Excellence rewarded by Springboard

Tension was high as the eagerly sought-after Springboard Awards for Excellence were announced at The Brewery in Chiswell Street, London, with major industry figures on hand to applaud the winners and hear about their successful initiatives in attracting, training and retaining staff.
In presenting the awards, Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard, commented, ìThe entries this year reflected the industryís vision and effort in creating initiatives to attract and retain high calibre staff.î

ìThe companies who have excelled are reaping the rewards of a carefully constructed approach to the ongoing problem of staff shortages and will continue to thrive. Their successful initiatives send a clear message to the rest of the industry that this is the way forward.î

Cyrus Todiwala MBE, proprietor and executive chef at Caf Spice Namaste and the Paree restaurant, walked away with the Springboard Special Award. Sponsored by 3663 this award is given to an individual, organisation or partnership that has demonstrated the most outstanding overall contribution towards achieving the Springboard ethos in the past 12 months.

The judges were impressed with Cyrusís commitment to diversity and the sheer volume of support he gives to Springboard activities and described his work as ëa polished and professional contributioní

ìCyrus has been involved in many Springboard initiatives including FutureChef, where he has helped across the spectrum of the competition from mentoring finalists and judging, and earlier this year he was part of our new culinary initiative, Get Set COOK!Ö which trialled in London,î said Anne Pierce.

ìCyrus recognises that we need to change perceptions and he puts a lot of time, effort and enthusiasm into this. His work with schools, colleges and disadvantaged people is greatly appreciated and he always leaves you with a wealth of knowledge, pride and passion that cannot always be gained in the classroom.î

The Springboard Awards for Excellence provide companies and individuals with the opportunity to showcase outstanding practice in addressing one of the industryís most significant issues ñ attracting and retaining people. Each winning entry had to meet the specific criteria of a clear strategy, addressing the specific need of the initiative, show clear aims and outcomes and provide proof of innovation, achievement, evaluation and use of partnerships.