Employees at the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield have been honoured at a special event celebrating the best of the city and wider region’s hotel and venue professionals.

Hosted at Kenwood hall, the evening saw Sheffield’s hospitality industry come together to celebrate the 16th annual Sheffield Hospitality Association Awards which had the highest number of entries with almost 200 guests attending.

The People’s Choice was the only award voted for by the public and this year saw more nominations than ever before. Mark Jones head chef (pictured) at the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield brought the house down when he received his first-place award.

Sponsored by Abstract Dance, the Unsung Hero Award acknowledges those staff members who are often ‘behind the scenes’ in hospitality. Paige Timmins of the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield was recognised for her work ethic, inspiring and enthusiastic approach and willingness to turn her hand to anything.

Awarded for her ability to develop individuals and nurture their talents to help them progress to the next level, Kate Stenton, HR manager at the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, took home the coveted Mentor of the Year Award, sponsored by Zebra Print Management.

Rhiannah Toppin from Sheffield College who did a 1-year apprenticeship at Copthorne Hotel, took second place for the Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Sheffield College.

For exceptional Customer Service Back of House, Micheal Winstanley, Sales and Events Co-ordinator of the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield took second place. Finally, the Housekeeping team came in third place for the Top Team Award, sponsored by Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

General manager at the Copthorne Hotel, Mattine Sabzevari said: “I am immensely proud of the team whose work ethic and professionalism shone through tonight.

“To gain such acknowledgement at one of the most highly anticipated hospitality events in Sheffield is a real boost and hugely beneficial for the guests who stay at the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield and a reflection of the hard work and commitment delivered by the team.”

For more information about the Copthorne Hotel, visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield or call 0114 252 5480.