East Midlands, UK – 1 September 2025 – Ever So Sensible Restaurants (ESS) has been awarded Investors in People Platinum Accreditation, the highest level of recognition for people management and workplace culture. The award was formally presented by Amanda Ryalls to company chair Chris Bulaitis, marking a defining moment in the group’s journey.
This achievement positions Ever So Sensible Restaurants as the number one hospitality company globally in its class, accredited by Investors in People.
Chris Bulaitis, Chair of Ever So Sensible Restaurants, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive Platinum. Our philosophy has always been ‘people first, all the way.’ This award recognises the care, pride, and recognition shown by every member of our team, and it reflects our belief that by making work better for our people, we deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”
Commitment to People and Community
Since its first Investors in People accreditation in 2019 (Silver), Ever So Sensible has progressed through Gold in 2022 to Platinum in 2025, consistently outperforming benchmarks across workplace engagement and leadership.
ESS is also proud to support its current charity partner, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. As part of this partnership, the group donates £1 from every Heli-burger sold directly to the charity, helping to fund lifesaving missions across the region. They are aiming to raise £20,000 this year alone.
Joe Harper, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, said:
“We’re delighted to be partnered with Ever So Sensible Restaurants and congratulate the whole team on achieving Investors in People Platinum. Their support through the Heli-burger initiative makes a real difference, helping us to save lives every day. It’s fantastic to see a local hospitality group gaining an internationally recognised accolade, putting people first both inside the business and out in the community.”
Key Achievements Highlighted in the Assessment:
- Outstanding people culture – leaders remain personally connected to staff at every level.
- Commitment to development – 46 internal promotions in the last cycle.
- Employee wellbeing – loyalty bonuses, medical insurance, and financial support during times of need.
- Community impact – charitable giving has doubled in the last two years, including ongoing Heli-burger support for Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
- Sustained business growth – consistent improvements in sales, productivity, and profitability since 2022.
Recognition from Investors in People Amanda Ryalls, Investors in People Practitioner, praised the achievement:
“Ever So Sensible Restaurants is a shining example of how putting people first leads to long-term success. Their Platinum status is richly deserved and is now the leading benchmark for the wider hospitality sector.”
With ten venues across the East Midlands – and plans for two exciting new sites to join the group by the end of the year – ESS continues to grow responsibly while maintaining its uncompromising focus on quality with a people-first culture.
Ever So Sensible Group Locations:
The Duke William Hotel (Lincolnshire)
The Horse and Groom (Lincolnshire)
Royal William IV (Lincolnshire)
The Ferry Boat (Lincolnshire)
Fothergill’s (Nottinghamshire)
The Castle (Nottinghamshire)
Le Mistral Sherwood (Nottinghamshire)
Le Mistral Wirksworth (Derbyshire)
The Marquis Wellington (Leicestershire)
The Globe (Leicestershire)
The Horse and Groom (Lincolnshire)
Royal William IV (Lincolnshire)
The Ferry Boat (Lincolnshire)
Fothergill’s (Nottinghamshire)
The Castle (Nottinghamshire)
Le Mistral Sherwood (Nottinghamshire)
Le Mistral Wirksworth (Derbyshire)
The Marquis Wellington (Leicestershire)
The Globe (Leicestershire)
