Our National Innovation in Training Awards showcase the individuals and businesses who put their people first, creating innovative training programmes and nurturing long term careers in the licensed trade. Year on year, we meet inspiring teams who support and champion their people through training programmes that support our thriving industry.
We are pleased to announce that our NITAs will be returning on November 19th 2026, be sure to save the date! To view the awards and winners from our previous NITAs, please see below.
Please note that our deadline for entries is September 21st 2026.
The entry deadline is 21st September 2026
Entries for the NITAs competition 2025 are now closed. We will reopen applications in mid 2026.
This award is open to entries from independent individual trainers or from trainers working in-house for a company.
Apprentices can nominate themselves or by trainers/operators. If you are a company, you can enter multiple candidates.
This award is open to entries from independent individual trainers or from trainers working in-house for a company.
This category is businesses who have shown leadership and innovation when it comes to creating a more sustainable future for their company.
This category is any individual in a pub, hospitality business or supplier who has shown inspirational progression and professional passion.
This category is for businesses with an innovative recruitment, induction and onboarding stratergy.
This category is open to companies running managed partnerships in the licensed retail sector.
This category is open to companies operating in the managed licensed retail sector.
This category is open to companies running managed partnerships in the licensed retail sector.
This category is for individual operators or managers responsible for training in a single licensed retail outlet or small pub groups with five sites or less, whether individually owned, leased, tenanted or managed as part of a group.
This category is for companies or individuals who are investing in their Apprenticeship training; in it’s development of skills, talent and career progression in our industry.
The award was founded by Keith Knowles in memory of his late wife, Franca, whose passion for people and commitment to excellence left a lasting mark on the hospitality industry.
It recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond in their dedication to supporting, strengthening, and championing the hospitality sector, often making a significant impact behind the scenes as well as in the public eye.
The recipient of the award is selected by a distinguished panel of previous winners, chaired by Keith Knowles, ensuring the honour reflects both peer recognition and the enduring values the award was created to celebrate.
