Representatives of the hospitality industry celebrate at Springboard Awards

The awards celebrate and reward inspiring people, organisations and initiatives – "those that work hard to elevate the profile of the industry as an employer and attract and retain talent". Here are the lucky winners: Springboard Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by Hit Training, Shane King (Restaurant Associates) Academy Learner of the Year, sponsored by The National Skills Academy for Hospitality, Sean Smith, University of Birmingham Best Regional Initiative North East Marriott Hotels Web Award, sponsored by DRP Group, The Staff Canteen Limited Education Award – Large, sponsored by Institute of Hospitality, Concord Hotels Young People Award, sponsored by American Express, Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel Student Placement Award, sponsored by Gauntlet, Lancaster London Best Initiative to Attract People into Management Award, sponsored by Edexcel, Compass Group UK & Ireland Diversity in Employment Award, sponsored by One and All Foundation, The Co-operative Best Initiative to Attract Chefs Award, sponsored by handpicked Hotels, Highland Employer Coalition Best Employer Award Hospitality & Leisure, sponsored by Investors in People UK, Red Carnation Hotels Best Employer Travel & Tourism Award, sponsored by ABTA, The Co-operative Society Ltd Career Progression Award, sponsored by Third Force, Paul UK The Retention Award, sponsored by Berkeley Scott, InterContinental London Park Lane Best Recruitment Hospitality & Leisure, sponsored by caterer.com, Esporta Health Club The Corporate Citizen Award, sponsored by Danone Waters, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill The Chris Beaumont Special Award, sponsored by 3663, Joe Queen, Thistle Hotels, Glasgow The awards were hosted by television presenter Leah Charles and Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard UK & The Springboard Charity at a black tie event at the Intercontinental London Park Lane hotel last night. Pierce said: "The Springboard Awards for Excellence truly celebrate achievement in the industry. The outstanding people in our businesses, the teams that drive our strategies forward, the individuals who delight customers daily, the companies that champion innovation and progression – all make the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry thrive. "The number and quality of award entries this year has been incredible and all of our winners and short-listed candidates should be hugely proud of their achievements – they're the best in the business!"