The Q-YOU Awards give us the chance to celebrate our people in a truly special way. Now in its fourth year, the event is more than trophies or applause – it’s about recognising individuality, inspiring curiosity, and celebrating the teamwork that drives our success. These awards remind us that our people are the soul of our business and that every effort, big or small, matters.
A Night to Remember
On Wednesday 16th April 2025, Q colleagues gathered at the spectacular Chesford Grange Hotel for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition. With a dazzling musical theme setting the stage, the night unfolded as a true showstopper, filled with energy, colour, and excitement from start to finish. Teams from across our hotels, central support, and senior leadership came together in a glittering atmosphere that reflected the importance and status of the occasion. More than just an awards evening, it was a celebration of talent, pride, and shared achievement, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who attended. Just as we ask our teams to create unforgettable experiences for our guests, this evening stood as a powerful reminder of the magic we can create for each other when we come together as one Q family.
Values in Action
The Q-YOU Awards celebrate the values that guide the business every day: INDIVIDUAL, PROUD, CURIOUS, PASSIONATE and TOGETHER. Throughout the evening, these values came alive in inspiring, moving and energising ways.
INDIVIDUAL – Every winner brought something unique to the business. Whether it was a fresh idea transforming a guest experience, a personal act of kindness by uplifting a colleague, or a distinctive talent setting a new standard, celebrating individuality shows how rich in creativity and personality the teams at The QHotels Collection truly are.
PROUD – Pride was evident throughout the evening as achievements were recognised. The winners exemplify what it means to represent the hotels with excellence, demonstrating the commitment to quality and care that defines the collection.
CURIOUS – Award recipients who embody curiosity and constantly seek ways to improve. Whether learning new skills, exploring innovative approaches or rethinking processes, their curiosity drives progress and inspires colleagues to aim higher.
PASSIONATE – From delivering exceptional service under pressure to going above and beyond for guests and colleagues, passionate winners bring unstoppable energy to everything they do. This drive creates a workplace where excellence is celebrated and service standards flourish.
TOGETHER – Teamwork remains the business’s greatest strength. The evening highlighted how collaboration, trust and mutual support deliver results that would not be possible alone. Every shared moment and cheer reinforced the power of connection across the company.
This year saw the introduction of two new award categories: Apprentice of the Year, recognising the growth and potential of future hospitality stars, and the Hospitality with Heart Award, celebrating individuals and teams making remarkable charitable and community contributions. These awards underline the collection’s commitment to developing talent and supporting the communities it serves.
Winners this year included:
- 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
- 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, Central Support
- 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, Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
- Operations Manager of the Year:Jasmin Fennell, Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
- Hospitality with Heart Award: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
A Word from Leadership
Claire Cregan, HR Director
“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. At the centre of our culture is treating our employees as internal guests, creating a supportive and rewarding environment where they can thrive. This commitment not only drives greater employee satisfaction but also translates into delivering world-class guest experiences. 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.”
Join a Team That Celebrates You
Visit our Careers Page to explore exciting roles and apprenticeships across our unique portfolio of hotels.
