The 16 finalists of the Manchester Hoteliers Association Awards have been announced ahead of the hotly contested ceremony.
The event, now entering its sixth year, will honour one of four nominees in each of three award categories, and one lifetime achievement award (in memory of World Class Service founder Howard Raynor) will also be presented at the refurbished Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel on 2 November.
Manchester hotels are each vying to become the winner in the New Star of the Year, Employee of the Year (Front of House) and Employee of the Year (Back of House) categories.
Managing director at World Class Service, Tracy Waddacor, said: “It has been a pleasure to take part in the process and see the passion, drive and determination in all of the finalists.
“As firm advocates of providing unrivalled levels of service, it was clear to see that they all exude such a desire to be the best they can be.
“They each have a wealth of knowledge and ability to do their jobs so effortlessly well, and this transcends in their personable approach to providing superior service across their relevant departments.”
Hotels had to submit a 1,000 word reference on their nominees before the four shortlisted individuals in each category were put through their paces in front of independent judges from World Class Service and the Manchester College.
A fifth award will also be presented on the night by Manchester College, which will recognise one of its current students for his or her emerging talent.
Jack Carney, principal from the Manchester College, added: “Each year we present an award which is very much a ‘one to watch’ on leaving college. However, our calibre of intake is second to none and choosing an overall winner proved a real challenge for the judges.”
More than 500 guests are expected at the black tie New York themed ball, with the event hosted by Manchester’s Key 103 DJ Trevor Jordon.
