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28th November 2019

BII NITAS 2019 Winners Announced

The BII is delighted to unveil the winners of the 2019 National Innovation in Training Awards, their national awards programme celebrating the very best in training excellence and innovation within the licensed industry.

Hosted again this year at the iconic Café de Paris in London’s West End, the range of NITA award categories are designed to showcase both individuals and businesses operating in today’s licensed retail sector who demonstrate that they are truly putting their people first, with innovative training programmes that encourage long-term careers in the sector.

The BII’s CEO Mike Clist said: “The NITAs are a vital part of recognising and celebrating the most successful individuals and businesses in the licensed retail market today. All the finalists have shown that they value, support and champion their people by continuing to invest in and develop their training programmes. Encouraging further innovation in our fantastic industry is key to ensure businesses thrive for years to come. Congratulations to all our winners.”

The worthy winners in each category are listed below:

Best Casual Dining Training Programme

The Grey Mare

Sponsored by CPL Online

 

Best Training Programme – Leased & Tenanted

Greene King

Sponsored by Yapster

 

Best Training Programme – Managed Under 50

Brewhouse & Kitchen

Sponsored by Greene King

 

Best Training Programme – Managed Over 50

Brewdog

Sponsored by Bums on Seats

 

HR Manager of the Year

Lee Woolley

Sponsored by Bizimply

 

Best Apprenticeship Training Programme

Fuller, Smith & Turner

Sponsored by HIT Training

 

Most Innovative Recruitment Strategy

Brewhouse & Kitchen

Sponsored by BIIAB

 

Professional Trainer of the Year

Alex Double – Brewhouse & Kitchen

Sponsored by Venners

 

We also have our very special Franca Knowles Lifetime Achievement Award – chosen by a panel, led by Keith Knowles, CEO and founder of Beds & Bars. It identified and recognised an individual working within the on-licensed retail sector who leads by example and demonstrates training and people are at the core of what they do.

 Winner: Kris Gumbrell

 

This year’s NITAs are particularly special to us, as they are the last to be hosted by BII CEO Mike Clist. His incredible career and the impact he has had on our industry over the last 40 years is something that couldn’t go unmarked, and as such, we are delighted that he has also been recognised with a Franca Knowles Lifetime Achievement award.

Congratulations, Mike!

 

For more information, contact Molly Davis (molly.davis@bii.org)