Bespoke Hotels announces winners of sixth annual ‘BeFactor' awards

Bespoke Hotels has announced the winners of its sixth annual "BeFactor" awards, which seek to recognise the exceptional efforts of staff.

Nominees were first nominated by their colleagues and guests, to be judged by a panel of six members of the management team.

Winners included Jeannette Saunderson, the Ennerdale hotel (Apprentice of the Year); the Welcombe golf hotel and spa (Bar of the Year); Tom Pace at the Strathallan hotel, in recognition of his food and commitment to health and safety (Chef of the Year); and Debbie Goodwin, Warrington Support Centre, for her work in supporting the hotel's portfolio.

The Columba hotel in Inverness was crowned Hotel of the Year for "providing excellence from the moment you step through the door". Its award was handed to Amy Windsor, of the hotel, by the publisher of The Caterer, Mark Lewis (pictured).

The event took place at the Stourport Manor Hotel in Worcestershire.

Robin Sheppard, chairman of the Bespoke Group, spoke of the commitment and tenacity of team members across the portfolio. He said: "We are immensely proud of the achievements of our staff in the past year. 2014 has been a strong one for us and we are looking forward to continuing to build on this success in the future."

Bespoke Hotels was founded in 2000, and now includes more than 100 properties across the world. It includes golfing hotels, spa resorts and city centre sites, and in 2012 acquired the Oxford Hotels and Inns portfolio. Earlier this year it also acquired the Hallmark Group.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

•Compliance Award - Ian Slater, the Sheffield Metropolitan hotel

•Bar of the Year - the Welcombe Golf Hotel & Spa

•Business Initiative Award - Michael Hodgkinson

•Chef of the Year - Tom Pace, the Strathallan hotel

•Employee of the Year - Debbie Goodwin, Warrington Support Centre

•Hotel of the Year - the Columba hotel, Inverness