Not even a pandemic could stop The Grand Brighton hosting its annual awards celebration with the event streamed live from inside the iconic Victorian hotel and hosted by General Manager, Andrew Mosley, dressed in full dinner suit. To recognise even more of the team who had gone above and beyond during the pandemic, awards increased from 10 to 20 with a virtual drinks reception in departmental breakout rooms kicking off the evening.

Opened in 1864 to great fanfare as the original “palace by the sea”, the building was revered as a feat of architectural brilliance, boasting an impressive facade, the first lift outside London and famously outstanding service. Today, the 201-bedroom independent hotel still retains the original emerald marble pillars, ornate cornices and central sweeping staircase, and the same outstanding service.

Working at the Grand is all about making a difference to guests and the local community. In December working with a local charity, which provides befriending and social prescribing services to local residents struggling with social isolation, The Grand asked employees to write Christmas cards to those who were on their own over the festive period with almost 100 people receiving some much needed Christmas cheer. The Grand also arranged volunteering in local vaccination centres.

Staff morale has been boosted by weekly coffee catch-ups, wellbeing webinars, free fitness sessions and resilience sessions.

Other events included managers posting videos thanking their teams on Friendship Day and employees taking part in National Curry Week competitions.