The 2005 Springboard Awards for Excellence are now open for entries, Springboard UK has announced.

Now in their third year, the awards recognise and reward the individuals, organisations and initiatives in the hospitality industry which have proved their commitment to recruiting and retaining people over the past 12 months.

Organised by Springboard in association with many leading industry companies and organisations, including the British Hospitality Association (BHA), Caterer Group, Berkeley Scott, caterer.com, the HCIMA, American Express and Jobcentre Plus. The awards are divided into three categories: promoting careers; attracting people and best employment practice.

This year the BHA will sponsor the Best Employer Award for Hospitality & Leisure in the best employment practise category. Last year’s winners were TLH Leisure Resorts.

Nominations can be made by individuals, teams or partnerships for relevant initiatives which have achieved marked results over the past year.

The closing date for entries is 31 August 2005, with the awards presentation at a ceremony at the Brewery in London on 31 October.

For further details, visit www.springboarduk.org.uk/awards or contact Rachael Pearson, events manager, Springboard UK, on +44 (0)20 7395 9484 or [email protected]