HIT Industry Award and Future Leader 2024
Scottish hospitality talent was celebrated last night as we announced the winners of our top industry accolades during our annual Industry Dinner.
Held at Glasgow’s impressive Hilton Hotel, HIT Scotland’s Industry Dinner is a vital fundraising event for the charity, raising money for the organisation’s scholarships and bursaries, and is a key date in the hospitality industry calendar.
This year’s event was particularly significant, marking the 30th anniversary of HIT Scotland. To honour this milestone, guests were given a beautiful booklet sharing the charity’s remarkable story, which dates back to 1994.
Attended by leading hospitality experts and influential figures, the 2024 dinner was a true celebration of the hospitality industry, culminating with the presentation of both the HIT Industry Award and Future Leader Award.
Awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry and recognised for surpassing sector standards, the HIT Industry Award is delivered in association with The Caterer and Brakes Scotland. This year, Angela Vickers, CEO of Apex Hotels, received the accolade to great applause. With 28 years of experience in the industry, beginning with the likes of Stakis and Hilton Hotels, Vickers is a hospitality veteran. Holding a Masters degree in Hospitality Leadership, Angela has successfully overseen the revitalisation of the family-owned Apex Hotel group since joining in 2004.
A great supporter of the industry, Angela has been involved with HIT Scotland since 2006 when she joined the Edinburgh Lunch Committee. She became a Trustee in 2011, and has been Chair for the past 6 years, her industry knowledge and passion for employee development proving to be a positive driver for the charity. Angela generously offers guidance to those looking to progress in their career, and during the pandemic was recognised as the ‘go-to’ for counsel when other organisations needed advice on how to stay afloat.
As someone who strives to improve the industry but doesn’t seek the limelight, Angela is a worthy winner of the HIT Industry Award. She was presented with the award by HIT Scotalnd’s vice Chair Alan Halliday.
Supported by Braehead Foods, the Future Leader Award is an accolade bestowed upon a professional who has displayed immense commitment to the industry and is marked as a ‘one to watch’ for the future. James McGuire, Commercial Manager at Coca Cola Europacific Partners, was presented with the title.
The judging panel was impressed by James’ remarkable career trajectory, having worked his way up in major drinks brands, including a 7-year stint at Bacardi, to take on a senior role within Coca-Cola's newly created Alcohol Ready to Drink team. James is also passionate about giving back to the industry, and is involved with the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society where he recently became the youngest Vice-President in The Ben's history.
David Cochrane, HIT Scotland’s Chief Executive, said of the awards:
“The HIT Industry Award and Future Leader Award are HIT Scotland’s most prestigious accolades, celebrating the industry’s brightest and most committed talent. This year, the calibre of nominations was truly outstanding – which is an excellent reflection on the state of the industry and the people who work tirelessly to make it better.
“Our 2024 winners were highly deserving of their award, displaying the values, commitment and dedication that continues to raise the standards for the hospitality industry. Congratulations again Angela and James!
“HIT Scotland would like to thank The Caterer, Brakes Scotland and Braehead Foods, in addition to our corporate sponsors, for their support of the 2024 Industry Dinner. It was a truly wonderful way to celebrate our 30th anniversary.”
Find out more about HIT Scotland’s various scholarships and bursaries here: https://hitscotland.co.uk/scholarships
You can read our story so far in the HIT Scotland booklet here: