The awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, will take place on the first day of the event on October 15 at Olympia London and will additionally recognise one inspiring individual’s outstanding contribution to the independent hotel sector.

This year’s awards include two new categories, designed to celebrate future hotel industry superstars and to recognise the innovative design bringing new hotels to life and revitalising historic businesses.

Independent Hotel Show event manager Glenn Wallace commented: “We’re delighted to be opening entries for the 12th Independent Hotel Show Awards and introducing two exciting new categories.

“The independent hotel sector is second to none when it comes to passion and quality of service, and we can’t wait to celebrate excellence across the industry at this year’s event.”

The new categories include Hotel Rising Star, which will recognise the ‘exceptional talent set to define the future of the industry’, and Best Hotel Design of the Year, which will celebrate ‘excellence in the field of hotel design and architecture.’
Independent Hotel of the Year

The Independent Hotel of the Year award will be presented to a hotel that has made a significant contribution to the independent hotel sector. The award recognises a hotel that embodies ‘independent spirit, excellence, and innovation’ in creating exceptional guest experiences while ‘pushing the boundaries’ expected of an independent hotel.

The awards judges include Boutique Hotelier’s very own senior editor, Zoe Monk, alongside:

• Brenda Collin, executive vice president of Europe, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
• Dean Culpan, general manager, South Place Hotel
• Eloise Hanson, editor, Boutique Hotel News
• Jane Pendlebury, CEO, HOSPA (The Hospitality Professionals Association)
• Kalindi Juneja, CEO, PoB Hotels
• Robert Richardson, CEO, Institute of Hospitality
• Nick Maddox, head of risk, James Hallam Hospitality and Leisure
• Peter Hancock, conference and awards host
• Petra Clayton, CEO, CUSTARD
• Sarah Duncan, ESG Consultant, author of The Sustainable Business Book and The Ethical Business Book
• Simon Numphud, managing director, AA Media
• Su Pecha, founder, ESP Business Development
• Veryan Palmer, director, Headland Hotel Cornwall

The awards are free to enter and entries close on Monday 10 June at 5pm.

By Eamonn Crowe