The UK's top tourism businesses were honoured at the Springboard Charitable Trust Awards For Excellence at The Tower Hotel on Wednesday 26 November 2008.

Over 450 representatives of the UK's top tourism, hospitality, leisure and travel businesses gathered for this exciting evening to discover who had won these most prestigious hospitality and tourism industry awards. Now in their sixth year, the awards showcase and celebrate outstanding business excellence and quality in the hospitality and tourism industry.

This year there were 16 awards up for grabs together with the special Chris Beaumont Award which recognises exceptional services to the tourism industry. Over 185 entries were received from throughout the UK. Springboard Chief Executive Anne Pierce said: "At a time when business is beginning to get really tough, we believe that recognising achievement is critical to motivation and morale.

"The Awards for Excellence are a fitting tribute to the passion, enthusiasm and dedication displayed by businesses and individuals who contribute to the quality, variety and creativity within tourism in the UK today. "Our industry continues to set new and tougher standards and to achieve the highest possible levels of customer satisfaction. Without doubt, the enthusiasm, excitement and commitment demonstrated by our award winners set a wonderful example for others in the industry to follow".

One of the highlights of the evening was the closely guarded announcement of the Chris Beaumont Award, this year awarded to Linda Halliday of Baxterstory. Linda was recognised for eight years of generous and outstanding support to Springboard during which she has given freely of her time. She has also been instrumental in securing vital funding for Springboard which has allowed the charity's activities to continue and grow. Making his fourth appearance as compere for the evening was Peter Hancock, chief executive of Pride of Britain Hotels. A Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and of the Tourism Society, Peter plays an active part in the wider hospitality industry and is often called upon to speak at dinners and to present awards, though he claims that none are more prestigious than Springboard's!

Congratulations to all BHA members who took home awards. Click here for a full list of award winners.