I feel so proud to be an ambassador for the BII in an industry I absolutely love.”

Sky Business managing director David Rey said: “Huge congratulations to Mark Higgs in winning the Licensee of the Year award. Sky is delighted to sponsor this award and play a part in recognising the individuals that have achieved so much in the industry.”

BII chief executive Mike Clist added: “I’d like to offer massive congratulations to Mark and his team at The Castle at Edgehill on behalf of myself and everyone here at the BII. This is a tough competition to win but Mark’s dedication and passion shone through to the judges and I am sure he will be an excellent ambassador for this great industry of ours. I’d also like to congratulate our other finalists for getting this far and being such brilliant candidates â€" it really was a tough decision.”

Operations manager Bruce Benyon at brewer and pub firm Hook Norton said: “We are extremely proud of Mark, Claire and all the team at The Castle who have worked so hard to make the pub what it is â€" thoroughly deserved.”

As the winner, Higgs will receive a European study trip to Amsterdam, a year’s free subscription to Sky Sports, honorary lifetime membership of the BII, a year’s free PR support and a “party in the pub” to help locals celebrate his success.

The Caterer acquires the UK Sommelier of the Year competition >>

All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group partners with British Institute of Innkeeping >>

The Pubs Code comes into force >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs