The QHotels Collection continues to put people at the heart of its success, announcing the stand-out individuals and teams who have helped shape the business over the past year.
The ‘QYou Awards’ celebrate outstanding achievements by recognising the company’s shining stars—those who go the extra mile and demonstrate true passion for hospitality. Nominated by their peers, the winners include individuals and teams whose game-changing successes, innovation, and trailblazing contributions have made a significant impact on the business.
The awards were opened by Richard Moore, Group Chief Executive of The QHotels Collection, held last week at Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire. Addressing over 250 employees, representing all 19 hotels and resorts, Moore emphasised the company’s strong financial position and future plans to grow.
We achieved record revenues and increased profits for 2024, despite tough market conditions. We also made significant improvements in online reputation and customer review scores, which I believe is firmly down to our positive culture. As a leading UK hotel group committed to ongoing development and innovation, we are now entering our next chapter with a foundation of stability, commitment, and growth. Building on a fantastic year, we are well-positioned to invest in our people to drive future business expansion.
Moore opened the evening to say, A celebration of our best talent, we are proud to celebrate tonight’s winners and the fantastic achievements, recognising outstanding performance – team members who are at the top of their game, trying hard, and being role models for others.
Two new award categories were launched for 2025, including a ‘Hospitality with Heart’ award, which recognises a team that has championed and supported the company’s ESG strategy. The award celebrates contributions teams have made to their communities through fundraising, charity work, and practical support.
This was awarded to the team at Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House for their outstanding dedication to supporting Naomi House & Jacksplace, a charity providing vital care for seriously ill children, young adults, and their families. The team stood out for their compassion and commitment, consistently going the extra mile to support those who needed it most. Their fundraising efforts over the past year included a charity race night and the creation of a rose garden to raise awareness for the cause.
Mark Illingworth was recognised for his strategic direction and success, being awarded General Manager of the Year for the second time. The achievement given for continually increasing revenue year on year and maintaining an impressive control of margins and conversion for Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. His leadership also consistently tops league tables for reputation, health & safety, guest experience training and compliance, alongside a focus on team retention and development, and challenging the status quo to explore new opportunities.
Chesford Grange Hotel was the champion of the evening, awarded Hotel of the Year. This was due to the team’s success under the leadership of General Manager, Nick Hughes. Building upon its strong foundation in conferences, events, corporate travel, and weekend leisure, this transformation, driven by refurbishment, commercial leadership, and a motivated team, led to a marked improvement in reputation, exceptional guest feedback, and impressive financial success in 2024.
The QYou awards, alongside this renewed focus on its people, through strategic investment, enhanced recognition, and development opportunities, signals a clear commitment from The QHotels Collection to build a strong culture and reputation that will ultimately drive profitability and sustainable growth in 2025 and beyond.
Our people-first vision is key to the overarching success of our business. We have grown significantly this year in a very challenging environment in our sector. We have come out of our comfort zone; our apprenticeship academy has gone from strength to strength. The work our teams are doing to support local communities is enhancing our ESG credentials. The centre of our culture is treating our employees as internal guests, creating a supportive and rewarding environment where they can thrive. We are excited to invest more into our people initiatives in 2025, seeing our vision come to fruition and seeing our people develop drives the strength in our culture, thus driving our reputation and profit. Claire Cregan, the group’s Human Resources Director
A key and powerful initiative putting The QHotels Collection at the industry forefront is the continuation and development of their apprenticeship offering in partnership with Umbrella Training. By the end of 2025, they aim to increase the number of apprentices by over 200. This investment in training and development underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing talent within the hospitality sector.
As leaders in hospitality, the group is always striving to be an organisation its people are very much proud to be a part of, by making it a vibrant place to work, creating exciting opportunities for everyone, and carving out a future that flourishes.
The QYou Awards was crafted as an extraordinary, all-encompassing Broadway musical-themed awards ceremony, wowing guests who attended, plus raising £2,000 for sector charity, Hospitality Action.
See the full list of QYou Award winners:
Team Member of the Year (Behind the Scenes) – Craig Sackree, Ashford International Hotel & Spa
Apprentice of the Year – Jenny Oglesby, The Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Supervisor of the Year – Clare Tonkin, Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa
Team Member of the Year (Front of House) – Olivia Dickinson, Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Team Member of the Year (Central Support) – Sue Shepherd, IT
Team Member of the Year (Event Sales & Finance) – Rosie Midgley, Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Team Member of the Year (Golf, Health Club & Spa) – Gaynor Davis, Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
Manager of the Year – Jane Hardingham, Dunton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Operations Manager of the Year – Jasmin Fennell, Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Hospitality with Heart – Norton Park Hotel, Spa & Manor House
General Manager of the Year – Mark Illingworth, Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Hotel of the Year – Chesford Grange Hotel
About The QHotels Collection
Formerly known as The QHotels Group, The QHotels Collection comprises of 21 hotels and resorts consisting of individual as well as branded hotels including DoubleTree by Hilton, Delta by Marriott and Accor brands across the UK. For more information visit www.theqhotelscollection.co.uk
