Leading UK catering and events company, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, has cause to celebrate as staff from across the capital were recognised for their achievements and awarded Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scholarships.

Three members of the team secured the scholarships as a result of their hard work and dedication to ensuring that all guests and delegates visiting high profile venues across the country, including The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, were treated to the best possible experience.

These scholarships will allow them to build on existing knowledge and bring new forms of innovation to the company.

Claire McGuire, Commercial Manager at the company’s South Queensferry headquarters will help drive Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events forward with her Innovation Scholarship. Learning all about international trends and the future of the industry, she’ll have the opportunity to look at how the global company can stay ahead of the curve.

The team at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh were awarded two scholarships, testament to the hard work and dedication of staff members. Bethany Morris, Senior Wedding Planner has secured the Sales and Business Development Scholarship, using hands-on training to develop her sales skills and enhance the varied events offering at the renowned venue.

Katrin Gufler, Senior Sales and Event Coordinator, has been awarded the Supervisor Scholarship and will receive a comprehensive training programme in the latest management techniques.

In total, six members of staff across the central belt secured HIT Scotland scholarships this year, with two members of the team at Hampden Park National Stadium, and one at Hamilton Park Racecourse, also recognised for their talent.

Working across 50 venues, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events is known for encouraging the development of its staff to ensure that they, and in turn the company are fulfilling their potential.

David Trotter, Divisional Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland at Sodexo Sport and Leisure, said: “Sodexo is passionate about creating the best possible experience for guests and visitors at each and every venue, and we know that our staff members are at the heart of not only providing this, but also everything we do as a company.

“Encouraging staff to put themselves forward for recognised training schemes such as HIT Scotland not only builds their skills and encourages professional development, but it also ensures that Sodexo can always provide the highest quality service to our clients and guests.”

Bethany Morris, Senior Wedding Planner at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said: “Being awarded a HIT Scotland scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity to access specialist knowledge that will help to continually improve Scotland’s hospitality industry.

“The Sales and Business Development Scholarship will give me the opportunity to develop international business and sales awareness, helping to ensure that both myself and Sodexo remain a front-runner in the industry.”

HIT Scotland is a charity dedicated to helping fulfil the potential of those within the hospitality industry. Having awarded over 1,000 scholarships and 10,000 bursaries since its inception in 1994, HIT Scotland provides practical experience in some of the world’s top academic establishments.

For more information of Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, please their website at www.prestigevenuesandevents.sodexo.com