Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH), founded by Lorraine Copes to advance racial equity in hospitality, food and drink, will host its inaugural BIH Spotlight Awards on 24 October at Percy’s bar in Kensington, London, with entries being accepted now via the BIH Spotlight Awards website until 9 September.
The awards, which have 11 categories, will celebrate businesses and individuals of exceptional talent and achievement from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds working within the hospitality industry.
Star judging panel
Public nominations are invited across all categories and self-nominations are also welcome. There will also be two ‘Peoples’ Choice’ awards, which will be decided upon calculating the most nominated person and restaurant.
The judging panel includes TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver alongside D&D London chief executive and chairman Des Gunewardena.
Oliver said: “I am thrilled to be working with the brilliant Lorraine Copes and Be Inclusive Hospitality on these hugely significant awards. We all love our industry but there is no denying it needs a shake-up.
“The way we view excellence can and should be expanded. There are amazing chefs from a plethora of backgrounds, working all over the country, who are creating stunning food that reflects the multiplicity of culture in the UK. This is a way to uplift and celebrate their work – and right on time it is too.”
Presenting opportunities
Copes added: “Our aim for the BIH Spotlight Awards is to present opportunities for the nominees and winners alike enabling them to advance and widen their business networks and audiences. We look forward to celebrating the success of some of the brightest stars of the present and the future.”
The 11 categories are for Pub/Bar of the Year, Chef of the Year, African Food, Caribbean Food, East and South East Asian Food, South Asian Food, Middle Eastern Food, Drinks Professional of the Year, Writer of the Year, Head Office Impact and Rising Star.
