HIT Industry Award 2022 and new Future Leaders Award

Jean Johansson (host), Nicola Taylor, Adam Spiers (Brakes Scotland), Angela Vickers (Chair HIT Scotland)

Congratulations to Nicola Taylor of Chardon Hotels for winning the HIT Industry Award 2022! Until recently, Nicola was the Chief Executive of Chardon Hotels, however her sphere of influence in the industry runs much deeper than that.

This award, supported by Brakes Scotland and The Caterer, is for an individual who has demonstrated commitment to the industry above and beyond their day to day job and someone who is recognised as head and shoulders above his or her peer group. The nomination was universally agreed without question by the judging panel.

Nicola has had a long spanning career within the industry, being born into a hospitality family. Early thoughts of being a vet disappeared after trying some dissection in Biology! After school she completed a beauty qualification, but was lured back into the hotel world working for Moat House, Hilton and a brief spell with the Virgin enterprise group. Another spell in London in the newspaper business finally led to her return to Glasgow and the rest is history! She started with 4 hotels under management and the portfolio grew to the extent that it became attractive for other investors.

She has many strings to her bow and has influenced many people along the way. She is particularly passionate about helping women get on in the industry. During the pandemic, she has supported many organisations and has been at the forefront of many Government discussions, always putting a strong and positive case across on behalf of the industry.

Nicola was presented with her award at the HIT Industry Dinner at the Hilton Hotel Glasgow, and now takes her place amongst the hospitality heroes who have been previous winners of the HIT Industry Award.

At the dinner, HIT Scotland announced a new award aimed at Future Leaders of the hospitality industry. The younger generation are already stepping up to the plate and this award recognises this, going to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to the industry, and is one to watch out for.

Christopher Cassidy, Craig Stevenson (Braehead Foods)

The inaugural winner is Christopher Cassidy from the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow. Prior to lockdown, Christopher was Guest Experience Manager, and he is now Front Office Manager. He is always on hand to help guests on arrival. His welcome and professionalism, and indeed his memory for names is impressive. After Christopher completed a degree, he chose to enter the hospitality sector and is already carving out a career, keen to develop himself and his skill set to allow him to do his best within our industry.

Thank you to Craig Stevenson of Braehead Foods for supporting this award.

Congratulations to Christopher, and we look forward to seeing where his career in Scottish hospitality takes him!