Apex Hospitality Group brought together more than 200 colleagues, partners and dignitaries at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on 11 February 2026 to celebrate excellence across its portfolio at the annual People Awards.

Held at the five-star Prestonfield House, the awards recognised the outstanding individuals and teams whose dedication, talent and commitment continue to drive the Group’s success across Apex Hotels, Monogram Collective and Hospitality Linen Services.

The evening was attended by members of the Springford family – Norman, Dorothy, Ian, David and Jo – with a welcome address delivered by Chairman Ian Springford. The event also marked a significant milestone as the business celebrates 30 years since Norman Springford founded Apex Hotels in 1996 with the launch of the Apex International Hotel in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

The 2026 awards ceremony also represented the first time the organisation has formally come together under its new umbrella brand, Apex Hospitality Group, reflecting a strategic evolution that unites its three distinct brands while maintaining a shared culture and purpose.

The awards honoured long service milestones ranging from 10 to 30 years, alongside individual excellence categories including Spotlight Winners of the Year, Manager of the Year, ESG Ambassador, Apprentice of the Year, Platinum Team Member of the Year, and Business of the Year.

A highlight of the evening was the celebration of Shonagh Gordon, recognised for 30 years of service, embodying the loyalty and dedication that underpin the company’s culture.

The event also welcomed Queen Margaret University (QMU) students Ava Dillon and Patricia Aquino, recent recipients of the Apex Bursary. The partnership between Apex and QMU aims to help shape the future leadership of hospitality, tourism and events management through a dedicated scholarship programme.

Anna Hart, People & Culture Director of Apex Hotels, said:

“Our People Awards are one of the most important events in our calendar because they recognise the individuals who are so integral to the success of the business. As we celebrate 30 years since Norman founded the company, it is incredibly powerful to see so many colleagues who have grown with us, shaped our culture and delivered exceptional experiences for our guests.

Bringing the business together for the first time as Apex Hospitality Group makes this year even more meaningful. Our success in 2025 and our ambitions for the future are only possible because of the talent, commitment and passion of our teams across every part of the organisation. I am immensely proud of everyone recognised this evening.”

Award Winners – Apex Hospitality Group People Awards 2026

Long Service Awards

10 Years
Alexandra Simon; Christopher Murray; Lorraine McGarvey; Maureen Rodger; Eve Patterson; Sophie Carmichael; Alison Struthers; Christian Puiu; Gary Hamilton; Sophie Shirlaw; James Johnstone; Fiona Mackenzie; Adam Keresztenyi; Jessie Rennie; Gaumati Thapa; John Stratford; Colin Donald.

15 Years
Melinda Fazekas; Boguslaw Baranowski; Magdalena Mroz; Anna Kopczynska; Clint Heramia; Romain Bourger; Liam Roy.

20 Years
Lynda Miller; Kevin Cooper; Birgit Schubert; Martin Richards; Karl Mitchell; Rosita Rossi.

25 Years
Sarah Keen; Sally McConkey.

30 Years
Shonagh Gordon.

Individual & Business Excellence Awards (2025 Performance Year)

Spotlight Winners of the Year 2025
Anna Kaniecka; Thyra Molgaard; Habeeb Atanda; Kirsty McLafferty; Nonduduzo Dlamini; Paige Baker; David Yeats; Connor Duguid; Bulisani Ntaisi; Florence Evans; Yee Ling Boey; Miguel Pereira; John Selcraig.

Manager of the Year – Monogram Collective 2025
Caprice Rose, Operations Manager, The Vineyard

Manager of the Year – Apex Hotels 2025
Lena Labuda, Food & Beverage Manager, Apex Temple Court Hotel

Manager of the Year – Head Office 2025
Alison Moir, Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance

Be Yourself Here Ambassador 2025
Adam Keresztenyi, Breakfast Chef, Apex Temple Court Hotel

ESG Ambassador 2025
Michael Stewart, Financial Controller, Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa

Platinum Team Member of the Year 2025
Thomas Walker, Sommelier, The Vineyard

Apprentice of the Year 2025
Evie Lord, Apprentice, The Vineyard

Newcomer of the Year – Apex Hotels 2025
Andrew Weatheritt, Transport Manager, Hospitality Linen Services

Newcomer of the Year – Monogram Collective 2025
Stuart Shaw, Sales Director, Monogram Collective

Business of the Year 2025 – Runner Up
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Business of the Year 2025 – Winner
Apex City of London Hotel