The Spotlight falls on the unsung heroes as Leeds Hotel Association’s annual awards celebrate the behind-the-scenes talent of Leeds’ £50m a year industry

The best venues and most talented hospitality staff in Leeds were recognised at the Leeds Hotel Association Annual Awards evening last night (Friday 21 May), which was held at Leeds United Football Club Elland Road.

The awards are now in their 3rd year, and reward the sometimes forgotten talent, dedication and commitment to excellence of the city’s hotel and venue employees.

It puts those who usually do the serving and pampering centre stage, rewarding the contribution they make to this £50m a year industry.

This year’s celebratory dinner and awards presentation was hosted by motivational speaker Adrienne Lawler.

From the 4,000 people who are employed by the 37 members of the association, an initial shortlist of nearly 60 was produced, which was then cut down to seven winners.

The judging panel included leading figures from the city’s business, tourism and media sectors, with representatives from Leeds City College, Marketing Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University and The Yorkshire Post contributing to the decision-making.

Mike Crowther, from the Institute of Customer Service and head of the judging panel, said:

“We were overwhelmed by the high standard of nominations this year, which made judging more difficult than ever. Due to the high caliber of the entries we had to add in not only runner up prizes but also a highly commended category.”

“This is a truly magical evening and I am honoured to share this with the people who make Leeds such a fabulous place to visit and work.”

Highlighting how much it means to those who make the shortlist, during the awards drinks reception where judges make their final decisions, one nominee broke down in tears, saying:

“I am just so overwhelmed, I feel so proud to be nominated out of so many people. It is just fantastic to know I am valued.”

The winners on the night included cocktail connoisseur and flaring bar manager, Martin Perry, who received the Bright Idea award for his entrepreneurial vision for Royal Armouries International. He’s used his cocktail making skills to add £30,000 to the bar income, creating some very happy customers in the process.

And Weetwood Hall’s Martin Wlodarczyk took centre stage for his amazing ‘rags to riches’ story.

From joining the team back in 1996 as a Kitchen Porter, he has spent 14 years at the hotel, climbing through the ranks with enviable determination and dedication to become Weetwood Hall’s Conference Manager. He received the ‘Rising Star’ Award.

Now with 38 members Leeds Hotels Association is the sector body for hotels and venues across the region. The association pulls together main brands, independent hotels and unique venues across the city, supplying in excess of nearly 4000 rooms, employing over 3000 staff and achieving a collective turnover of £50m.

For further information on Leeds Hotels Association and the LHA Awards visit www.hotelsinleeds.org

For further media information on Leeds Hotels Assocation and the awards please contact Amy Bell, Bonner & Hindley Communications on email amy@bandhcommunications.co.uk or by telephone 0113 243 4713

The winners
Bright idea *Runner Up
Bob Maginess – The Met *Winner
Martin Perry – Royal Armouries International

Leeds Live it, Love it Award *Runner Up
Keith Brooke – Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa *Winner
Helen Briden – Leeds United

Rising Star *Highly Commended
Kelly Webb – The Queens *Runner Up
Rebecca Bulmer – Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa *Winner
Martin Wlordarczyk – Weetwood Hall Conference Centre and Hotel

Team of the Year *Highly Commended
Concierge Team – De Vere Oulton Hall
Well Met Conference Team *Runner Up
Reservations Department – Bewleys *Winner
The Kitchen Brigade – The Queens

Exceptional Customer Service *Highly Commended
Sarah Howarth and Tom Fligg – Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa *Runner Up
Michael Fleet – Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa *Winner
Leanado Carter – ETAP, Leeds

Unsung Hero *Runner Up
Steve Kersh – Royal Armouries International *Winner
Michael Fox – The Queens

Major Contribution to Tourism *Winner
Gordon Jackson – Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa