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Savoy Educational Trust Chairman Howard Field Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality

The Savoy Educational Trust is delighted to congratulate its Chairman, Howard Field FCA FIH FHOSPA, on receiving the Institute of Hospitality’s Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026.

With a career spanning some 60 years, Howard has made an extraordinary contribution to hospitality. From his early career in hotel finance, including his role as Finance Director of the Savoy Group, to co-founding what is now HOSPA, his influence on education, training and professional development across the industry has been considerable.

A longstanding member of the Institute of Hospitality and a Fellow since 1977, Howard has been a dedicated supporter of the organisation, contributing to its work and its commitment to advancing the hospitality profession.

Alongside his professional achievements, Howard has devoted considerable time to mentoring and supporting others, particularly those developing their careers within hospitality.

A Trustee of the Savoy Educational Trust since 2013 and Chairman since 2017, Howard’s experience, guidance and commitment continue to be invaluable to the Trust’s work.

Never one to seek the limelight, Howard’s recognition is a fitting tribute to the contribution he has made to the industry and the many people he has supported throughout his career.

The Trustees and team at the Savoy Educational Trust extend their warmest congratulations to Howard on this very well-deserved award. Read the Institute of Hospitality piece here.

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Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Celebrates Outstanding Young Hospitality Talent

The Savoy Educational Trust was pleased to support the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence 2026, recognising the achievements of talented young chefs, pastry chefs and waiters.

The Awards of Excellence provide an opportunity for emerging professionals to demonstrate their technical knowledge, practical skills and professionalism through a demanding assessment process.

This year’s celebrations also marked the introduction of trophies named in honour of three individuals whose contribution has helped shape the Academy and the wider hospitality industry, including the Brian Turner Trophy.

Alongside its support for the Awards of Excellence, the Trust also supports the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship, providing further opportunities for young hospitality professionals to develop their knowledge and experience.

Competitions, awards and scholarships play an important role in recognising achievement and encouraging continued professional development.

The Trust congratulates all those who achieved an Award of Excellence, together with the highest achievers, and wishes them every success as their careers progress. Ramon Pajares Winner; Annual Awards of Excellence news.

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Young Chefs Celebrate Their Achievements at the University of West London

The Savoy Educational Trust was delighted to attend the Junior Chefs Academy graduation at the University of West London, celebrating the achievements of young people who had completed the programme.

The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity for the students to demonstrate the skills they had developed, preparing and serving food for their families and guests.

For many young people, experiences like the Junior Chefs Academy provide an introduction to the professional kitchen, helping them develop practical skills, understand the demands of hospitality and explore the opportunities available within the industry.

The graduation was also an opportunity to recognise the commitment of the students and the support of the teaching team who had guided them throughout the programme.

Congratulations to all the graduates on their achievements. Michael Coaker, Culinary Ambassador, UWL post

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New Food Technology Facilities Open at Fakenham Academy

Students at Fakenham Academy are benefiting from improved Food Technology facilities following a refurbishment supported by the Savoy Educational Trust.

The Trust’s funding has helped create a more suitable environment for practical learning, enabling students to develop their food preparation, cooking and kitchen skills.

The opening of the refurbished facilities marked an important milestone for the academy, providing an opportunity to see the improvements and the difference they will make to teaching and learning.

Investment in school facilities is an important part of the Trust’s work, particularly where it enables young people to develop practical skills, explore hospitality-related subjects and consider the opportunities available within the industry.

The Savoy Educational Trust was pleased to support the project and looks forward to hearing how students benefit from the improved facilities in the years ahead. Read about Lou’s visit here

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Celebrating the Next Generation at the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or Awards

The Savoy Educational Trust was pleased to continue its support of the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition in 2026, recognising the skills, commitment and potential of emerging hospitality talent.

The competition provides students and apprentices with opportunities to develop their knowledge, test their abilities and gain experience beyond their usual learning environments.

Working through competitive challenges and alongside experienced industry professionals gives participants valuable insight into the standards, creativity and teamwork required within hospitality.

The Trust recognises the importance of competitions such as Toque d’Or in complementing formal education and training, providing opportunities for young people to develop professionally and make connections across the industry.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, and particularly to this year’s winners and finalists.

The Trust looks forward to following their progress as they continue to develop their hospitality careers. Please see all the event detail here.

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Savoy Educational Trust named Springboard Partner of the Year 2026

The Savoy Educational Trust was delighted to be named Partner of the Year at the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2026, recognising its longstanding commitment to supporting hospitality education, training and career opportunities.

The award celebrates the Trust’s partnership with Springboard and its continued investment in initiatives that introduce young people to hospitality, develop essential skills and help individuals take their first steps towards long-term careers in the industry.

Over many years, the Trust has supported Springboard’s work, including FutureChef and programmes designed to widen access to hospitality education and employment.

Receiving this recognition during the Trust’s 65th anniversary year was particularly special, reflecting the importance of working together with organisations that share a commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.

The Trust looks forward to continuing its relationship with Springboard and supporting opportunities for people to learn, develop and build careers across the hospitality industry. More information on the winners here.

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Celebrating 65 years of The Savoy Educational Trust

On Monday evening, we were delighted to welcome colleagues, beneficiaries and friends of The Savoy Educational Trust to celebrate an important milestone – 65 years of supporting education, training and development across the hospitality sector.

The evening brought together a wide range of organisations and individuals who are helping to shape the future of hospitality, creating a real sense of shared purpose and connection across the room.

During the event, we were proud to introduce our refreshed identity – a new look that reflects who we are today and where we are heading, while remaining rooted in the Trust’s long-standing commitment to supporting people to build lasting careers in hospitality.

As we look ahead, this next chapter will focus on strengthening partnerships and continuing to support initiatives that expand opportunities, develop skills and encourage long-term careers across the sector, guided by our Vision for 2030.

We were also pleased to recognise Julia Sibley and Margaret Georgiou as Honorary Patrons of the Trust, in recognition of their contribution to the industry.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark the occasion.

Photos from the evening can be viewed here

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Savoy Educational Trust appoints two new Trustees to its Board

The Savoy Educational Trust has appointed Katharine Le Quesne and Anastasia Bloom as Trustees, bringing additional expertise in hospitality strategy, education, finance and governance to the Board as the Trust continues its work supporting education and skills development across the sector. 

Katharine brings extensive international experience across hospitality advisory, development strategy, education and sustainability. She is Managing Director of HoCoSo London and a Visiting Lecturer at Glion Institute of Higher Education, and previously at Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne. Earlier in her career, she was a Director within Deloitte’s Travel, Hospitality & Leisure advisory practice, advising owners and operators globally on strategy, restructuring and development. She is also an Assessor with the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership.

Anastasia brings strong financial, governance and strategic expertise shaped by a career in international investment banking and senior executive leadership. She has held senior executive roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer and is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Trustee, with particular strength in audit, risk and capital markets. Her experience spans high-growth businesses, regulated financial services and public bodies.

They join existing Trustees Robert Davis MA MBE DL, Howard Field FCA FIH FHOSPA, Professor Peter A Jones MBE, Stephen Lowy, Dr Sally Messenger FIH, David Taylor MI FIH, and Bill Toner MBE. Collectively, the Board supports the Trust in its core mission to fund projects that advance education, training and skills development within the hospitality industry, something the Trust has been doing for some 65 years.

Speaking on her appointment, Katharine Le Quesne said:

“As a believer in continuous learning, I am so pleased to be joining the Trustees of the Savoy Educational Trust. It is a quietly extraordinary organisation, helping to equip people, at all stages, for successful careers in the UK hospitality industry. I am looking forward to supporting the Chief Executive, Angela Maher, and her Executive team, to deliver real impact for our industry, particularly in this era of technological change.” 

Speaking on her appointment, Anastasia Bloom said:

“I’m delighted to join the Savoy Educational Trust as a Trustee. Hospitality plays a significant role in UK society, yet it is often taken for granted and does not always receive the recognition it deserves. I feel strongly aligned with the Trust’s mission to promote hospitality education and career development through targeted funding that positions the sector as an attractive and credible career pathway for future generations. I look forward to contributing to this important work.”

Howard Field, Chair of Trustees, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Katharine and Anastasia to the Board. Their combined experience across hospitality strategy, education, finance and governance significantly strengthens the Trust at an important moment in its development. As we mark our 65th year in 2026 and move forward with our Vision for 2030, their insight and expertise will be invaluable in supporting educational projects that make a lasting difference across the sector.”

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Supporting Future Hospitality Leaders at P4H 2025

The Savoy Educational Trust was delighted to support this year’s Institute of Hospitality P4H conference, which brought students, employers and industry leaders together to explore careers in hospitality. Across talks, panels and employer interactions, students gained a better understanding of the breadth of roles in the sector, pathways such as apprenticeships and degrees, and the importance of transferable skills and mentoring.

A highlight of the day was the Savoy Educational Trust Best Student Paper Award, presented on the day and judged by our Chairman, Howard Field, Trustee Stephen Lowy and Xuan Lorna Wang. We were thrilled to recognise the thoughtful reflections and insight shown by this year’s winner, Caisey Hill-Shaw, and runner-up, Mohammed Ali Lone.

Thank you to the Institute of Hospitality, speakers and employers for creating such a purposeful day for the next generation. Together, we are helping to open doors into meaningful careers in hospitality. Our LinkedIn post.

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Empowering Talent: This Year’s Innholder Scholarship Recipients Announced

We are pleased to continue supporting the Innholder Scholarships, which give talented hoteliers the chance to undertake world-class management development at Cranfield University or Cornell University. This year, twelve outstanding professionals have been selected for the programme, each receiving an opportunity worth over £11,000 to strengthen their leadership capability, strategic thinking and global business insight.


Since 1997, the Savoy Educational Trust has proudly co-funded these scholarships alongside the Worshipful Company of Innholders, the Master Innholders Charitable Trust and the Lord Forte Foundation, helping ambitious hospitality leaders progress in their careers and contribute to the future of the sector.

Read the full announcement here