Umbrella Training Host Annual Purple Umbrella Awards 2025
The prestigious annual Purple Umbrella Awards 2025, hosted by Umbrella Training, returned on Friday 19th September in the historic surroundings of the House of Lords. A night of celebration, the awards are dedicated to shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of apprentices and mentors across the hospitality sector.
Hosted by Adele Oxberry, Founder – Umbrella Training, and Sam Coulstock, Executive Director of Growth & Partnerships – Umbrella Training, the evening honoured apprentices at every level, from newcomers embarking on their careers to future leaders already shaping the industry. The ceremony also celebrated those who champion the power of hospitality to change lives, inspire communities, and drive innovation.
In her opening address, Adele, thanked the evening’s sponsors - EHAP, Caterer.com, and BIIAB - and the esteemed panel of judges, alongside paying tribute to the dedication of the apprentices and their employers.
The evening began with the most prestigious award of all, the Special Purple Umbrella Award 2025, recognising an individual who has tirelessly championed the sector. The award was presented to Kate Nicholls OBE, Chair of UK Hospitality, for her unwavering advocacy and leadership.
Nicholls has been at the forefront of some of the sector’s most challenging times, from the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring the voice of hospitality was heard at the highest levels of government. Her work has shaped policy, secured vital support, and elevated the industry as a central pillar of the UK’s economy and communities. She has united voices across the sector and reminded the nation that hospitality is not just about food, drink, or accommodation, but about people, opportunity, and creating places where careers are built and communities thrive.
The evening continued with the presentation of the following awards - full list of winners of The Purple Umbrella Awards 2025:
Best Apprentice Level 2:
Winner: Gurveer Cheema, Dream Days Catering & Events
Highly Commended: Richard Loye, Soho House - 40 Greek Street
Best Chef Apprentice Level 2:
Winner: Harvey Martin, Home Grown Hotels - The Pig
Highly Commended: Muhammad Huzaifa Uddin, The Felix Project
Best Apprentice Level 3
Winner: Harry Shield, Bvlgari Hotel London
Highly Commended: Luan Mallon, Luxury Family Hotels - Ickworth Hotel
Highly Commended: Connor Murphy, Canopy by Hilton London City
Best Chef Apprentice Level 3
Winner: Frank Ellis, Splendid Hospitality
Best Apprentice Level 4
Winner: Courtney Lewis, Marston’s - Myton House Farm
Highly Commended: Mark Craber, CH&CO - Vacherin
Best Apprentice Level 5
Winner: Jessica Clark, CH&CO - Gather & Gather
Highly Commended: Kerry Allen, Q Hotels - Crewe Hall
Best Apprentice Mentor
Winner: Toto Dell’Aringa, The Felix Project
Highly Commended: Cameron Ellson, Q Hotels – The Cambridge Belfry
Purple Umbrella Individual Special Awards
These awards recognise apprentices who have gone above and beyond, embodying the company’s values and leaving a lasting impact:
Hospitality Passion: Lilian Yakawa, Soho House
Hospitality Resilience: Muhammad Huzaifa Uddin, The Felix Project
Hospitality Dedication: Priyadeep Kaur, Splendid Hospitality Group - The Stanwell Hotel
Hospitality Ambition: Fiona Whiting, Farncombe Estates
Adele Oxberry, founder of Umbrella Training believes these awards are integral to highlighting the incredible achievements within the industry:
“The Purple Umbrella Awards are about recognising the extraordinary people who make hospitality so special. From those just beginning their journey to those stepping into leadership roles, our winners and finalists embody the passion, resilience, and ambition that define this industry. We are so proud to celebrate their achievements with The Purple Umbrella Awards for another year.”
Guests also supported a fundraising prize draw, with proceeds going to Hospitality Action, Be Inclusive Hospitality, and The Felix Trust.
For more information on Umbrella Training please visit: https://www.umbrellatraining.co.uk/ or for more information on the Purple Umbrella Awards get in touch with alex@eatpr.co.uk
