Eight fantastic finalists battled it out on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 May to demonstrate why they deserve to be awarded the prestigious 2008 Olive Barnett Award.

The award went to Edward Viita, deputy bars manager at The Langham, London who was described as “outstanding” and clearly demonstrated that he has the potential to make it to the top of the industry.

The presentation, which was held in the opulent surroundings of Claridge's Ballroom, was attended by over 200 senior industry people, who were there to see the rising stars of the hospitality industry receive the accolades they deserve.

This year the entrants had been asked to comment on climate change, the environment, going green and being a good employer – points that are of major interest to businesses, and organisations, without losing sight of the objectives of their company.

Said Anne Pierce, Springboard's chief executive: "The finalists this year were of an extremely high calibre and the industry is fortunate to have such dedicated and professional people in their customer-facing roles. It's clear to see that they all have solid 'green' credentials."

Edward is the recipient of a career grant of £1000 a year for the next three years, and a place on the prestigious weeklong Lausanne Executive Education - Summer Programme at the world-famous Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.

Sarah Ingram, 26, operations manager at Holborn Bars, De Vere Venues, London, won second place and a career development grant of £750 a year for three years.

Simon Houston, 24, general manager, BaxterStorey – BBC Scotland (Pacific Quay), was third placed and wins a career development grant of £500 a year for three years.

Photograph: Edward Viita, centre, receives the 2008 Olive Barnett award from Ann Pierce, chief executive of Springboard and Tony Elliott, Savoy Gastronomes.