Institute of Hospitality recognises industry's best in people development
The Institute of Hospitality has recognised the industry's best in people development at its annual dinner and awards ceremony.
Contract caterer BaxterStorey (pictured) walked away with the Talent Development Team of the Year title.
Among the schemes recognised were its nine-month graduate programme, which fast-tracks candidates into managerial roles and receives more than 500 applications each year.
The training team includes Acorn award winner Gabrielle Le Roux, who is responsible for BaxterStorey's Service Academy.
The prize for Best Student Placement of the Year was awarded to PPHE hotel group who have worked with universities in the UK and the Netherlands delivering its you:niversityplus undergraduate placement programme, which is designed to support the students' development in accordance with the Springboard INSPIRE kite mark.
Best Graduate Scheme of the Year was won by Hilton UK and Ireland. The hotel group was recognised for its management development programme, which was introduced in 2012 and prepares individuals to reach at least departmental manager status within 18 months. Since its inception it has successfully filled 58 leadership positions.
Enam Ali MBE was recognised at the awards for his Outstanding Contribution to the Industry. Ali has established numerous trade associations, published the curry industry's first and leading trade publication, founded the Annual British Curry Awards and multi award-winning restaurant Le Raj as well as establishing training restaurant Le Raj Academy @ NESCOT college.
The judges' Special Achievement Award was won by Robert Richardson of the Grand, Folkestone.
Peter Ducker, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, commented: "Robert has demonstrated a tireless energy and determination to support colleagues, using creative and inspiring methods to attract and retain an engaged and enthusiastic team despite not having the funds and support of a big brand behind him."
The following organisations were highly commended by the judges.
Best Graduate Scheme highly commended - Concord Hotels
Best Student Placement highly commended - the Ritz
Talent Development Team highly commended - Good Hotel London
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