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