Cyrus Todiwala, proprietor and executive chef at Café Spice Namaste and the Paree restaurant, walked away with Springboard's Special Award at its annual Awards for Excellence at the Brewery in London on 31 October.

The awards recognise excellence in promoting careers, attracting people and best employment practice, and the finale was the Springboard Special Award presented by Andy Kemp of sponsor 3663.

The accolade recognised Todiwala's aim of changing perceptions and the amount of time, effort and enthusiasm he has invested in helping Springboard. His work with schools, colleges and disadvantaged people leaves people with a wealth of know-ledge, pride and passion that cannot always be gained in the classroom.

The finale was truly special as it was announced that the Special Award was to be renamed the Chris Beaumont Award in memory of the massive contribution he made to Springboard before he died earlier this year. Beaumont, the first managing director of Springboard in 1990, was instrumental in establishing the innovative and memorable approach to promoting careers that Springboard adopts today. He remained actively involved in its activities as a trustee until his death.

Awards for promoting careers

The Springboard Ambassador's Award, sponsored by The People Tree
Winner: Michael Lennon, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Best Regional Initiative, sponsored by the HCTC
Winner: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Highly commended: The Lavender House, Norwich

The Web Award, sponsored by P&G Professional
Winner: The People Tree
Highly commended: Best Western Hotels

The Education Award, Large Organisation, sponsored by the HCIMA
Winner: Glasgow Hoteliers Personnel & Training Forum

The Education Award, Small Organisation, sponsored by the Authentic Food Company
Winner: Asian & Oriental School of Catering
Highly commended: Copthorne hotel, Manchester

Awards for attracting people

The Young People Award, sponsored by Amex
Winner: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Highly commended: The Nurse's Cottage

Best Student Placement Provider, Large Organisation, sponsored by Alliance
Winner: Mitchells & Butlers
Highly commended: Cendant VRG

Best Student Placement Provider, Small Organisation, sponsored by Georgia-Pacific
Winner: The Goring
Highly commended: The Lavender House

The Diversity in Employment Award, sponsored by Jobcentre Plus
Winner: Marriott Hotels Scotland cluster

The International Award, sponsored by Berkeley Scott
Winner: Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort

Awards for best employment practice

Best Employer Award, Hospitality & Leisure, sponsored by the BHA
Winner: Novotel London West
Highly commended: Bartlett Mitchell

Best Career Progression Award, sponsored by VT Plus Training
Winner: Malmaison & Hotel du Vin Hotels

The Retention Award, sponsored by Caterer.com
Winner: Red Carnation Hotels
Highly commended: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

The Recruitment Award, Hospitality & Leisure, sponsored by Caterer and Hotelkeeper
Winner: Corus Hotels

The Recruitment Award, Travel & Tourism, sponsored by Travel Weekly
Winner: Thomas Cook

The Corporate Citizenship Award, sponsored by BII
Winner: Gala Group

The Springboard Special Award, sponsored by 3663
Winner: Cyrus Todiwala