Be Inclusive Hospitality announces inaugural awards

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has announced the launch of the UK's first ever BIH Spotlight Awards.

Founded by Lorraine Copes, formerly a leading procurement executive leader in the food and business industries, the awards aim to advance racial equity across the hospitality, food and drink sectors. On 24 October, the event will celebrate businesses and individuals of exceptional achievement from black, asian and ethnic minority backgrounds within the industry today. 

Nominations are now open for 11 award categories:

• Chef of the Year
• African Food
• Carribbean Food
• East and South East Asian Food
• South Asian Food
• Middle Eastern Food
• Bar/Pub of the Year
• Drinks Professional of the Year
• Writer of the Year
• Head Office Impact
• Rising Star

The public are invited to put forward nominations across all categories, and self-nominations are also welcome. The shortlist and winners will be selected by an expert panel of judges, including TV presenter and celebrity chef Andi Oliver, who also co-chairs the event alongside Des Gunewardena, CEO and chairman of luxury restaurant group, D&D London. Joining them on the panel wil be food and diversity consultant Malika Basu, Masterchef winner and restaurateur Shelina Permalloo, author and chef Mike Reid, global rum ambassador Ian Burrell, and wine and sake educator Shane Jones. 

Copes comments of the inaugural awards: "Our aim for the BIH Spotlight Awards is to present opportunities for the nominees and winners alike, enabling them to advance and widen their business networks and audiences. We look forward to celebrating the success of some of the brightest stars of the present and the future."

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