The winners were nominated by hotels and accommodation providers who recognise these individuals career progression to date, their contribution to each business and their future career trajectory.

Stephen Meldrum, President of Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said: “Attracting talented people is an integral part of the hotel’s sector success and I think we have all recognised the growing importance of their contribution. This is an industry with incredible opportunities and one where you can progress through the ranks, gaining experience and qualifications along the way. It is vital that we highlight this along with the diversity of roles, transferable skills, and a well renumerated career path. Without skilled and dedicated staff, we would struggle to deliver a great customer experience and engage with guests.”

“The Federation has rebranded its suite of rewards under the Key Awards umbrella, with each category recognising and rewarding the excellent people we employ.  People are without doubt the key to our success and the new rising star category seeks to highlight those who have shown dedication to date and who have much to contribute to the future.

“The 10 stars are representative of the diversity of opportunities available, covering everything from reception to housekeeping, and digital management. There was an exceptionally high standard and I congratulate all those who have been recognised as a rising star.  I look forward to acknowledging their achievement at a special lunch hosted by Pamela Ballantine on Tuesday 11th October in the Crowne Plaza Belfast as part of the 23rd Hospitality Exchange.”

The Rising Stars are:

• David McMullan, Food & Beverage Manager, Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
• Katie Beaton, Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
• Pedro Silva, Restaurant Manager, Bullitt Hotel, Belfast
• Seamus Morgan, Bar Manager, Canal Court Hotel, Newry
• Aaron Quigley, Bar Manager, Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry-Londonderry
• Yasmine Peacock, Front Office Shift Leader, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast
• Helen Carton, Supervisor, Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy
• Megan Wright, Group Revenue Manager, Galgorm Collection, Ballymena
• Matthew McRoberts, Digital Marketing Manager, Hastings Hotel Group
• Jordan Sloan, Assistant Bar Manager, Titanic Hotel, Belfast

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Federation President Stephen Meldrum cited VAT, soaring energy bills and restrictive immigration policies as among the biggest hurdles facing the sector and Stephen also expressed his hope that the Stormont Executive could soon get back to doing business.

He said: “The election of Liz Truss as Leader of the Conservative Party, and her appointment as Prime Minister, brings an interesting and uncertain summer to an end. The Federation welcomes the political stability and hopes that she will be in a position to resolve the local political stalemate.

“The hotel and wider tourism sector were well supported through the COVID-19 pandemic but we are now facing an uncertain future. Business has held up well over the summer months with staycations, return of international travel and a reawakening of business travel.

“However, local political turmoil places Northern Ireland in a difficult position. Global forces beyond the control of any individual business or sector are affecting us all and while it is imperative that the Executive is restored as soon as possible, the issues facing hotels will require intervention at a national level. The Federation welcomes the political stability and hopes that she will be in a position to resolve the local political stalemate.

“The NIHF is keen to see a VAT reduction for the sector. A return to the 5% rate of 2021 would help hotels and the wider sector cope with the current rising cost base and help the industry return to 2019 levels of business.

“The lack of people available to take up vacancies has been an issue for the entire business community and a simplified and expedient Immigration process would be of benefit to business UK wide.

“The issue of energy costs has been amplified over the last number of weeks and as winter approaches the issue can only be exacerbated.  Urgent policies to address the energy crisis appear to be high up the agenda and, if the current rhetoric is to be believed, will be addressed as a priority.

“It is important that the needs of local business are taken into account, and we have written to the Prime Minister today to highlight our concerns and seek support. Hotels have invested extensively in the local economy and are keen to capitalise on this investment. There are secure, long-term and progressive roles on offer in the industry and with support on key issues like VAT, immigration and energy, the industry can focus on the future.”

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The webinars will cover key legal issues currently affecting businesses in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector and will be delivered by McKees Managing Partner Chris Ross and Partner Andrea McCann, above right, along with barrister Ryan Cushley.

They include:

08 March 2022                “Post Pandemic Staffing”.

22 March 2022                “What new licensing laws mean for hoteliers”

05 April 2022                   “Overseas Workers – Immigration”

Speaking about the series, Stephen Meldrum, centre, NIHF President, said: “The last two years have been very difficult for hoteliers, the tourism and wider hospitality sector. Brexit and the pandemic created a range of extremely challenging issues.

“We are now hopefully returning to more normal times and having listened to feedback from our members, the time is right to update and inform them on key industry issues.

“The Federation is delighted to be able to team up with law firm McKees to deliver a free Spring webinar series that looks at post pandemic staffing, the introduction of the new licensing laws and changes in immigration rules for overseas workers.

Chris Ross, above left Managing Partner at McKees, added: “Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry has been the most affected by lockdowns and restrictions which has put immense pressures on all businesses within this sector. Whilst all restrictions have now been lifted, the repercussions of the pandemic are still being felt – for example job vacancies are higher than pre Covid, creating all sorts of employment issues.

” I am confident that NIHF members will gain helpful insights from the webinars and we’re looking forward to delving into the topics and answering any related queries that businesses may have.”

NIHF members can register for the free Spring Webinar Series with McKees by logging on to nihf.co.uk/legalseminars

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Restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs have all so far benefitted from one-off Omicron Hospitality Payments of  between £10,000, £15,000 or £20,000 – depending on the businesses’ rateable value.

The £40 million grant scheme was officially launched earlier this month with over 3,200 businesses eligible and on Thursday hotels were added to the list of eligible venues.

From Monday Tourism NI-certified hotels will be contacted by Land & Property Services if they previously received a payment under the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme (LRSS). An email will include a link to an online form, where businesses will be asked to confirm some information and complete a declaration to enable payments.

Finance minister Conor Murphy hailed the move, saying: “Hotels are a vital part of our hospitality industry and have undoubtedly been impacted by Omicron, facing cancellations over the festive period.

“I was determined to ensure hotels were not left without support and in the absence of a bid for funding for a scheme to help this sector being brought forward, my department has again taken the lead and obtained Executive approval to include hotels in the Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme. My department will move at pace to get financial assistance out to hotels.”

NI Hotel Federation chief executive Janice Gault added: “Hoteliers are pleased their plight has been recognised in a similar way to other components of the hospitality industry and welcome the inclusion of the sector in the scheme.

“To date, January has been quiet but with the relaxing of restrictions, the removal of the Covid passport and hospitals coping with infection levels, the climate is becoming more favourable.”

Chief executive of Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill said it was a “welcome step” and a “boost” that would “go some way” to supporting hospitality businesses.

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The hotel and spa in Slieve Gullion is 10 minutes outside Newry City and one hour from both Belfast and Dublin Airports, making it one of Northern Irelands premier Hotel and Spa destinations.

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