The Publican reveals the shortlist for this year's NITAs.
It will come as no surprise to anyone reading this that the pub industry is continuing to struggle to keep hold of good quality staff. However, this year's industry awards for training excellence have seen a raft of high quality entries for each of its 12 categories, underlining the growing value the pub trade is placing on its employees.
For the past 14 years, the BII's NITAs (National Innkeeping Training Awards) have recognised and rewarded training within the on-licensed retail sector.
The awards, which this year are being run in association with The Publican, are now recognised as a crucial tool in the promotion of best practice and high levels of customer service in the industry.
And this year the competition is greater than ever before. The BII has struggled to whittle down the high number of applications for each category to get a final shortlist.
This year has seen a major commitment from operators to meeting training for their pubs. All companies and licensees have been notified, with those who have been unsuccessful receiving a personalised letter giving them information on why they failed to make the shortlist.
Constructive feedback
According to Brigitte Rushmore (pictured), senior marketing manager at the BII, this is an important part of the judging process.
"In previous years this constructive feedback given to entrants who did not get shortlisted has helped them improve their businesses. This can only be good for everybody," she said.
"Applications for the awards were 30 per cent up on last year and the quality of entrants has also improved this year."
Those that have been shortlisted will be receiving visits from a panel of judges who will evaluate the type of training provided, and carry out a more in-depth discussion about what they offer.
This year, The Union Pub Company has reached the finals of the awards in three categories.
The company has been shortlisted for Best Development Programme in non-managed estates, Best Licensee Induction Programme and for the Social Responsibility Award.
Commercial director Andrew Cooney said: "We're obviously pleased to have been shortlisted in the three categories that we entered, which is a great endorsement for our training programmes.
"As a company we recognise the importance of training. It doesn't matter whether you're a new licensee or have a wealth of experience behind the bar, it's essential to continually update your skills. All our courses are designed very much with the licensee in mind - they tend to be practical and interactive since classroom learning can be a turn off for some people."
Licensee Graham Rowson of the Plungington Tavern in Preston is a finalist and former winner of Licensee Trainer of the Year. He said: "I rate the awards as second to none. I think they are fantastic and I have got a lot of pride in winning and would love to win again. I still think the industry is not treating training as seriously as it could."
This year's winners will be announced at a celebration lunch at the House of Commons in December.
Category finalists
- Best Licensee Induction Programme in Managed Estates
- Sponsored by Punch Taverns
- Laurel Pub Company
- Pathfinder Pubs
Best Licensee Induction Programme in Non-Managed Estates
Sponsored by Milestone Licensed Trade Accountants
Enterprise Inns
Greene King Pub Partners
The Elephant & Castle
The Union Pub Company
Best Development Programme in Managed Estates
Sponsored by Greene King Pub Company
Shepherd Neame
Charles Wells
Luminar Leisure
McMullen & Sons
Best Development Programme in Non-Managed Estates
Sponsored by the BII
Greene King Pub Partners
Everards Brewery
The Union Pub Company
Punch Taverns
Licensee Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by The Union Pub Company
Graham Rowson, Plungington Tavern, Preston
Andrew Cannon, Victoria Inn, Salcombe
Pauline Town, the Witchwood, Ashton-Under-Lyne
James Low, the Bath Arms Hotel, Cheddar
Innovation in Training Award
Sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle Pub Enterprises
Daniel Thwaites
Pathfinder Pubs
Punch Taverns
St Austell Brewery Co
Cask Marque Trust
Best Area Manager/BDM Development Award
Sponsored by Charles Wells
Enterprise Inns
Pathfinder Pubs
Mitchells & Butlers
Punch Taverns
Social Responsibilities Award (consumption on the premises)
Sponsored by JD Wetherspoon
JH Leisure & Calderdale Council & Calderdale College
The University of Salford/ the Leadership Development Centre
The Union Pub Company
Social Responsibilities Award (consumption off the premises)
Sponsored by the BII
Tates
Colchester and East Sussex Co-operative Society
Professional Trainer of the Year
Sponsored by Enterprise Inns
Jim Wright, the Barracuda Group
Daniel Pettigrew, Daniel Pettigrew Training
Mark Simcox, Pathfinder Pubs
Carolyn McFarlan, Arrochar Associates
Sarah Cavanagh, Punch Taverns
Jeffrey Martin, Complete Licensed Trade Solutions
Supplier Training Award
Sponsored by the BII
Daniel Thwaites
Diageo
Door Supervisor Training Award
Sponsored by BIIAB and City & Guilds
Weymouth College
North Yorkshire Police
Coleg Ceredigon
The University of Salford/ the Leadership Development Centre