Friday 8th May saw The Queens hotel host the annual Leeds Hotels Association awards dinner. The awards, which recognise the talent, dedication and commitment to excellence of the city’s 3,000 hotel employees, also included a special Lifetime Achievement award this year.

All 33 members of the Leeds Hotels Association (LHA) were invited to put forward nominations, giving General Managers the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of their team members.

Submissions for the six award categories – Rising Star, Outstanding Customer Service, Leeds Ambassador, Top Team, Bright Idea and Unsung Hero closed on the 18th March, with shortlisted entrants facing a panel of judges on 22nd April during a drinks reception at The Met Hotel.

A further award was presented this year recognising the consistent commitment to excellence and service of one of the sector’s longest serving employees. The special and additional Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Nouri Trigui from Hilton Leeds City Centre for 28 years of exceptional service, his passion to fulfil his role and for always going that extra mile not just to the benefit of the hotel he works for but to the benefit of Leeds as a city.

Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds said:
“It was very difficult to choose winners this year as all of the entries were of a very high calibre. The commitment and effort shown at all levels of the hospitality industry in Leeds is fantastic. The staff bring so much to the sector and the hotels they work for, making sure each visitor has a truly enjoyable stay in the city.”

Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Leeds Hotels Association and General Manager said:
“Every year these awards just get better and better. It is a privilege working with such talented people; they are a real credit to their businesses. I feel immensely proud when I hear their individual stories, they deliver their roles with such passion and, in many cases, go to great lengths to make sure their guests are happy.”

For the Leeds United’s Conference and Events team it was their second award of the year.

Leeds United chairman Ken Bates was quick to pay tribute to the team and he said: “It’s an award to be proud of. You don’t get a much better accolade than being nominated by your peers, and this award is a great credit to everyone involved.

“I’d recommend anyone looking to hold an event either now or in the future to contact our C&E team and have a look at what we have to offer.”

Conference & Events Manager at Leeds United, Helen Briden said: “We are overwhelmed at winning our second award in as many months. This truly shows the hard work and dedication that my team display on an ongoing basis. This recognition confirms the commitment we offer to our customers and the Business Tourism Industry alike, here in Yorkshire.”

Leeds Hotels Association aims to raise the profile of Leeds as a national and international destination for business and leisure. Its members range from budget to 5 star hotels, and include venues. For more information, go to www.hotelsinleeds.org

Ends

For further media information about Leeds Hotels Association or the awards please contact Amy Bell, Bonner and Hindley Communications, by email amy@bandhcommunications.co.uk or telephone 0113 279 9909

Winners and Highly Commended

Bright Idea sponsored by Leeds College
Winner – Silvio Faller, Hilton Leeds City
Highly Commended – John Hall, Bewleys Hotel Leeds

Leeds Live it, Love it sponsored by Marketing Leeds
Winner – Royal Armouries International
Highly Commended – Hilton Leeds City

Rising Star sponsored by City & Guilds
Winner – Jennie Russell, Cedar Court Hotel Wakefield
Highly Commended – Stacey Rowlatt, Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa
Highly Commended – Deidre Crofton, 42 The Calls

Top Team sponsored by Leeds Met University
Winner – Conference and Events Team, Leeds United Football Club Ltd
Highly Commended – Front of House Team, Roomzzz
Highly Commended – Sales and Revenue Team, The Queens

Exceptional Customer Service sponsored by Evolution Training
Winner – Louise Thornton, Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa
Highly Commended – Colin Gaines, The Queens

Unsung Hero
Winner – Marjorie, Holiday Inn Leeds/ Garforth
Highly Commended – Richard Tembo, Royal Armouries International

Lifetime Achievement Award
Nouri Trigui, Hilton Leeds City