Brian Turner, David Mulcahy and Steve Munkley take top honours at Springboard awards

Twenty winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024 were revealed at the InterContinental Park Lane, with Brian Turner among those honoured with the Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award.

Turner, who is president of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, began his career in hospitality at his father’s transport café in Leeds before launching the Capital hotel with Richard Shepherd in 1971 and Turner’s in London’s Chelsea in 1986.

In 2002, he was awarded a CBE for his services to tourism and training in the catering industry.

Over the years, he has supported the growth of young chefs, with roles ranging from FutureChef lifetime ambassador to president of the UK’s team for Bocuse d’Or.

The Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award also went to David Mulcahy and Steve Munkley in recognition of their dedication to the FutureChef school cooking competition, which celebrated its 25th year last month.

Sodexo’s Mulcahy stepped up to the role of chairman of the competition last September.

Other winners from the night included Eden Hotel Collection, Rare Restaurants and Z Hotels, while Sodexo received the new Partner of the Year award.

This year’s Springboard Awards for Excellence were hosted by comedian Simon Brodkin and delivered in partnership with headline sponsor IHG.

A total of £175,310 was raised for the Springboard Charity through sponsorship, tickets sales and fundraising on the night.

Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “In congratulating the winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence, we recognise the remarkable achievements within the hospitality industry.

“These awards create a brilliant occasion for us to come together and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our industry highlighting their exceptional successes and highly talented teams.”

The Springboard Awards for Excellence winners

Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award Sophie Pace-Balzan

Best Recruitment Initiative Award Z Hotels

Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award Greene King

Employee Engagement Award Eden Hotel Collection

Best Training Programme Award Leonardo Hotels

Career Development Initiative Award RARE Restaurants

Best Use of Technology Award The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

Talent Development Team of the Year Award Z Hotels

Employee Health and Wellbeing Award Eden Hotel Collection

Community Engagement Award Aurora Foxes

Disability Champion Award Hilton

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award RARE Restaurants

Best Education and Industry Partnership Award Academy by Simon Rogan

Sustainable Business Award Apex Hotels

Springboard Ambassador of the Year Kyle Basnett, Gusto Restaurants

Best Employer Award The Belfry Hotel & Resort

Partner of the Year Sodexo

Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award Steve Munkley David Mulcahy Brian Turner