INDEPENDENT group Elite Hotels has been shortlisted for a hospitality training award for its initiatives supporting the development of talent.

The Caterer.com People Awards celebrate the finest employer initiatives and innovations in hospitality recruitment, retention and development.

The Elite Hotel Group, which includes The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, has been shortlisted in the emerging talent initiative category, which recognises success in developing talent pools and pipelines, and nurturing talent from an early stage.

Among the training initiatives that Elite has been recognised for is the management trainee programme which runs across the group’s four hotels – The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, Tylney Hall Hotel and Gardens in Hampshire, Luton Hoo Hotel Golf and Spa in Bedfordshire and Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club in Forest Row.

Paul Coley, group personnel and development manager for Elite Hotels said: “I am absolutely delighted that Elite has been shortlisted for this industry award.

“We invest heavily in our training and development programmes and believe strongly in helping our staff build long and successful careers in hospitality.

“We are particularly proud of our trainee management programme.”