Punch shows clout in NITAs

Punch Taverns scooped the award for the best development programme in non-managed estates at the National Industry Training Awards (NITAs) held by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) in association with the Morning Advertiser. (See supplement with this week's issue.)

Judges praised the pubco for its "passion and commitment" and "quality training venues" at a ceremony held at the Houses of Commons last week.

After a complete review of the competition, which was last held in 2001, this year saw increased participation and a higher overall quality of entries. A number of improvements were made to this year's awards, including a new, more rigorous judging process to reinforce the impartiality of the awards and a well-respected and influential judging panel independent of the BII and the sponsors.

Professor Conrad Lashley, chairman of the NITA judging panel, said: "As well as offering the chance to reward excellence, the rigorous judging process gave all our entrants a chance to evaluate their own training and assess the impact it is having on their business with all of them receiving feedback on their entry."

Other NITA winners were:

Best Licensee Induction Programme for Managed Estates: Charles Wells

Best Licensee Induction Programme for Non-Managed Estates: Greene King Pub Partners

Licensee Trainer of the Year: Graham Rowson, Plungington Tavern, Preston

Best Development Programme in Managed Estates: Hall & Woodhouse and JD Wetherspoon

Best Development Programme in Non-Managed Estates: Punch Taverns

Innovation in Training: The Asian Oriental School of Catering

Social Responsibility Award: Park Lane College, Leeds

Best Area/Business Manager Award: Punch Taverns

Professional Trainer of the Year ­ Thwaites

Supplier Training Award: Creative Learning Media