Staff from across Manchester’s thriving hospitality scene gathered at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday evening (31st October 2025) for the Manchester Hoteliers Association’s 20th anniversary ball and awards.
Currently, the MHA is the largest hoteliers association in the UK and exists to support and advance the growth of Manchester’s thriving hospitality scene through charitable initiatives and the development of the next generation of talent. The MHA represents more than 75 of the city region’s hotels, with the Friday’s event attracting over 700 guests – a record number – who raised more than £40,000 for local and industry charities Manchester Mind, Mustard Tree, Wood St Mission, and Hospitality Action.
The ‘Carnival of Horrors’-themed ball also played host to the annual awards ceremony, where trophies were handed out in ten individual and team categories. Notable winner of the evening was Marriott Manchester Picadilly, who took home four awards.
A record number of nominations were received from MHA members, resulting in another record for the 20-year-old event.
The 2025 winners were:
- Rising Star of the Year – Julia Wisniewska of The Midland
- Young Chef of the Year – Kyle Parry at Holiday Inn Manchester Airport
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Bright Idea – Spa at Marriott Manchester Picadilly
- Back of House Customer Service Award – Chris Hall at The Reach
- Top Team of the Year – Breakfast Team at Maldron Hotel Manchester City
- Unsung Hero of the Year- Lucy Barnett at Maldron Hotel Manchester City
- Mentor of the Year – Wes Wilson at Marriott Manchester Picadilly
- Front of House Customer Service Award – Gill Brunt – Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre
- Sustainable Hotel – Marriott Manchester Picadilly
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Outstanding contribution – Stephen Rucroft at Marriott Manchester Picadilly
Event sponsors, without whom the event would not be possible, Elix-Air, Percipient, WGC, Expedia, Manchester Metropolitan University and Stephensons. Event partners also included MINT, Brakes, Matthew Clarke, Sterling Events, Giraffe and Anita Ryan Events.
MHA’s five key industry partners; Nespresso, Silentnight, Howden, Mint People, and Purple Story, were also in attendance and supported the evening’s events.
Matt Townley, Chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, said: “The 20th anniversary MHA ball was undoubtedly a night to remember. Not only were we able to gather 700 of our region’s hospitality talent in one room, but we also raised an incredible amount of money, providing a much-needed injection of funds into this year’s beneficiaries.
“We have to give thanks to our event sponsors, who kindly supported our cause and made it possible for us to spotlight our industry. The evening was a true reflection of our hospitality industry and the impressive talent that continues to breathe new life into it.”
