Hospitality apprentices recognised alongside Kate Nicholls at the Purple Umbrella Awards

Kate Nicholls has received the Special Purple Umbrella Award 2025 at a ceremony ay the House of Lords to celebrate hospitality apprentices.

The UKHospitality chair and high achieving apprentices were recognised at the Purple Umbrella Awards 2025 on Friday (19 September), hosted by the training provider’s founder Adele Oxberry.

Oxberry paid tribute to Nicholls for her leadership of UKHospitality and work to elevate the industry as a central pillar of the UK’s economy and communities. 

She said: “The Purple Umbrella Awards are about recognising the extraordinary people who make hospitality so special. From those just beginning their journey to those stepping into leadership roles, our winners and finalists embody the passion, resilience, and ambition that define this industry. We are so proud to celebrate their achievements with the Purple Umbrella Awards for another year.”

The Purple Umbrella Awards 2025 winners

Best Apprentice Level 2

• Winner: Gurveer Cheema, Dream Days Catering & Events
• Highly commended: Richard Loye, Soho House, 40 Greek Street

Best Chef Apprentice Level 2

• Winner: Harvey Martin, Home Grown Hotels, the Pig
• Highly commended: Muhammad Huzaifa Uddin, the Felix Project

Best Apprentice Level 3

• Winner: Harry Shield, Bvlgari Hotel London
• Highly commended: Luan Mallon, Luxury Family Hotels, Ickworth Hotel
• Highly commended: Connor Murphy, Canopy by Hilton London City

Best Chef Apprentice Level 3

• Winner: Frank Ellis, Splendid Hospitality

Best Apprentice Level 4

• Winner: Courtney Lewis, Marston’s, Myton House Farm
• Highly commended: Mark Craber, CH&Co, Vacherin

Best Apprentice Level 5

• Winner: Jessica Clark, CH&Co, Gather & Gather
• Highly commended: Kerry Allen, Q Hotels, Crewe Hall

Best Apprentice Mentor

• Winner: Toto Dell’Aringa, the Felix Project
• Highly commended: Cameron Ellson, Q Hotels, the Cambridge Belfry

Purple Umbrella Special Awards

• Hospitality Passion: Lilian Yakawa, Soho House
• Hospitality Resilience: Muhammad Huzaifa Uddin, the Felix Project
• Hospitality Dedication: Priyadeep Kaur, Splendid Hospitality Group, the Stanwell Hotel
• Hospitality Ambition: Fiona Whiting, Farncombe Estates