Liverpool Hoteliers Association held its first awards evening, a Halloween-themed event at the city’s Hilton Hotel, which also raised vital funds for two local charities. Tony McDonough reports.

The “unsung heroes’ of the Liverpool hotels sector have been honoured at a charity awards ceremony.

Liverpool Hoteliers Association held its first awards evening, a Halloween-themed event at the city’s Hilton Hotel.

Eight Awards were presented  on the evening including Outstanding Contribution to the City/Industry, Community Champion, Young Chef of the Year and Unsung Hero.

Signature Living founder, Lawrence Kenwright was the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award and said:  “I would not be here tonight if every single member of my team had not given an outstanding contribution to every one of our projects.”

His company has ploughed millions of pounds into the city with a number of developments, the most high profile being the 30 James Street and Shankly hotels. The other winners were:

• Employee of the Year (Rising Star) – James Wade-Smith, deputy GM of the Malmaison.
• Employee of the Year (Heart of House) – Kayleigh Fox, HR co-ordinator at the Marriott.
• Employee of the Year (Front of House) – Curtis Kendal, brasserie supervisor at the Malmaison.
• Employee of the Year (Unsung Hero) – Graham Donnelly, kitchen porter at The Liner.
• Employee of the Year (Young Chef) – Tom Caldwell, senior chef de partie at the Hope Street Hotel.
• Sales Person of the Year – Natalie Weston, sales manager at the Marriott Hotel.
• Employees of the Year (Top Team) – the housekeeping team at Staybridge Suites.
• Employees of the Year (Top Team, highly commended) – front office team at the Marriott.
• Judges Award – Todd Campbell of the Richmond Hotel.

Marcus Magee, general manager of Hilton Hotel Liverpool and chair of the Liverpool Hoteliers Association, said “It was gratifying to see so many of our team members being recognised and rewarded for their commitment and excellent service delivery.

“The Liverpool Hotel Association and its members have a crucial role to play in the development, education and training of young people, who are the future of our industry and part of the future of the city region economy.”

This event was organised in association with World Class Service and guests raised valuable funds for Hospitality Action and Woodlands Hospice.