Awards 2009/10
Gala Awards Winners Announced
The winners of the prestigious Considerate Hotel of the Year 2009/10 Awards were announced at the Gala Awards Lunch on Wednesday 2 June 2010, at the Dorchester Hotel, London. Two additional awards were made by the judges, the Considerate Lifetime Achievement Award 2009/10 and the Considerate Good Egg of the Year Award 2009/10.
The Awards categories and winners are:
The Considerate Hotel of the Year 2009/10
Sponsored by Gilchrist & Soames Ltd
WINNER - BUDOCK VEAN HOTEL, MAWNAN SMITH nr FALMOUTH
This is the ultimate award presented by CHA and is awarded to the hotel or guest house that is considered by the judges to be the best all-rounder in 2009 for success in a wide range of environmental initiatives - from energy and water conservation, waste reduction and support for sustainable food, to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This year, Budock Vean Hotel was a very worthy winner in a very hard-fought category, where the standard was so high, eleven hotels were shortlisted (see the press release). Commenting on Buddock Vean Hotel, Head Judge Professor John Forte OBE commented: "Because of Budock Vean’s progressive programme of sustainable environmental improvements over the past five years and the hotel’s continual search and commitment for further improvements over the coming 12 months, it was unanimously selected as the ‘Considerate Hotel of the Year’. Not only does Budock Vean provide a shining example to other hotels of what sustainable and environmental management is all about, but it also shows the rest of the business community the leading role being played by the hospitality industry in caring for our planet.”.
The Considerate Green Marketing Initiative of the Year 2009/10
Sponsored by Beacon Purchasing
WINNER - THE LANCASTER LONDON
Green marketing is increasingly important to the success and business development of today’s hotels and guest houses. Innovation, the ability to respond to market demands and an ability to identify opportunities were just some of the areas judges considered when judging the winner of this award. The Lancaster London received the Award for the innovative nature, quality and effectiveness of its green marketing initiatives undertaken during 2009 that made their mark. These included the introduction in July of half-a-million honey bees which checked in at the Lancaster London – making it the first central London hotel to install beehives on its roof!
The Considerate Sustainable Food Award of the Year 2009/10
Sponsored by Sustain and Fairtrade
WINNER - LASSWADE COUNTRY HOUSE & RESTAURANT, POWYS
This award is recognition for the hotel or guest house which, in the opinion of the judges, has gone ‘that extra mile’ in 2009 to source and provide sustainable food for its guests, through supporting its local food producers, producing and/or purchasing ethically and showing seasonality and sustainability. Hotels and guest houses were also expected to proudly demonstrate this to their guests and other users, through marketing and via the menu and hotel staff, why they are doing so. Lasswade Country House & Restaurant was this year's worthy winner, beating off strong competition from the Bingham at Richmond upon Thames, Surrey; The Nurse’s Cottage at Sway in the New Forest National Park; and The Queensberry Hotel, Bath.
The Considerate Green Team of the Year 2009/10
WINNER - THE DORCHESTER, LONDON
This is the award for the hotel or guest house which, in the opinion of the judges, has – by virtue of the work undertaken by their Green Team – made the most difference in 2009. The Dorchester, London had stiff opposition for the award from the following short-listed establishments in this category: the Crowne Plaza London - St. James; Lancaster London; The Egerton House Hotel, Knightsbridge, London – representing Red Carnation Hotels; and the Park Inn Heathrow.
The Considerate Green Champion of the Year 2009/10
WINNER - JESSICA BLACK, FIRMDALE HOTELS
This award is presented to the individual, nominated by fellow hoteliers and colleagues, who by sheer dedication has inspired others to raise the green standard in 2009. Those short-listed, who challenged Jessica Black for the award, were: Jenny Lock, Proprietor, Greenbanks Country Hotel at Wendling, Norfolk; Malcolm Lewis, Managing Director, Longueville Manor in Jersey; and Diane Stenning, Head of the Environmental Committee, Best Western The Old Tollgate Restaurant & Hotel, Bramber, West Sussex.
The Considerate Lifetime Achievement Award 2009/10
WINNER - JENNY LOCK, GREENBANKS HOTEL, NORFOLK
Jenny's enthusiasm and dedication won her this year's Considerate Lifetime Achievement Award. Commenting on Jenny's award, CHA's Director and Secretary John Firrell commented: “Over the years, Greenbanks has been nominated for, and awarded, many accolades – including the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2001. Greenbanks’ success, however, would not have happened were it not for Jenny Lock, and it is for this reason that the judges and myself believed that her hard work and immense commitment to social responsibility and green issues should now be recognised – especially as she experienced her most successful year in 2009. Even though she turned 70 in April, Jenny is still looking at ways in which to improve and develop Greenbanks, in addition to the surrounding environment – that is what professionalism and dedication are all about!”
The Considerate Good Egg of the Year Award 2009/10
WINNER - RAYMOND BLANC OBE
The first ever ‘Considerate Good Egg of the Year Award 2009/10’ was presented to one of the world’s most widely respected hoteliers and chefs – Raymond Blanc OBE. Commenting on the award, John Firrell said: "It is so totally apt and appropriate that the first recipient of the ‘Considerate Good Egg Award’ should be Raymond Blanc. The award – a Rhea egg mounted in a large locally hand-crafted wooden egg cup – is intended to recognise those in the hospitality business who have inspired and encouraged others to embrace certain principles of life. As far as CHA is concerned, those principles involve a dedication and willingness to impart to others the absolute need: to always try their best; that good enough is not enough; and to be ultra considerate at all times. Additionally, if you can help others to achieve excellence in what they do, then you are thoroughly deserving of the ‘Good Egg Award’.
“Raymond is a beacon of sustainability both in himself and the profession he is in. More than that, he cares for those around him, and they for him. It may take a while to explain to Raymond what the very English expression ‘A Good Egg’ means, but those who know him, realise that he fits the title perfectly."
To read the full 2009/10 Award Winners press release, click here.
If you’d like to know who won the 2008/9 awards click here.
