BIIAB is proud to sponsor The Purple Umbrella Awards, an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on apprentices in the hospitality and catering industry. Held on Friday 19 September, the occasion brought together employers, apprentices, and awarding organisations, and the energy in the room was unforgettable. The positivity and pride displayed reflected a bright future for the hospitality industry. As a leading Awarding Organisation for catering and hospitality, we are proud to be part of this significant occasion. Our support of the Purple Umbrella Awards is a testament to our commitment to raising standards and celebrating those who embody excellence in our industry.
How the night unfolded
The evening started with a drinks reception, the perfect opportunity to network, followed by speeches and a delicious three-course meal. The awards ceremony then took centre stage. The Best Level 2 Apprentice Award, presented by our very own Paul Chivers, was awarded to Gurveer Cheema from Dream Days Events & Catering. Congratulations, Gurveer and huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners.
“It was an absolute honour to present an award and see all the amazing apprentices who have worked so hard to be nominated, let alone win. The event ran perfectly with amazing food, networking, and a real chance to celebrate the hospitality sector. It was clear to see what a difference BIIAB and others have made by sponsoring the event for the apprentices, and I can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”
Celebrating the Future of Hospitality
This Purple Umbrella Awards are about much more than awards. They celebrate the apprentices and employers who are shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Watching apprentices achieve distinction grades, earn promotions, and step confidently into their careers was inspiring. These are the rising stars of our industry, and it was an honour to see their hard work recognised.
The evening also marked their official entry into the Umbrella Hall of Fame, which is open to apprentices and employers from outside the Umbrella Training family. This kind of collaboration is exactly what the hospitality industry needs to thrive. BIIAB’s presence highlighted the wider network of support and recognition surrounding these learners.
Every finalist was nominated by their employer or an Umbrella Skills Coach, and the winners were selected by a panel of over 15 respected hospitality leaders.
This year, Yultan Mellor, CEO of BIIAB, joined the judging panel and reflected:
“It's always inspiring to see the incredible talent recognised at the Purple Umbrella Awards. Being part of the judging panel was a privilege, and the dedication shown by all participants was exemplary. The hard work and talent on display make it clear that the hospitality sector has a bright future. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. We at BIIAB are proud to be a key partner in supporting the development of such incredible talent.”
As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, the need for well-trained, motivated, and skilled professionals has never been greater. BIIAB is committed to supporting hospitality apprentices, the future of tomorrow.
A huge congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to the Umbrella Awards for creating such a celebratory event that brought us all together.