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Southampton Region Hoteliers Association- Hospitality Awards 2026

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:06:37 GMT

Top Team of the Year Award -

Proudly sponsored by FIRE Group

Celebrating Hospitality Excellence at the

Southampton Region Hoteliers Association Awards

BCC Recruitment Ltd – FIRE Group were proud to sponsor the Top Team Award at this year’s Southampton Region Hoteliers Association Hospitality Awards — an evening dedicated to recognising the incredible talent, teamwork, and dedication across the local hospitality industry.

The Top Team Award , sponsored by FIRE Group , celebrates the teams that consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding guest experiences. In hospitality, success is rarely down to one individual; it is the collective effort, collaboration, and passion of the entire team that creates something truly special.

A special mention goes to Rodney Burt , who had the challenging role of judging this category. With such strong nominees demonstrating exceptional teamwork and service standards, choosing an overall winner was no easy task.

After careful consideration, we were delighted to present the award to the fantastic team at New Place Hotel. Their passion, professionalism, and commitment to delivering excellent guest experiences truly stood out.

At FIRE Group , we understand how vital strong teams are to the success of hospitality businesses. As a recruitment partner to many hotels and catering operations across the region, we see firsthand how great teamwork drives both service excellence and business success.

Events like the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association Hospitality Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people who make hospitality such a vibrant and rewarding industry.

Congratulations to the team at New Place Hotel and to all the nominees who continue to raise the bar for hospitality across the region. We’re already looking forward to supporting the awards again next year.

The ACE Charity Dinner 2026 - At the IWM

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:38:29 GMT

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Last week, BCC Recruitment Ltd – FIRE Group, ha d the pleasure of attending the Association of Catering Excellence Charity Dinner 2026, hosted at the iconic Imperial War Museum London. What an incredible venue and an unforgettable evening bringing together so many people from across the hospitality and catering sector.

The event supported Only A Pavement Away, a charity doing remarkable work to help people rebuild their lives through employment opportunities within hospitality. By connecting individuals facing homelessness, prison leavers, and veterans with employers in the industry, the organisation continues to change lives while strengthening our sector.

Rodney Burt , Director of FIRE Group said, "The evening was a fantastic reminder of how generous and passionate the hospitality community is. Events like this demonstrate the power of the industry when people come together not just to celebrate great food and company, but to support meaningful causes that make a real difference."

Jamie Mullett, Ops Director - London, said, "At BCC Recruitment Ltd – FIRE Group , we are proud to support organisations that champion opportunity, inclusivity, and positive change within hospitality. Being part of the Association of Catering Excellence community allows us to stay connected with inspiring professionals who share the same values and commitment to the future of the industry."

A huge thank you to everyone involved in organising such a memorable evening. We are already looking forward to the next event.

Hospitality Action Group Meeting

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:09:11 GMT

Southampton Hospitality Leaders Come Together to Call for Action

Hospitality businesses across Southampton came together this week for an action-focused meeting to address the growing challenges facing the sector. Rising costs, staffing pressures, and economic uncertainty have placed many venues under significant strain, and this gathering provided an opportunity for the industry to respond collectively.

The meeting brought together local and national hospitality businesses to co-produce a formal letter to local MPs , highlighting the urgent pressures facing the sector and setting out the changes required to support businesses now. Attendees worked collaboratively to agree on a shared position across the city’s hospitality sector alongside national hospitality businesses , ensuring a united and credible voice. The meeting also identified clear next steps for continued action beyond the initial discussion.

The session was chaired by Spencer Bowman, owner of Mettricks , representing GO! Southampton BID .

“Hospitality is a vital part of Southampton’s economy and identity, but many businesses are at breaking point. This meeting was about acting together, being honest about the pressures we’re facing, and clearly setting out what needs to change.”
Spencer Bowman, Owner of Mettricks

As an employer of temporary staff in the hospitality sector, Fire Group was proud to support the meeting and play a part in giving businesses a voice. Mike Carter, Director of Fire Group , commented on the importance of collaboration:

“Supporting hospitality businesses isn’t just part of what we do — it’s at the heart of why we exist. We’re proud to help ensure the sector has a fairer playing field and that its challenges are heard at the highest levels.”

The meeting marked an important step for Southampton’s hospitality sector. By coming together, businesses demonstrated the strength of a collective voice and set the foundation for meaningful change that will support the industry now and into the future.

Top Team of the Year Award - Proudly sponsored by FIRE Group

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:42:45 GMT

Hospitality Awards 2026 - Southampton Region Hoteliers Association

The Top Team of the Year Award , proudly sponsored by Fire Group , recognises outstanding teamwork and excellence across the hospitality industry. This award celebrates teams that consistently work together to deliver high standards of service, support one another, and create exceptional guest experiences.

The standard of nominations this year was exceptionally high, making the judging process a challenging one.

Rodney Burt, Director of Fire Group , personally reviewed all nominations and selected the finalists after visiting each team. In addition, Rodney carried out mystery visits to all shortlisted finalists to gain a true insight into their day-to-day operations, service delivery, and team culture.

Following this thorough process, the following finalists were chosen:

The Finalists

Concierge Team at Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel
Recognised for their professionalism, attention to detail, and extensive local knowledge, the Concierge Team consistently delivers a personalised and seamless guest experience.

Food & Beverage Team at New Place Hotel
This team is praised for its strong collaboration, efficiency, and commitment to quality. Their ability to perform at a consistently high level in a fast-paced environment sets them apart.

The Voco Hotel Southampton – All of Its Team
The entire team at Voco Southampton has been recognised for its positive culture, adaptability, and collective commitment to excellence across all areas of the hotel.

Rodney has commented on how difficult it was to select a winner from such strong finalists and is very much looking forward to announcing the overall winner at the awards ceremony .

Fire Group is proud of our long-term relationship with the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association for supporting the recognition of outstanding teams within our industry.

Congratulations to all finalists on this well-deserved achievement.

Eastleigh FC Golf Day Raffle Prize - Alex Pike & Guests

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:14:01 GMT

3 Course Menu & Cocktails

This weekend, Jadon, Mike & Rodney had the pleasure of looking after the charity auction prize winner from the recent Eastleigh FC Charity Golf Day, Alex Pike, the Commercial Director. Alex successfully won the auction; his prize was to have a 5-course meal and cocktails served in his own home with 6 guests for an unforgettable private dining experience. The atmosphere was warm, lively, and full of great conversation as our directors—Jadon, Rodney, and Mike—came together to deliver a special evening for the group of seven.

Jadon took the lead in the kitchen, preparing a stunning five-course menu that showcased both creativity and craftsmanship. Each dish was thoughtfully composed and beautifully presented, earning plenty of compliments from the table throughout the night.

Meanwhile, Mike brought his mixology talents to the forefront, crafting a selection of cocktails that paired perfectly with the menu and kept the energy high. From refreshing welcome drinks to after-dinner pours, every glass was tailored and well-received.

Rodney rounded out the team as host and waiter, ensuring the guests were well taken care of from start to finish. His warm hospitality and effortless service helped create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere where everyone felt welcome.

A huge thank-you to Alex Pike and the entire group for joining us and bringing such great company to the evening. It was a pleasure to host you all!

Our Day at Passion4Hospitality 2025

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:03:40 GMT

FIRE Group at Passion4Hospitality 2025 — Inspiring the Future of Hospitality

On Monday 10th November 2025 , the FIRE Group was delighted to attend Passion4Hospitality: The Future Leaders Conference (P4H) at Novotel London West . Organised by the Institute of Hospitality , P4H brings together the organisation’s work to inspire careers in hospitality , delivering a mix of free events, competitions, and resources throughout the year to support students, graduates, and apprentices as they embark on their professional journeys.

As the UK’s largest free student, graduate, and apprentice careers exhibition and conference , P4H is an invaluable platform for connecting industry professionals with the next generation of hospitality talent. The event featured a vibrant Careers Exhibition , Employment Workshops , a Keynote Speaker , Job Talks , Interview Practice , and CV Surgery , alongside excellent networking opportunities and the engaging HOTS Business Game .

For us as an employer, the day offered the perfect balance of inspiration, insight, and connection. We were thrilled to meet so many enthusiastic and ambitious individuals eager to begin their hospitality careers. It was also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with our existing clients , strengthen partnerships, and celebrate ongoing successes, while meeting potential new clients interested in learning more about what we do at FIRE Group .

The conversations throughout the day reinforced the incredible potential of the next generation and the importance of collaboration between industry and education. Events like P4H are vital in bridging that gap — showcasing the exciting range of opportunities within hospitality and empowering future leaders to thrive.

We left the conference energised and optimistic about the future of the industry. At FIRE Group , we remain committed to nurturing new talent, building lasting relationships, and supporting initiatives like Passion4Hospitality that celebrate passion, innovation, and people at the heart of our sector.

The Craft Guild of Chefs Business Partners Lunch 2025

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:43:32 GMT

A Memorable Afternoon at the National Liberal Club

On Friday 7th of November, I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Business Partners Luncheon at the historic National Liberal Club in Westminster, London — and what a fantastic afternoon it turned out to be.

Walking into this beautiful building, rich with history and character, it was easy to feel the significance of the occasion. The venue has seen some of Britain’s greatest political figures cross its threshold over the years, and for a few hours, we too became part of that legacy.

A Warm Welcome in the Heart of Westminster

We were greeted with a glass of fizz in The Smoking Room , a grand space filled with conversation and laughter as familiar faces reconnected and new introductions were made. The team, led by Paul Vesper , made us feel right at home — their attention to detail and hospitality were second to none.

From there, we were ushered into the David Lloyd George Room for lunch. The setting was stunning — elegant, relaxed, and the perfect atmosphere for good food and even better company.

Celebrating Partnership and Shared Success

During the afternoon, National Chairman Mark Reynolds and members of the Committee took the time to thank everyone for their continued support over the past year. It was a thoughtful reminder of how much collaboration and partnership underpin the success of everything we do.

2025 has certainly been a busy and eventful year. Still, gatherings like this highlight the real heart of the organisation — people who share a genuine commitment to the industry and to one another. It was inspiring to hear about the vision for the year ahead and the new opportunities on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

As the afternoon drew to a close around 3:30 p.m., it was clear that the luncheon was more than just a meal — it was a celebration of relationships, progress, and shared purpose.

Leaving the National Liberal Club, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be part of such a vibrant network of business partners. Events like this remind us why community and collaboration matter so much — and why the future looks bright.

Here’s to another year of growth, partnership, and success.

Eastleigh Golf Day 2025

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:52:05 GMT

FIRE Group supports Eastleigh FC Golf Day

On Friday, 17th October 2025, the FIRE Group proudly took part in the annual Eastleigh FC Golf Day, joining fellow supporters and local businesses for a brilliant day of sport & networking.

Representing FIRE Group on the course were Managing Directors Rodney Burt and Jadon Connis, who teamed up with clients Peter Bartlett from New Place Hotel and Seb Wells to complete the four-ball team. The group enjoyed a friendly yet competitive 18 holes in excellent spirits, taking in the great atmosphere and camaraderie that the event is known for.

Following play, everyone gathered in the clubhouse for a delicious two-course meal, a charity raffle, and an entertaining Q&A session hosted by former Southampton and England striker James Beattie — a highlight for many guests.

As part of the charity raffle, FIRE Group proudly donated a unique prize — a private dinner party for six guests, featuring:

Jadon Connis as the evening’s expert Head Chef
Rodney Burt serving as Host
Mike Carter shaking things up as Cocktail Bartender

The prize was successfully won by Alex Pike, Commercial Director at Eastleigh FC, who we look forward to hosting soon for what promises to be an unforgettable dining experience!

FIRE Group is proud to continue supporting Eastleigh FC and its community initiatives. The event provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen local partnerships while contributing to a worthy cause. We extend our thanks to Eastleigh FC for hosting such a well-organised and enjoyable day, and we look forward to participating again in next year’s event!

Supporting Events in Chichester with Our Temp Team

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:55:11 GMT

A Day Out in Chichester

with Our Temp Team

This week, our Southampton office team, Rodney and Claire, had the pleasure of supplying 7 staff for an exciting event for the Festival of Flowers in Chichester Cathedral . With a high volume of guests and a fast-paced environment, our temps with Rodney & Claire delivered the professionalism, flexibility, and energy that the client demanded.

FIRE Group supplied front-of-house support for this event; the team adapted quickly and ensured everything ran seamlessly. Their enthusiasm and commitment made a noticeable difference to the client and to their guests,

At FIRE Group , we pride ourselves on providing dependable, skilled staff who can step in at short notice and deliver outstanding results. This event was another great example of how our temporary workforce helps venues and organisers succeed.

If you’re planning an event and need reliable hospitality staff in Chichester — or anywhere across the South region & London and its surrounding boroughs — we’d love to help.

Just get in contact with our branches in Southampton 02381 550 227 or London 0207 846 0029

FIRE Group Partners with the Craft Guild of Chefs

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:10:18 GMT

FIRE Group is proud to partner with the

Craft Guild of Chefs

We’re delighted to announce that FIRE Group is now an official partner of the Craft Guild of Chefs . ��

The Craft Guild of Chefs is one of the UK’s leading culinary associations, dedicated to supporting and inspiring chefs across all levels of the industry. By partnering with them, FIRE Group reaffirms our commitment to championing excellence, innovation, and growth within hospitality .

This collaboration will allow us to:

Support chef development through training and networking opportunities
Connect with some of the most talented professionals in the industry
Contribute to raising standards and celebrating achievements across the culinary world

At FIRE Group, we believe in building strong partnerships that add real value to our clients, candidates, and the wider hospitality community.

Partnering with the Craft Guild of Chefs is a fantastic step forward in achieving that vision.

Stay tuned for exciting updates and initiatives as we continue to grow this partnership!

FIRE Group are proud members of ACE

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:02:42 GMT

Fire Group Joins ACE.

The Association of Catering Excellence

FIRE Group Joins ACE Association of Catering Excellence

FIRE Group, a leading provider in [specify sector, e.g., event catering or hospitality services], has officially become a member of the ACE (Association of Catering Excellence) . This membership underscores Fire Group’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in catering quality, service, and innovation.

By joining ACE, FIRE Group gains access to industry best practices, networking opportunities, and professional development resources, further reinforcing its reputation as a trusted name in catering excellence.

Institute of Hospitality and FIRE Group

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:33:17 GMT

Continuing our Company sponsored membership with Institute of Hospitality

When we launched our business in 2018, each member of our team brought with them extensive experience gained from working in various roles within the Hospitality sector. This background has fostered a deep passion for the industry, driving us to make a meaningful impact. We strongly believe in the importance of supporting the sector wherever possible, which is why we have been dedicated members of the Institute of Hospitality for several years now. We take great pride in our contributions and the relationships we have built along the way, as they allow us to give back to an industry that has given us so much.

FIRE Group continues partnership with the Institute of Hospitality

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 15:20:49 GMT

continued partnership with the

Institute of Hospitality

FIRE Group is proud to announce our continued partnership with the Institute of Hospitality, a move that significantly enhances our unwavering commitment to excellence within the vibrant hospitality sector. By specialising in both temporary and permanent recruitment, we are well-equipped to cater to the diverse and evolving needs of the industry, providing solutions that range from DBS catering to all Hospitality and Leisure roles.

This valuable collaboration not only elevates our service offerings but also ensures that our clients receive the benefits of the highest standards of professionalism, expertise, and industry insight. Together, we are dedicated to shaping a brighter future for hospitality recruitment, fostering innovation, and setting new benchmarks for success in this dynamic field.

Sam Tolaram - Business Manager London

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:14:42 GMT

This is not an April Fools!

S am Tolaram has joined Jamie Mullett Cert RP our London office to look after our clients' needs in Temporary and Permanent recruitment.

Sam has worked in Hospitality recruitment for over 7 years now. He has experience working with large blue-chip organisations, Michelin restaurants, 5* Hotels as well as some of London’s finest Private Members Clubs.

Sam always goes the extra mile for his clients, no challenge too big, or job too small for him.

A very welcome addition to the Fire London Team

Sam can be contacted on our London number 02078460029 or his mobile 07897 774 724 and via email at s am@firegroup.uk

Hospitality Excellence Celebrated at Annual Awards

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:42:21 GMT

The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association Awards #SHHA25

The Southampton region's top hospitality professionals were recognised at the 2025 Hospitality Awards, a prestigious event organised by The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association highlighting the dedication and talent that drive the city region's vibrant hospitality sector within the past year.

Held on 28th February 2025 at Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl, the event, hosted by The Podcast Lady and presenter of The So SO Show, Zoe Hanson, brought together over 150 hospitality professionals. Nine outstanding winners were announced from a pool of exceptional finalists across various categories.

20 hospitality students from South Hampshire College Group, Eastleigh College, gained invaluable hands-on experience at the event by supporting the kitchen and front-of-house teams, guided by the Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl and college lecturers.

113 nominations were collected over a six week period in the autumn, with members of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association putting forward their esteemed colleagues, managers, and establishments.

Mario Martinisi, Chair of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association said: "113 nominations shows the incredible dedication within our hospitality community. These awards aren't just about winners; they're a testament to the value our peers, employees, and employers place on every nominee. The fact that our sponsors faced such a difficult decision in choosing winners from the finalists, truly showcases the amazing talent and high standards within our region's hospitality sector. By celebrating these achievements, we're shining a light on the rewarding careers hospitality offers, inspiring the next generation to join our vibrant industry.

Congratulations to the winners, finalists and those nominated!"

The Award Winners on the night, chosen from three finalists for each category were:

Community Award
WINNER: Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl

Sales & Revenue of the Year Award
WINNER: Sarah Banks from Leonardo Hotels Southampton

Chef of the Year Award
WINNER: Simon Hartnett from New Place Hotel

Rising Star of the Year Award
WINNER: Ellie Harding from Southampton Harbour Hotel

Operational Excellence of the Year Award
WINNER: Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27, Jct 7 Team

Top Team of the Year Award
WINNER: New Place Southampton Maintenance Team

Manager of the Year Award (Sponsored by Fire Group)
WINNER: Iwona Kowalczyk from Novotel & ibis Southampton

Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Jon Eggett from Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh

Outstanding Achievement Award
WINNER: Carly Jackson from Holiday Inn Southampton-Eastleigh

The not-for-profit awards raised £3,590 for the charity FareShare Southern Central. FareShare is the UK’s leading food redistribution charity, harnessing the power of food to change lives. From a base in Totton, FareShare Southern Central provides food to over 150 charities and community organisations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, helping support people and communities in need.

Simon Ryan, Regional Manager at FareShare Southern Central said: “We are so grateful to everyone at the Southampton Hoteliers Hospitality Awards for their support for FareShare. The donations made from this year’s Awards event will go a long way to helping us get more food to more local communities and people in need. Every day, the food we redistribute to over 150 charities across the region helps to strengthen communities and change lives. From homelessness shelters and afterschool clubs to refuges and older people’s lunch clubs, these groups are all working harder than ever to bring people together through food and help them access essential support services. Thank you to everyone who attended for giving so generously and helping FareShare make the food go further.”

About the Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association

The Southampton and Region Hoteliers Association are a collaboration of accommodation and venue providers from across the Southampton region. Established in 1956, it aims to promote the city as a great place to work, visit and enjoy, whilst sharing best practice for the benefit of the industry and help nurture the hospitality and leisure workforce of the future.The Hospitality Awards aim to promote the regional hospitality industry and the association by celebrating success and outstanding achievements.

About the Awards

2025 is the sixth Hospitality Awards with the aim to promote the regional hospitality industry and the association, by celebrating success and outstanding achievements.

https://www.southamptonhoteliersassociation.co.uk/southampton-hospitality-awards/

LOVE your pet day @ Fire Group

claire@firegroup.uk (Claire Childs) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:40:06 GMT

Love your Pet Day 2025!

At Team FIRE, we pride ourselves on being BIG animal lovers, and we are fortunate to have several regular furry visitors who brighten our days. Each visit brings a sense of joy and warmth to our workplace.

Did you know that studies have shown bringing your pet to work can significantly boost morale, alleviate stress, and foster a stronger sense of community within your team?

It's incredible how the presence of a beloved pet can create a positive atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and enhancing overall well-being among colleagues.

Reasons to use a recruitment partner

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:12:00 GMT

How FIRE Group benefits your needs

As April's increases approach, it's the perfect opportunity to get ahead and manage your recruitment costs before the upcoming hikes in National Insurance and the National Minimum Wage. At Fire Group, we're eager to support your business by enhancing your staffing efficiency. Here are several reasons to choose us for smarter operations.

FIRE Group & Eastleigh FC Business Club

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 12:08:12 GMT

Rodney presents to Eastleigh FC Business Club

On December 20, 2024, our Director, Rodney Burt, was invited to speak at Eastleigh FC's inaugural Business Club, a testament to our ongoing partnership in providing the club with hospitality staff and chefs. The networking event featured a behind-the-scenes tour of the club, along with a presentation by first-team manager Kelvin Davis, who also conducted a Q&A session afterwards. Rodney stated, "As a recruitment partner, we must connect with other businesses to explore how we can meet their needs." For more information on joining, please follow the link below.

https://eastleighfc.com/commercial/business-club/business-club-launch-event-gallery/

SME NEWS Awards

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 14:04:39 GMT

FIRE Group - Most Trusted Hospitality Recruitment Business 2024 at Southern Enterprise Awards

SME News is proud to reveal the winners of this year’s Southern Enterprise Awards.

In its seventh year, our Southern Enterprise Awards continue to showcase a mighty selection of businesses and individuals who are ultimately altering the trajectory of their industries. Spanning a large number of sectors, from the realm of automotive to cybersecurity, construction to tattooing, and so much more, this year’s collection of winners is truly inspiring. With something for everyone to enjoy while perusing our winners list and publication, our Southern Enterprise Awards 2024 are set to impress, educate, and entertain.

Furthermore, 2025 looks incredibly bright for our awardees as they continually shape the corporate landscape of the south, bringing uniqueness, flexibility, dedication, and innovation to everything they offer. Also influencing other regions across the UK – and beyond – our winners are bringing our attention to their new ideas, fresh solutions, and their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall commented on the splendid success of this year’s winners: “This year, we explore a plethora of offerings from a fine selection of businesses, and I want to applaud each one of our winners for their steadfast devotion to improving their industries and elevating their customers’ overall experience. I would also like to wish them all the best for 2025 and the years to follow.”

To find out more about these prestigious awards and the magnificent enterprises that have been selected for them, please visit https://www.sme-news.co.uk/awards/uk-southern-business-awards/ , where you can view our winners supplement and full winners list.

Southampton Region Hospitality Awards 2025

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:20:33 GMT

Nominations Now Open!

The search is on for the stars of the Southampton hospitality scene! Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Hospitality Awards, recognising the dedication and achievements of individuals who have made the past year exceptional.

Members of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association are encouraged to put forward staff, colleagues, and managers who they believe deserve to be celebrated. Finalists will be announced this winter, with the grand awards ceremony taking place on February 28th, 2025.

Last year saw a record-breaking 128 nominations, and organisers are hoping for even more outstanding entries this year.

We are proudly continuing our relationship from the first awards, this year we have decided to sponsor Manager of the Year Award (individual), This award is open to GM’s and Managers of any department that have demonstrated exceptional achievement, consistent commitment and professional development.

Nominations close on the 10th November 2024, after which they will be sent to category sponsors who will choose 3 finalists. The finalists will be announced towards the end of the year and will be invited to meet the category sponsors. The winners will be crowned and celebrated at the 2025 Hospitality Awards Night Ceremony at Hilton Southampton - Utilita Bowl.

New London Operations Director

Fri, 17 May 2024 10:39:41 GMT

Welcome Jamie Mullett

Jamie Mullett Cert RP , is our London Ops Director and has a wealth of experience in Hospitality & Dbs Catering.

Jamie has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, 10 as a Chef, where he had the pleasure of working with some of the best Chefs and at the finest establishments in London. Jamie has also worked in recruitment for over 15 years, with experience working in hospitality recruitment, starting as a chef consultant back in 2009.

Jamie has said to us that he is looking forward to working with Fire Group, putting all the skills and experience he has garnered working for some of the best UK recruitment companies to good use.

So, If you're looking for temporary work or if you're a client needing help with filling gaps in your rota, please give Jamie a call on 07840 838611 or drop him an email to jamie@firegroup.uk

SPONSORING MANAGER OF THE YEAR 2024

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:12:20 GMT

Manager of the Year 2024

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we have been a proud sponsor of the Southampton Hoteliers Association Hospitality Awards since its very beginning! Our commitment to celebrating excellence in the industry is unwavering, and we are honored to have sponsored various categories over the years.

In 2019, we proudly sponsored the Newcomer of the Year award, recognizing the incredible talents and passion of emerging stars in the hospitality world. Even in the face of the challenging times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic in 2022, we continued to support the industry by sponsoring the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award, which honors those who have made a lasting impact on the field.

In 2023, our sponsorship extended to the highly coveted Chef of the Year award, celebrating the culinary geniuses who have delighted our taste buds and elevated the dining experience. And now, in 2024, we are delighted to announce that we will be sponsoring the Manager of the Year award, a category that recognizes the exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, and continuous professional growth of General Managers and department managers.

This award is a testament to the hard work, leadership, and innovation displayed by these outstanding individuals. We are honored to be a part of such a prestigious event and to contribute to the recognition of excellence in the hospitality industry.

SPONSORING - CHEF OF THE YEAR

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 23:24:25 GMT

SOUTHAMPTON REGION HOSPITALITY TO BE RECOGNISED AND CELEBRATED FOR A FOURTH YEAR

The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association will be providing a welcome boost to those working in the hospitality industry. Planning has started for the 2023 Hospitality Awards, which celebrate the champions of hospitality and showcase the talent and commitment of teams and individuals.

For the fourth year running, the 2023 awards will celebrate those who have displayed and proved achievements, and will amplify the best hotels, venues and staff in the city region for areas such as community involvement, peer support and market growth. The 2023 awards sees two new categories – Manager of the Year and Outstanding Achievement.

Members of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association are encouraged to celebrate the champions of the hospitality industry by nominating staff, colleagues and managers for the 2023 Hospitality Awards when voting opens later this year. Finalists will be announced in winter, culminating in an awards ceremony on 3rd February 2023, where the finalists will be revealed.

Radio Taxis are again the Headline Sponsor for the 2023 Hospitality Awards after doubling the money raised last year to £5000 for the charity FareShare, Southern Central.

Simon May, Chief Executive Officer, Radio Taxis says, “Radio Taxis are delighted to support the Hospitality Awards again in 2023. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the industry and the dedication of staff and venues. The hospitality Industry is such an important part of our local community to both residents and visitors and we have the pleasure to work alongside them to transport their guests.”

The non-profit awards will once more donate a portion of the award ceremony ticket sales and all funds from raffle tickets kindly provided by local attractions and hotels, to the charity FareShare; the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste, by saving food from going to waste and redistributing it to frontline charities.

Nathan Chart, General Manager at Solent Hotel & Spa and Chairman of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association, says: ‘’We are so excited to be bringing back the awards in 2023. The two new categories will provide extra opportunities for roles that may not have fallen into previous categories and give us even more reasons to celebrate the people that make the hospitality industry. The 2022 event was a real celebration of everyone in the hospitality industry and we know 2023 will be even better. ’’

The award categories which can be nominated by the hospitality staff are as follows:

Operational Excellence of the Year Award
Rising Star of The Year Award
Chef of The Year Award
Top Team of The Year Award
Community Award
Sales and Revenue of the Year Award
Manager of the Year Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Outstanding Achievement Award

Jo Andrews, Managing Director at The Marketing Collective, marketing partner of the Awards, says: ‘’Being the marketing partner of the Hospitality Awards is always an honour. To be amongst so many passionate and talented individuals is inspiring. The awards are always a fun celebration to be involved with but it also highlights the achievements of such an important industry to both locals and tourists.”

SOUTHAMPTON REGION HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 22:05:40 GMT

INSIGHTS AND IDEAS SHARED

The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association welcomed a high turnout of local hotel professionals from across the region on Thursday, 20th October 2022.

The event, held at The Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, catered not only lively discussion but showcased the Southampton area, upcoming economic and leisure developments, and industry insights from a selection of guest speakers, including from GO! Southampton, Southampton County Council, Business South, Fire Hospitality and the Meeting Industry Association.

Nathan Chart of Solent Hotel & Spa and Chair of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association said, “I am thrilled to be running this inaugural Annual Conference for the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association. It seems the right place and time to have people back in the room together following the pandemic. Having a longer day means we can talk more deeply, get to the root of challenges, and spot opportunities that can garner more results and custom for the region.”

There were workshops throughout the conference in which delegates were asked to consider key questions and share their experiences. One such topic was creating better links to the cruise industry, and another was to pontificate the focus for a Minister of Hospitality. All these debates led to greater shared outcomes and knowledge for the group.

Stephen Manion, Executive Director of GO! Southampton demonstrated being a voice in the region and explained the work being done through collaboration not only to improve visitor experience but to make Southampton centre a more prominent place for people to stay. GO! Southampton’s commitment is to make Southampton a better city to live, work, study, and play, to market the city centre and to strengthen businesses locally. Stephen shared initiatives being undertaken alongside partners to make Southampton more representative of the culture of the City.

Stephen said, “2M people come through the city of Southampton and often stay for a short time or use the City for onward transport links. The opportunity is for our City to create a warm welcome to those travelling to us via cruise, train and flight. Better signage and improved wayfinding would create a good first impression enabling people to navigate our great City and all the attractions within and encourage people to stay longer and explore.”

Leigh-Sara Timberlake, Group CEO of Business South, was in attendance and shared intel about the Central South vision and desire for better representation of “place” through a shared effort and regional ambassadorship.

Leigh-Sara said, “collaboration is the lifeblood of the Central South region, and the Hoteliers Association is a great example. I really believe that collaboration is what we need to achieve the outcomes we want in our region. We would encourage hoteliers to join up to the Southampton Region Hoteliers association.”

Some fascinating insights were provided by Mike Carter, Director at headline sponsor Fire Hospitality , who spoke about the vast recruitment shortages in hospitality, but how there could be opportunities for students with flexible working hours, parents around school hours and the over 50’s. He advised that hoteliers should focus on managing employees’ work life balance, training and accredited qualifications and salary/benefits to stand out from the crowd.

Sandra Eyre, Director of Business of the Meeting Industry Association (one of the oldest associations in the UK), concluded the day’s events and offered some insights into the excellent work underway in supporting the hospitality industry through training, research, and guidance.

Sandra said, “The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association is so important, the attendees may be competitors, but they are all working for the same cause in the same region. If one hotel is doing well, then the others are. It’s a one for all in this industry, and it is important to share best practices to benefit the whole region.”

This fantastic inaugural event will be the first in a series of annual events that work alongside a regular schedule of meetings. The Hoteliers Association continues to encourage true partnerships and shared insights to benefit local businesses, visitors, and the wider region, fuelling the local economy.

A huge thank you to all the speakers who gave their time to inspire the audience and the sponsors involved in this event, including Fire Hospitality, HSG Facilities Management, The Marketing Collective, 22Midnight and the Solent Hotel & Spa.

SPONSORING - LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 23:16:40 GMT

SOUTHAMPTON REGION HOTELIERS HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2022 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

The 2022 Hospitality Awards Finalists have been announced!

The category sponsors have whittled nominees down to the final three and are currently speaking with the finalists to get to know a little more about them, their role and the achievements before announcing their winners at an awards ceremony in February.

The Southampton Region Hoteliers Association launched the Hospitality Awards with the aim to promote and celebrate the talent and commitment within the local industry, and after having to miss a year due to the pandemic, this year, with the backing of headline sponsor Radio Taxis, proved to be popular with nominations.

Covid has had a massive impact on hospitality and it’s more than ever important to recognise the stars within the industry. The 2022 awards also have a new category ‘Lockdown Hero’ adapting to the more recent climate.

Nathan Chart, Chair of the Southampton Region Hoteliers Association says: ‘’The pandemic has really taken its toll on the hospitality industry and through the awards, we are delighted to be able to show staff at the local hotels just how much they are valued. Those nominated and listed as finalists should be extremely proud and we can’t wait to find out the winners at the awards evening in February 2022’’

Finalists are listed below:

Rising Star of The Year Award (Sponsored by SWJ Events)

Warren Howes – Holiday Inn Southampton

Ferozan Ebrahimi – Hilton at The Ageas Bowl

Lucy Whittington – Balmer Lawn Hotel

Chef of The Year Award (Judged by Hampshire Fare)

Tim Smith – New Place Hotel

Mark Surcliffe – DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton

Jurgita Stulgiene – Solent Hotel & Spa

Operational Excellence Award (Sponsored by The Marketing Collective)

Lorita Ilieva – Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour Hotel

Patina Farnham – Novotel Southampton

Mario Martinisi – New Place Hotel

Top Team of The Year Award (Sponsored by Comax UK)

Holiday Inn Eastleigh

New Place Hotel

Hilton at the Ageas Bowl

Community Award (Sponsored by GO! Southampton)

Novotel Southampton

Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 J7

New Place Hotel

Sales and Revenue of the Year Award (Sponsored by Hotelcare judged by Alder Hospitality Management)

Jon Fisher – New Place Hotel

Sales and Revenue Team – Hilton at The Ageas Bowl

Angela Lawrence – DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton

Lifetime Achievement Award (Sponsored by Fire Hospitality)

John Ray – Novotel Southampton

Richard Fletcher – Holiday Inn Eastleigh

Suzanne Lyle – New Place

Lockdown Hero Award (Sponsored by The So SO Show)

Joe Ridd – Solent Hotel & Spa

Toni Martin – Jurys and Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour Hotel

Michael Clitheroe – Balmer Lawn Hotel

Headline sponsor Radio Taxis will judge and announce the ‘Best of the Rest’ category which will give a second chance to all remaining finalists.

BURRIDGE CRICKET CLUB

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:20:27 GMT

FIRE Group sponsors wickets for Lashings

In August 2021 Fire Group was proud to sponsor the Wickets for the Burridge Cricket club v Lashings event as well as manage and host the event with our sister business Fire Events.

RODNEY BURT INTERVIEW WITH THE TELEGRAPH ON STAFF SHORTAGES IN HOSPITALITY

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Tue, 25 May 2021 17:59:47 GMT

Brexit and Covid have conspired to leave restaurants, hotels and pubs short of workers just as pent up demand unleashes hungry customers

Clean the kitchen. Stock up the fridges. Throw open the shutters. Lockdown is over and pubs, restaurants and hotels can welcome us back once more. There’s just one problem: a shortage of staff.

Managers in the hospitality sector have found themselves struck by a sudden lack of chefs, waiters, porters and cleaners at just the wrong time. Skills shortages in other industries mean wages have gone up, attracting some staff away from the hospitality sector, says Rodney Burt, director at Fire Hospitality, a recruitment agency based in Southampton.

“Some of our top, top chefs are now in construction, in scaffolding, earning more money in that sector than working unsociable hours in a hot sweaty kitchen,” he says. Earlier in the pandemic hospitality workers took any jobs they could find - “We had a one rosette, Michelin-starred chef running a nursing home kitchen for about six months” - but now the problem is the opposite. Hotels are offering free rooms to staff, he says, to try to entice more workers in. Some pubs have stopped selling food on Tuesdays, to give their undersized, overworked kitchen teams a day off.

David Page, chief executive of the Franco Manca chain of 73 pizzerias, kept most staff working through Covid for takeaways and deliveries. But he is still on the lookout for another 50 front of house workers as restaurants open again. “With the number of customers coming through the door, we’re just about coping with them. And it’ll probably increase on June 21,” he says. “So we’ll need some more people. It’s a bottleneck.”

So why can a recession-hit economy not handle a jump in demand? Furlough is one issue. At the end of March more than 4m workers were still being paid by the Government, with 2.86m furloughed fully and 1.2m partially. It means they are not working, but do not have to look for work.

“There are a hell of a lot of jobs out there. We need those people back at work, and the

work is there,” says Burt.

Tim Martin, chairman of Wetherspoons, says: “There seems to be a shortage of labour, which I imagine is only short term, but it doesn’t make any sense.” The pandemic itself is keeping some workers away.

Burt relied on Southampton’s large student population to supply bars with part-time staff, but now studying takes place remotely so there are fewer youngsters in the city. At the same time foreign workers face weeks of quarantine if they want to come to Britain.

Then there is Brexit, which makes it harder for EU workers to make the move. Ian Stewart, chief economist at Deloitte, says: “In the last 20 years, employers have got used to operating in a labour market where there is a ready supply of overseas workers, and that has changed as a result of Brexit.”

Either way, the shortage of labour is having an obvious effect: employers have to pay more. Mark Jones, an industry consultant and the former chief executive of Carluccio’s, says: “There does seem to be a pub and restaurant industry shortage of staff compounded by Covid and also Brexit. The bar is quite high on workers coming back into the UK. That will inevitably lead in my view to higher wages. The dilemma for restaurants in particular is that it is going to be difficult for them to balance that with the return of VAT to 20pc.”

The minimum wage for over-23s went up to £8.91 in April, but that is not enough, says Burt. “To get kitchen porters and bar staff, our pay rates now go up to £9.30 for that type of personnel,” he says. This brings tough questions for bosses who have to decide if they can pass those costs on to customers.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of industry group UK Hospitality, can see no other option. “There have been two years of minimum wage increases, and the salaries of supervisory staff have been knocked up as a result,” she says. “If this is a longer term trend there is no way they will be able to avoid passing it through.”

Stewart believes this is a key inflationary risk to the economy. “You have this combination of strong demand hitting an economy with constrained supply,” he says. “We may be in an environment where we find inflation coming in rather higher than is currently expected.”

Smaller restaurants and cafes could be forced to close if they cannot afford to absorb

higher costs or successfully raise prices.

John Philpott, an economist, says: “This sector is so competitive that it is difficult to see them raising prices considerably without taking a hit on consumer demand.” Typically cafes do not pass on hikes in the minimum wage, according to Gerwyn Davies at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, because “they do not want to be the first mover in a highly competitive market”.

However, Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK, suspects pressure will ease in a few months’ time as furlough ends and pent up demand is sated. “Businesses have been through quite a few months with no revenue and a lot of the help they received was in the form of loans, so they will want to pass higher costs on. Given the strength of demand, they will not have a problem passing it on,” she says. Pay is bouncing back in consumer-facing industries

“But I see this as a temporary blip. It is a perfect storm of pent up demand. By September some of it will die down a bit. You will have less pressure and more people [once furlough is finished].” Until then, companies have to do what it takes to get the staff.

“June 21 is another crunch day. The market will be opening up even more,” says Burt. “We are trying to recruit as many people as possible between now and then.”

from an article written by Tim wallace & Russell Lynch in the Independent 25/05/2021

THE INAUGURAL SOUTHAMPTON AND REGION HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION HOSPITALITY AWARDS WERE A SUCCESS!

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:48:11 GMT

The first Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association 2018 Hospitality Awards

The first Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association 2018 Hospitality Awards (sponsored by Cab My Ride) took place on Friday 8th February 2019 at Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel and what a success they were!

Attended by over 120 hotel managers, staff, hospitality ambassadors and tourism companies, the event raised over £1500 for FareShare (FareShare is the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It saves good food from going to waste and redistributes it to frontline charities).

Our 10 winners and the reasons why the judges felt they deserved special recognition are as follows:

Mentor of The Year (sponsored by The Marketing Collective) – Claus Christensen from Hilton at The Ageas Bowl Hotel. Claus plays an integral part in the career and personal development of his staff. Claus shares his experience and knowledge to help his team find the right path and move forward with their own careers. He has an ‘open door policy’ which makes him easily approachable, offering a safe space for staff to voice any concerns. He is trusted by the team, shares in their challenges, and is a positive role model.
Rising Star of The Year (sponsored by Fire Hospitality) – Abigail Russell from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour. Abigail has shown exceptional promise and made a significant impact to the growth in sales team at Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour. She has stood out from the crowd during the last 12 months and has made a real difference and impact to the department through customer and fellow colleagues’ feedback.
Business in the Community Award (sponsored by Town or Country Serviced Apartments) – Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel. The hotel engages with a wide audience from all different parts of the community, focusing on important topics such as individual empowerment, enterprise and community benefit. They also offer training to the younger generation, delivering unique skills and therefore broadening opportunities. Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel has raised considerable amounts of money for charities through various team building and fundraising events. They also engage with the local colleges to promote the Hotel industry.
Sales and Revenue Person of the Year Award (sponsored by ibookedonline) – Amy Ayers from Holiday Inn Winchester. Amy is a valued member of the team and she has shown a real aptitude for sales and has been able to achieve consistently high results for the hotel year on year. Amy has proven that she is a team player and has adopted a structured yet fun approach to leadership, building a strong dedicated sales team and leading by example.
Front of House Award – Viv Stockwell from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel. Viv is an inspiring team member, with 18 years experience at the hotel. Viv’s best part of her job is the people, both the customers and colleagues. She started as a trainee and is now Front of House Manager, going to extra lengths on a regular basis to ensure all hotel guests have a great experience.
Heart of House Award – Angela Stutchbury from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour. Angela puts every guest and staff member before herself and nothing is too much for her to do. She is always on hand and puts 110% effort into everything she does.
Young Chef of The Year Award (sponsored by City College Southampton) Steven Cross from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel. Steven stood out as someone with a strong passion for the hospitality industry. Being supportive of his colleagues and helping to train new members of staff, Steven has a fantastic understanding and approach to teamwork. His enthusiasm and dedication to develop his own skills and to progress his career also shines through. With a strong, positive attitude to behaviour in the workplace, Steven has all the right ingredients for a long and successful career in hospitality.
Top Team of The Year Award (sponsored by West Quay Cars) – The Concierge Team from Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour. The concierge team never fail to deliver the most impressive customer service, the belief they have in their ability to improve the guest experience day after day is inspiring! There is positive leadership and clear communication within the team and the other departments with whom they work. By pooling their individual skills they have become a considerable force and are exceptional asset to their organisation.
Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by ElemenTel) – Denise Blastock from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel. Denise has dedicated a big part of her life to delivering impeccable customer service to the breakfasting public and is very humble about the dedication they deliver daily.
The Mayor’s Award (sponsored by The Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association) – Lorna Chatterley from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Southampton. The Mayors award aims to recognise true commitment by those finalists from tonight’s awards who did not get the winning spot! So a second chance golden ticket.

Nathan Chart, Chair of the Hoteliers Association and General Manager at Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel said: “The first ever Southampton Hospitality Awards have been a great success and we’ve had a wonderful night of celebration. The hospitality industry is key to our region and I’m thrilled with how positively these awards have been received, it’s been wonderful celebrating the success of so many great individuals and teams from across our industry and I am already looking forward to next year’s awards which promise to be even bigger.”

Richard Groome, Vice Chair of the Hoteliers Association, founder of the Hoteliers Awards and General Manager at Doubletree by Hilton Southampton Hotel: “What an amazing night to showcase the enormous amount of top talent the hospitality industry has in and around Southampton. It was a wonderful way to recognise so many great achievements with so many passionate and worthy individuals to all the teams that work in the hotel industry in and around the city. It has made everyone feel so very proud for all those who have been specially nominated in 2018 and of course a massive well done to all those worthy finalists & 2018 winners. These awards have re-confirmed that Southampton and the surrounding areas are a great place to visit both for work and leisure, knowing that all our teams will give our guests a very warm welcome to the city and a memorable experience during their stays. A special thank you to all those sponsors who supported the event and especially to our main sponsor CabMyRide. Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s event which has raised so much money for our charity partner FareShare who will use the donation to help support their food bank service to underprivileged families, communities and schools in Southampton and the local communities. Such a fabulous showcase of what hospitality truly is all about and a great way to set the stage for our awards in 2019!”

Jo Andrews, MD of The Marketing Collective who helped to organise the awards said: “It’s been an honour to organise this event, which recognises such great achievements of those within the hotel industry. We work closely with the Southampton Hoteliers Association and were delighted they chose to work with us for the first year of the awards. Marketing Collective team member Louise Collins has worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the event and the team have all helped to deliver an outstanding results. As a destination marketing company we love to see recognition and celebrations within the tourism industry.”

SPONSORING - RISING STAR AWARD

mike@firehospitality.com (Mike Carter) — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 22:31:22 GMT

SOUTHAMPTON HOTELIERS HOSPITALITY AWARDS

The Southampton and Region Hoteliers Association launched a new award scheme back in July of 2018 and with a month to go until the awards ceremony, the finalists for each category have just been announced. A ‘meet the finalist’ afternoon took place mid-December 2018 where the sponsors met with their finalists to allow them to choose their category winner.

The 2018 Hospitality Awards, sponsored by Cab My Ride , have been designed to seek out high achievers and teams of the year, and will amplify the best hotels in the city for customer service, guest satisfaction and market growth.

Richard Groome (General Manager at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and founder of the Awards) says: ‘’There is so much talent within our industry and every one of the finalists is a deserving winner in our eyes! The awards are edging closer and we couldn’t be more excited!’’

The award categories and finalists are:

Mentor of the Year (sponsored by The Marketing Collective)
Finalist 1: Edward Francis from New Place Hotel
Finalist 2: Claus Christensen from Hilton at The Ageas Bowl
Finalist 3: Ben Cutting from Solent Hotel & Spa

Rising Star of the Year (sponsored by Fire Hospitality)
Finalist 1: Mario Martinisi from Hilton at The Ageas Bowl
Finalist 2: Abigail Russell from Grand Harbour Hotel
Finalist 3: Jacinta Martin from New Place Hotel

Young Chef of the Year (Under 25 years) (sponsored by City College Southampton)
Finalist 1: Jack Gillet-Bailey from Grand Harbour Hotel
Finalist 2: Steven Cross from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel
Finalist 3: Adam Saunders at Solent Hotel & Spa

Front of House of the Year
Finalist 1: Kam Yee Lo from Jurys Inn Southampton
Finalist 2: Claire Abbott from Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Southampton
Finalist 3: Viv Stockwell from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel

Top Team of the Year (sponsored by West Quays Cars)
Finalist 1: Conference & Event Team from Southampton Harbour Hotel
Finalist 2: The Concierge Team from Grand Harbour Hotel
Finalist 3: The Kitchen Team from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel

Business in the Community (sponsored by Town or Country Serviced Apartments)
Finalist 1: Marc Solarz from Holiday Inn Winchester
Finalist 2: Kate House from Hilton at The Ageas Bowl
Finalist 3: Everyone from Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Southampton

Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by ElemenTel)
Finalist 1: Linda Witt from Holiday Inn Southampton
Finalist 2: Socrates Gogos from New Place Hotel
Finalist 3: Denise Blastock from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel

Heart of House of the Year
Finalist 1: Angela Stutchbury from Grand Harbour Hotel
Finalist 2: Gary Falconer from Southampton Harbour Hotel
Finalist 3: Joe Lythe from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel

Sales & Revenue Person of the Year (sponsored by ibookedonline)
Finalist 1: Lorna Chatterley from Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Southampton
Finalist 2: Jo Bennet from Best Western Chilworth Manor Hotel
Finalist 3: Amy Ayers from Holiday Inn Winchester