Compass Group and The Clink Charity secured back-to-back wins in the Best Educational Programme large and small business categories. Compass Group also emerged victorious in the DEIB Employer of the Year category.
Compass impressed the judges with the impact of ‘Xcelerate’, which delivered over 60 culinary workshops, training more than 2,700 people, and generating nearly £800,000 in social value in just 12 months. With plans to reach 8,000 people by 2027, the programme is an example of meaningful community and skills investment.
The judges commented on The Clink’s ability to continue to break new ground; training nearly 800 individuals in 2024, delivering over 26,000 hours of training and offering real rehabilitation support through its hospitality operations. With a newly launched café for at-risk young people, their reach and impact continue to grow.
IoH chief executive Robert Richardson FIH MI, commented: “It’s been an incredible night, and once again our winners have left us inspired and energised by the talent, drive, and innovation happening across our industry.
“Hospitality is powered by incredible people, tonight helps us keep all our amazing hospitality professionals, front and centre. The Institute is proud to stand beside them all as their professional body and their professional development champion. Every single member is a reminder of why we exist and why our work truly matters.”
Guest speaker and Gold Medal Paralympian Aaron Phipps MBE reminded attendees that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) must remain at the top of all our agendas.
The 2025 IoH Award winners include:
- Compass Group UK & Ireland – ‘Xcelerate with Edgbaston’ | Best Educational Programme (Large Business) - Sponsored by Keenan Recycling
- The Clink Charity | Best Educational Programme (SME) - Sponsored by Keenan Recycling
- The Savoy | Talent Development Team of the Year (Large Business) - Sponsored by CGA Integration
- Canopy by Hilton London City | Talent Development Team of the Year (SME) - Sponsored by CGA Integration
- Compass Group UK & Ireland | DEIB Employer of the Year (Large Business) - Sponsored by EP&T Global
- Marsham Court Hotel | DEIB Employer of the Year (SME) - Sponsored by EP&T Global
- Tony Matharu, Founder & Chairman, Integrity International Group | Outstanding Contribution to the Industry - Sponsored by Aspire Executive Lounges
- Matt Townley FIH MI, Group Operations Director, Dakota Hotels / Chair of IoH North Region | IoH CEO’s Award 2025 - Sponsored by HIT Training