Shepherd Neame wins 3 awards at the National Innovation in Training Awards

Shepherd Neame’s team members and pubs won three accolades at the National Innovation in Training Awards (NITAs), organised by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).

The Faversham-based brewer won Best Training Programme: Sustainability Award – Individual Site; Best Training Programme: Apprenticeships and Hospitality Apprentice of the Year – Operations at a glittering ceremony at Porchester Hall London, on Thursday, November 20.

The three awards were among 12 presented on the night. Shepherd Neame’s award winners were: Michael Foxwell, licensee of The Old House at Home in Dormansland in Surrey, who runs the pub with his wife Julia, who won the Best Training Programme: Sustainability Award – Individual Site; Claire Illman, Trade Customer Relations Manager, who won Hospitality Apprentice of the Year – Operations, and Best Training Programme: Apprenticeships (Chef Academy).

Winner Michael Foxwell and his wife Julia, run Shepherd Neame’s Old House at Home in the peaceful village of Dormansland, which is already a BII Sustainability Champion for their commitment to running a sustainable business, an approach they foster in their whole team, as well as customers.

At their rural pub they run events such as Plant and Pint sessions; most of their team members and customers are able to walk there (although some also arrive on horseback!) and they even grow their own strawberries for their Pimms in the summer.

Winner Claire Illman has worked for Shepherd Neame for more than 10 years and runs a team of six. She completed an Operations Department Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship in September.

Shepherd Neame won Best Training Programme: Apprenticeships for its Chef Academy.

The academy is an official apprenticeship training and development programme designed to nurture culinary talent within the company, which has been running for three years. It provides structured learning, hands-on experience, industry visits and mentorship for aspiring chefs, helping them build their skills and focusses on both career progression and innovation in their cooking.

The NITAs and People Conference recognise those who go above and beyond in the hospitality industry to champion training, development, sustainability and wellbeing within their teams, ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for the sector.

Shepherd Neame also had two other finalists at the awards - Chris Abnett, Apprentice of the Year, Operations category and Sam Jennings, Apprentice of the Year, Back of House category.

Shepherd Neame Apprenticeship Lead, David Everett, said: “The NITAs 2025 awards evening was absolutely fantastic, a real celebration of people in our industry, showcasing the very best. The atmosphere, food, and entertainment were first-class, and winning three awards for Shepherd Neame made it even more special. Huge thanks to the BII team for putting on such a memorable event! We are already looking forward to the 2026 awards ceremony.”

Steven Alton, CEO of the BII, said: “The NITAs recognise the incredible people and organisations who make our sector such an inspiring and rewarding place to work. Each of our winners has shown an exceptional commitment to nurturing their teams, supporting wellbeing, and driving innovation across their businesses.