Edinburgh-founded hoteliers Apex Hospitality Group has held its annual People Awards to recognise ‘outstanding individuals and teams’ within its staff.
The event, at the five-star Prestonfield House, brought together more than 200 colleagues, partners and dignitaries to celebrate the talent behind Apex Hotels, Monogram Collective and Hospitality Linen Services.
Attended by members of the Springford family – Norman, Dorothy, Ian, David and Jo – the event marked the significant milestone of 30 years since Norman Springford founded Apex Hotels in 1996 with the launch of the Apex International Hotel in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
The 2026 awards ceremony also represented the first time the organisation has formally come together under its new umbrella brand, Apex Hospitality Group.
As well as long service milestones ranging from 10 to 30 years, there were individual excellence categories including Spotlight Winners of the Year, Manager of the Year, ESG Ambassador, Apprentice of the Year, Platinum Team Member of the Year, and Business of the Year.
A particular highlight of the evening was the celebration of Shonagh Gordon, recognised for 30 years of service, and said to embody the ‘loyalty and dedication that underpin the company’s culture’.
Queen Margaret University students Ava Dillon and Patricia Aquino, recent recipients of the Apex Bursary, attended the event to highlight the partnership between Apex and QMU that aims to help shape the future leadership of hospitality, tourism and events management.
People & culture director of Apex Hotels, Anna Hart, said: “Our People Awards are one of the most important events in our calendar because they recognise the individuals who are so integral to the success of the business.
“As we celebrate 30 years since Norman founded the company, it is incredibly powerful to see so many colleagues who have grown with us, shaped our culture and delivered exceptional experiences for our guests.
“Bringing the business together for the first time as Apex Hospitality Group makes this year even more meaningful,” said Hart. “Our success in 2025 and our ambitions for the future are only possible because of the talent, commitment and passion of our teams across every part of the organisation. I am immensely proud of everyone recognised this evening.”
As well as the 30 year long service award for Shonagh Gordon, there were 25 year
awards for Sarah Keen and Sally McConkey; 20 Year awards for Lynda Miller, Kevin Cooper, Birgit Schubert, Martin Richards, Karl Mitchell, and Rosita Rossi; 15 year awards for Melinda Fazekas, Boguslaw Baranowski, Magdalena Mroz, Anna Kopczynska, Clint Heramia, Romain Bourger, and Liam Roy; and 10 year long service awards for Alexandra Simon, Christopher Murray, Lorraine McGarvey, Maureen Rodger, Eve Patterson, Sophie Carmichael, Alison Struthers, Christian Puiu, Gary Hamilton, Sophie Shirlaw, James Johnstone, Fiona Mackenzie, Adam Keresztenyi, Jessie Rennie, Gaumati Thapa, John Stratford, and Colin Donald.
The Spotlight Winners of the Year 2025 were Anna Kaniecka, Thyra Molgaard, Habeeb Atanda, Kirsty McLafferty, Nonduduzo Dlamini, Paige Baker, David Yeats, Connor Duguid, Bulisani Ntaisi, Florence Evans, Yee Ling Boey, Miguel Pereira, and John Selcraig.
Manager of the Year for the Monogram Collective 2025 was Caprice Rose, operations manager at The Vineyard; Manager of the Year for Apex Hotels 2025 was Lena Labuda, food & beverage manage at the Apex Temple Court Hotel; and Manager of the Year at Head Office for 2025 was Alison Moir, head of governance, risk & compliance.
The Be Yourself Here Ambassador 2025 was Adam Keresztenyi, breakfast chef at Apex Temple Court Hotel; ESG Ambassador 2025 was Michael Stewart, financial controller at Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa; and the Platinum Team Member of the Year 2025 was Thomas Walker, comelier at The Vineyard.
Apprentice of the Year 2025 was Evie Lord of The Vineyard; Newcomer of the Year at Apex Hotels 2025 was Andrew Weatheritt, transport manager, Hospitality Linen Services; and Newcomer of the Year at Monogram Collective 2025 was sales director Stuart Shaw.
Business of the Year 2025 was win by Apex City of London Hotel, with the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel as runner-up.
