Winners of the 2024 Purple Umbrella Awards announced

Hospitality apprentices from across the UK were recognised for their commitment and passion for the sector at the 2024 Purple Umbrella Awards, held at BAFTA 195 in London’s Piccadilly last week.

Sixteen awards and a series of highly commended certificates were presented to both industry experts and rising stars during a glittering evening ceremony.

This year’s winners came from businesses such as Home Grown Hotels, Lime Wood hotel, the Savoy, CH&Co and the Goring.

Jason Holt, co-founder of Metaverse Learning, received the distinguished Special Award for his outstanding use of technology to create immersive learning environments for apprentices across the country.

Adele Oxberry, founder of Umbrella Training, said: "A huge congratulations to all this year’s finalists and award winners. Hospitality is, and will continue to be, one of the UK’s most amazing sectors, not only providing incredible value to the UK economy but also supporting our communities.

“These individuals form the backbone of so many hotels, restaurants, pubs and foodservice businesses, and having supported their employers and the industry over the last few years, they are now leading it towards a bright future."

The awards were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Harry Murray, Mark Lewis, chief executive of Hospitality Action, and Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality.

The winners of the 2024 Purple Umbrella Awards are:

• Best Hospitality Apprentice Level 2: Alexis Hancock, the Pig at Combe, Home Grown Hotels
• Best Chef Apprentice Level 2: Rene Jobaire, New Park Manor hotel, Luxury Family Hotels
• Best Hospitality Apprentice Level 3: Melissa Joyce, Lime Wood hotel
• Best Chef Apprentice Level 3: George Morgan, the Pig on the Beach, Home Grown Hotels
• Best Hospitality Apprentice Level 4: Caroline Waite, Cliveden House, Iconic Luxury Hotels
• Best Chef Apprentice Level 4: Katie Hultum, Vacherin, CH&Co Group
• Best Hospitality Apprentice Level 5: Adrian Kobak, the Savoy
• Best Business & Development Apprentice: Madeleine Andrews, Marugame Udon

Additional award recipients include:

• Best Umbrella Alumni: James Woodward, the Pig at Bridge Place, Home Grown Hotels
• Best Apprentice from Another Further Education Provider: Joseph Salter, the Goring
• Best Apprentice Mentor: Freya Fairbanks, the Pig in the Cotswolds, Home Grown Hotels
• Special Award: Jason Holt CBE
• Hospitality Passion Award: Adrian Kobak, the Savoy
• Hospitality Resilience Award: Samuel Hills, Lime Wood hotel
• Continuous Learning in Hospitality Award: Fiona Whiting, Dormy House, Farncombe Estate
• Hospitality Dedication Award: Megan Betley, Dormy House, Farncombe Estate

Umbrella Training was founded by Adele Oxberry in 2012 and has since supported 4,500 apprentices across hospitality in the UK.