The BII’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs) winners have been recognised at a ceremony at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City.
Franca Knowles Live your Life Award winner Jill Whittaker
The NITAs followed the BII People Conference, where guests heard from leading thinkers from across hospitality on attracting and retaining talent, creating truly inclusive spaces, and creating nurturing environment for teams.
Chief executive Steve Alton also announced the launch of a new membership offer for team members, Workforce, in early 2024. This will support those starting and developing their careers in hospitality with training, mentoring, development resources, and inspiration from across the sector.
The awards culminated in the very special Franca Knowles Live your Life Award, presented by Keith Knowles OBE, chief executive of Beds and Bars. Decided by a panel of previous winners, the award went to executive chair of HIT Training, Jill Whittaker.
Jill has been a long-term passionate advocate of hospitality and how professional development can power careers. She was also awarded an OBE by the King earlier this year, recognising her contribution to the sector.
Other award winners were:
Best training programme, apprenticeships: Brewhouse & Kitchen
Training professional of the year: Sze Rasak, Fuller’s
Best training programme, leased and tenanted: Marston’s
Best training programme, managed over 50: Brunning & Price
Best training programme, managed under 50: Oakman Inns
Best training programme, individual operator : Ollie Coulombeau, The Turk’s Head
Best recruitment strategy: Star Pubs & Bars
Team wellbeing award: Brunning & Price
Equity, diversity, and inclusivity award: AB InBev
Best training programme, sustainability: Marston’s
Hospitality apprentice of the year: Harry Widgery, Wykeham Arms
