Liverpool Hospitality People Awards return for 2025

The awards, in association with Saffron Vanilla and Liverpool ONE will be hosted by the Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse, are a chance to celebrate the talented individuals at the heart of Liverpool’s lively hospitality and retail industry.

The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the brightest stars of the hospitality and retail community and honour some outstanding individuals who demonstrate passion, dedication, and commitment in an exciting sector.

The event will feature 17 categories including ‘Rising Star’ and ‘Unsung Hero’, awards for customer facing staff and those working behind the scenes, as well as the Judges and Chairman’s awards that aren’t open for entry but recognise inspirational figures from within the sector. 

Steven Hesketh, Vice-Chair of Liverpool Hospitality Association said:

“Amidst the challenges and triumphs of our ever-evolving hospitality and retail landscape, the People Awards give us a chance to highlight the exceptional individuals and teams who fuel our industry’s resilience and innovation whilst raising vital funds for some great charities. These awards are not just a recognition but a celebration of the heart and soul of Liverpool’s hospitality and retail industry and we hope as many businesses as possible will make a nomination, and join us in applauding the remarkable people that make Liverpool’s hospitality and retail sector truly exceptional.”

The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards also supports local and national charities with all proceeds raised through the event being shared with national industry charity Hospitality Action, and a local charity, which will be announced before the awards.  Last year, the awards raised a staggering £30,000 for good causes.

Stephen Ramsden, director of platinum sponsor Saffron Vanilla commented:

“This is our 3rd successive year of sponsoring Liverpool Hospitality People awards, and we could not be prouder, proud of our industry, proud of the hospitality personnel that deserve all the recognition and praise heaped upon them. Proud of our City for again being at the forefront of innovation and recognising that we as a sector are nothing without the people who make this machine tick and they should be rewarded” 

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, added:

“At the heart of Liverpool is its people and their unrivalled warmth and welcoming nature. The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards shines a spotlight on those who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional customer service to help ensure our hospitality and retail sector continues to thrive and grow. We’re incredibly proud to once again be headline sponsors and support the Excellence in Retail Award category, which will no doubt showcase the breadth of talent we have right here on our doorstep and demonstrate why we as a city region are the ultimate destination for visitors.

Applications are now open, with submissions being welcomed until 5pm on Friday 8th March. Both members and non-members of the Liverpool Hospitality Association are encouraged to enter. 

Finalists will be announced in late March and winners will be announced on 22nd May at a glittering awards ceremony to be held at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel.  

General Manager Brian Connor, general manager at the Titanic Hotel said:

“We are extremely proud to host these awards for the seventh year and continue to show our support for Liverpool Hospitality, Hospitality Action and of course the fantastic and talented people who are the absolute beating heart of our industry.  We are looking forward to welcoming all of the finalists and their teams to the awards ceremony in May this year.”

Joining headline sponsors Saffron Vanilla, Liverpool ONE and the Titanic Hotel and The Guide Liverpool, Sugar and Lime, The Hospitality Hero, Cool Breeze Agency, RW Wedding Photography, Red Events Creative and MSP Global. To hear about sponsorship opportunities contact katie@coolbreezeagency.com

A full list of categories and the entry form are available here.

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