BII reveals this year's NITAs winners

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has announced the winners of the 2025 National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs).

The NITAs celebrate the exceptional individuals and businesses in the pub sector who put people at the heart of hospitality.

Each year, the awards recognise those who go above and beyond to champion training, development, sustainability and wellbeing within their teams.

This year’s winners were revealed at Porchester Hall London on 20 November. One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the presentation of the Franca Knowles Live Your Life Award, selected by a panel of previous winners and chaired by Keith Knowles OBE.

This award, which celebrates individuals in the sector who embody positivity, passion and dedication to people development, went to James Nye (pictured), managing director of Anglian Country Inns.

“The NITAs recognise the incredible people and organisations who make our sector such an inspiring and rewarding place to work," says Steven Alton, CEO of the BII. "Each of our winners has shown an exceptional commitment to nurturing their teams, supporting wellbeing and driving innovation across their businesses. Their dedication and passion help ensure our pubs and hospitality venues continue to sit at the heart of every community.

“Evenings like this remind us all just how incredible our sector is, filled with people who do amazing things every single day for their guests, teams and communities.”

The 2025 NITA winners 

Best Training Programme: Managed & Managed Partnerships
Fuller’s Lead Your Way

Best Training Programme: Individual Operator
Kim Rennie - The Barge Inn

Best Training Programme: Apprenticeships
Shepherd Neame

Best Training Programme: Sustainability Award – Company
Wells & Co

Best Training Programme: Sustainability Award – Individual Site
Michael Foxwell - The Old House at Home

Training Professional of the Year – Company
Frazer Grant- Pub & Bar Academy

Professional Trainer of the Year – Individual & Small Multiple
Katie Mannion - Nell’s Pizza

Best Recruitment Strategy
Admiral Taverns

Hospitality Apprentice of the Year – Back of House
Daisy Walton - Barge Inn, Wadworth

Hospitality Apprentice of the Year – Front of House
Sophie Maltby - The Tollemache Arms 

Hospitality Apprentice of the Year – Operations
Claire Illman - Shepherd Neame 

Wellbeing Award
Punch Pubs & Co

Image: Justine Burton, Berties Photography.

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