Why You Should Nominate Someone for a BIH Spotlight Award
Nominations for the 2026 BIH Spotlight Awards remain open, giving the hospitality industry more time to recognise outstanding talent. If you have ever wondered why you should submit a BIH Spotlight Award nomination, the answer is simple: recognition creates opportunities.
From increased visibility and greater confidence to career progression and business growth, a BIH Spotlight Award nomination can have a lasting impact. Most importantly, it allows us to celebrate the people and businesses that are shaping hospitality for the better.
We created the BIH Spotlight Awards to celebrate Black, Asian and other ethnic minority professionals and businesses across hospitality, food and drink. Every year, individuals and organisations make remarkable contributions to the sector; these awards ensure that these achievements do not go unnoticed.
With 15 categories spanning food, drink, leadership, entrepreneurship and emerging talent, the awards recognise people at every stage of their careers and from every corner of the industry.
You can explore the full list of award categories here
Why Nominate Someone for a BIH Spotlight Award?
Over the past four years, one thing has become very clear: many of the people making the biggest impact rarely put themselves forward.
As a result, a nomination often becomes the first time someone hears that their work matters, that their contribution has been noticed, or that they deserve to be celebrated.
A BIH Spotlight Award nomination can:
- Recognise outstanding contribution.
- Increase visibility and profile.
- Celebrate role models.
- Acknowledge impact rather than job titles.
- Support career progression.
- Showcase diverse talent.
- Celebrate businesses making a difference.
- Build confidence.
- Create new opportunities.
- Recognise people who rarely seek recognition themselves.
Hospitality is full of people quietly creating opportunities, supporting colleagues, leading teams and building successful businesses. However, these contributions often happen behind the scenes.
By nominating someone, you help ensure that their work receives the recognition it deserves.
Recognition Creates Opportunities
The impact of a BIH Spotlight Award often extends far beyond the awards evening itself. Previous winners regularly tell us that recognition has increased their confidence, raised their profile and created new opportunities.
Khadim Mane, founder of Little Baobab and winner of the African Food Award, described the impact the award had on his business:
“It put me in a great position; more people found out about my business, Little Baobab. So, having more customers coming.”
His experience demonstrates how recognition can increase awareness, attract new customers and support business growth.
Similarly, Leona De Pasquale, founder of Camellia and Vine and winner of Wine Professional of the Year, spoke about the personal impact of winning:
“It was an amazing experience because I think it really recognised what I did, and I feel that it boosted my confidence very much. It encouraged me to continue to do the work I do.”
These stories demonstrate why recognition matters. Not only does it celebrate achievement, but it also encourages individuals and businesses to continue pursuing excellence.
An Industry-Led Judging Process
Twenty-eight judges from across hospitality, food and drink make up this year’s judging panel. Collectively, they bring a broad range of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives to the awards.
Importantly, many of our judges have built successful careers and businesses within the industry themselves. Therefore, they understand both the opportunities and the barriers that hospitality professionals can face.
Their role is simple: identify excellence, celebrate achievement and recognise the individuals and businesses helping to shape the future of hospitality.
Made Possible Through Industry Support
The BIH Spotlight Awards continue to grow because organisations across the sector believe in the importance of representation and recognition.
This year, we are pleased to welcome OpenTable back as Headline Sponsor for a second consecutive year. In addition, organisations including Decanter, Bibendum Matthew Clark, Deliveroo and many others continue to support the awards.
Their commitment allows us to provide a platform that celebrates exceptional talent and amplifies underrepresented voices across hospitality.
You can explore the full list of sponsors here.
Nominations Are Still Open
The nomination deadline has been extended until 30th June 11:59pm, giving the industry more time to recognise deserving individuals and businesses.
If you know someone making an outstanding contribution to hospitality, now is the time to nominate them.
Every BIH Spotlight Award nomination helps us uncover inspiring stories, celebrate achievement and showcase the incredible diversity of talent that exists across the sector.
Whether you are recognising a colleague, chef, entrepreneur, drinks professional, supplier or business owner, your nomination can make a genuine difference.
Sometimes, all it takes is one nomination to increase someone’s confidence, raise their profile or create a new opportunity.
Don’t assume somebody else will do it.
Submit your nomination today.