The University of West London

A day of celebration and achievement at one of London's most iconic hotels

Tuesday 03 April 2012

The scenic London Syon Park, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, was the setting for the London School of Hospitality and Tourism's annual prizegiving ceremony. 

The ceremony was in honour of students from the University's London School of Hospitality and Tourism who have excelled during the course of their studies.

The prestigious ceremony took place on 30 March 2012 and students were presented with prizes by one of the hospitality sector's most revered figures, Andreas Panayiotou, Chairman and CEO of The Ability Group.  The organisation has built up a significant presence within the UK and European property markets, across residential, commercial and hotel sectors.

A range of organisations including the Arora Hotels, the Brilliant Restaurant and the Jumeriah Carlton Tower generously donated prizes for the event.

The students were also able to demonstrate their impeccable hospitality skills by providing front of house and kitchen service for the event.  They also provided an impressive chocolate display.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to confer honorary degrees on some of the industry's most successful figures: Professor Rigas Doganis, aviation consultant and strategy adviser of airlines, airports, banks and governments; Victor Laws MBE, Founder of AVL Consultancy; John Donaldson, Executive Director of the Arora Hotels; Derek Picot, general manager at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower; Stephen Moss CBE, Chairman of Grosvenor Securities and Director of Globelink Language Solutions; Charles Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the Booker Group; Liz Cave, Senior Human Resources and Talent and Development manager at D&D London; Edward Griffiths, Deputy Master of the Royal Household; Nigel McEvoy, Buckingham Palace Steward; Professor Zamzani Abdul Wahab, Chef and Davinder Kumar Anand, Owner and Executive Chef of the Brilliant Restaurant.

Commenting on the Prize-Giving ceremony, Professor David Foskett, Head of the University's London School of Hospitality and Tourism, said:

'This was a special day for all of us associated with the School.  It was a marvellous opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our best performing students.  Each prize winner and recipient of an award thoroughly deserves the whole hearted congratulations of us all.  We also conferred a number of honorary awards to senior professionals who have made a significant contribution to the hospitality and tourism industries and their chosen profession.  We are delighted and honoured that they have agreed to accept these awards and we look forward to an enduring and prosperous working relationship with our Honoraries.'