The British Institute of Innkeeping’s National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs) have been staged in front of a packed house at Porchester Hall, London.
Phil Thorley (centre), winner of the Franca Knowles Live Your Life Award
The evening followed the BII People Conference during the day, where guests heard from leading thinkers from across the sector. Topics included attracting and retaining talent, creating truly inclusive spaces, and creating nurturing environments for teams.
The event culminated in the presentation of the Franca Knowles Live Your Life Award, presented by Luke Knowles, chief executive of Beds and Bars. Decided by a panel of previous winners, this year the award went to Phil Thorley, of Thorley Taverns, for his dedication to the sector, selfless charity work, and commitment to supporting his industry colleagues and friends.
“At the heart of what we do at the BII is championing and supporting the professional development of operators and their teams,” said chief executive, Steve Alton. “Today’s People Conference shared insights, connected colleagues and suppliers, and gave our audience some brilliant ideas and thinking to take back to their teams.
“Our NITAs winners were truly brilliant, and it was a real privilege to be able to recognise the incredible talent and dedication to training and development that the companies and individuals in our sector deliver every single day.”
NITAs winners
Best training programme: apprenticeships
Marston’s
Best training programme: sustainability
Punch Pubs & Co
Best training programme: individual operator
Steve Banks, The Woodman
Best training programme: managed and partnerships, over 500
Marston’s Investment
Best training programme: managed and partnerships, under 500
Butcombe Pubs and Inns
Best recruitment strategy
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Online training platform
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Training professional of the year
Simon Haslam, JSH Solutions
Equity, diversity, and inclusivity
Marston’s
Hospitality apprentice of the year: Kitchen
Handerline Morency, Fuller’s
Hospitality apprentice of the year: front of house and management
Alex Marshall, Brewhouse & Kitchen
