Last call for entries to Springboard Awards for Excellence

The Springboard Awards for Excellence are still open for entries, with the extended deadline now set to close on 19 September.

The awards celebrate and reward people, organisations and initiatives that help inspire, develop and promote others, and raise the profile of the hospitality industry through nominees' capacity as employers.

Anyone who can demonstrate an ability to attract and retain talent is encouraged to enter by submitting an 800-word summary of why their team deserves to win. It is free to enter via the website.

The award categories are divided into three areas representing Springboard's ethos, including Promoting Careers (Best Regional Initiative, Education Pipeline Award); Attracting and Developing People (Best Work Experience Provider, the Young People Award, Best Chef Development Strategy, Best Use of Digital Media); and the Best Employment Practice (Best Career Progression, Best Employer Award). A full list is on the awards' website.

Last year's winners included brands such as Apex Hotels, Park Plaza County Hall, the London Marriott Hotel and James Thomson, who received the Chris Beaumont Award for outstanding contribution towards Springboard's aims.

The charity helps young, unemployed and disadvantaged people improve their prospects through careers in hospitality, leisure and tourism. It offers development programmes, taster work experience opportunities, careers advice and educational resources.

It also runs a number of high-profile fundraising events every year; earlier in 2014 it ran a 20-person, five-day trek in Nepal, in which The Caterer's hotels editor Janet Harmer participated. The trek raised more than £150,000 overall.

Deadline looms for Springboard Awards for Excellence entries >>