Pizza Pilgrims, Sodexo and Red Carnation among winners of 2024 People Awards

Pizza Pilgrims, Sodexo and Red Carnation Hotels were among the winners at The Caterer’s inaugural People Awards.

The new event, designed to celebrate those leading the way in workplace culture, was judged by HR experts from across the hospitality industry.

Each winner was presented with a trophy following a half-day conference and networking event at One Moorgate Place on 5 November.

HR leader Sean Wheeler received the Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of his 40-year career making some of the UK’s most successful hospitality businesses among the best places to work.

Many in the industry have benefited from his people strategies and, since leaving IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2019, he remains a sounding board and mentor to others across the sector.

Friend and colleague Jo Harley said: “So many people have benefitted from Sean’s expertise and know they can pick up the phone to him if they need to.”

Craig Prentice, the director of hospitality recruitment and talent partner mum, received the Extra Mile Award for setting up charity event Walk for Wellbeing. Since its launch in 2020, it has become Hospitality Action’s biggest mass participation event and has raised £335,000 to support industry workers in crisis.

Hospitality Action chief executive Mark Lewis said: “[Prentice] has created a fundraising mega-brand securing acres of coverage, tens of partnerships, and tens of thousands of pounds in sponsorship from an industry keen to create a positive and caring atmosphere.”

Heartwood Collection, which oversees Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inns, was a double winner, taking home both the People Team Award and the Leaders At All Levels Awards. 

The Belfry Hotel and Resort was presented the Charter Champion award which recognises an operator which has engrained the principals of the Hoteliers’ Charter in its business with a focus on employee wellbeing and development.

Other winners included Sodexo UK and Ireland, which won the Employer Brand Award, Red Carnation Hotels won the Partnership Award while Pizza Pilgrims picked up the Communicating and Influencing Award.

The People Awards are sponsored by Harri with Sona as supporting partner.

The 2024 People Awards winners in full

Digital Revolution Award, sponsored by Harri: Cheval Collection

Communicating and Influencing Award, sponsored by Harri: Pizza Pilgrims

Employer Brand Award: Sodexo UK and Ireland

Equity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Be Inclusive Hospitality: Kerb

Leaders at All Levels Award: Heartwood Collection

Partnership Award: Red Carnation Hotels

People Champion Award, sponsored by Sona: Canopy by Hilton London City

People Team Award, sponsored by Sona: Heartwood Collection

Workplace Culture Award: Cove UK

Charter Champion: The Belfry Hotel and Resort

Extra Mile Award: Craig Prentice

Outstanding Achievement Award: Sean Wheeler