Meet the 2023 HHH panel of judges

There’s less than one month to go before the Triple H Awards 2023 and we are delighted to announce the finalists in this issue. The judges have worked hard over the last few weeks reading through all the entries across 10 categories and deliberating amongst themselves over who should make the final cut. Organiser Mark Gleed said: “We are incredibly thankful to our judging panel who give their time and attention to looking through every detail of the nomination packs that are put forward. The HHH Awards are now in their third year and each year the task of selecting the shortlist has become harder. The quality and quantity of entries has increased as the event has grown. “On behalf of everyone at MEG Events and Housekeeping Today I’d like to thank our judging panel – Liz Smith-Mills, Sean Wheeler, Delia Cannings, Alistair Sandall, Neil Shorthouse and Janice Raycroft. Between them they have such deep knowledge of the industry to help us to identify who is leading the way forward today and we are truly grateful for their continued support and commitment.”

Sean Wheeler

Sean has spent over 40 years in hospitality growing up and going up through the ranks to senior operational and human resources roles. He is an Acorn winner and has achieved numerous ‘best places to work’ accolades, as well as two HR in Hospitality awards for Human Resources and Training, The Catey HRD of the Year and CIPD award for talent management. Sean now runs Sean Wheeler Consultancy Ltd focusing on supporting hospitality businesses with their people culture and guest service strategies.

Neil Shorthouse

Neil is a senior human resources, hospitality professional and facilitator. His hospitality and cruise career spans more than three decades, working within top luxury brands. He has overseen several resort openings within the Indian Ocean and the UAE. Neil was part of the launch teams for both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. During his spare time, he is Chair of a multi academy trust, with overall responsibility for the schools and senior leadership teams. Neil shares his knowledge, experience and guidance at various events as either a panellist or as a keynote speaker.

Delia Cannings

Delia is a cleaning environmental and hygiene professional with many years of experience. Her work has spanned the entire breadth of industries from the NHS, public and private sectors to trade memberships of organisations representing cleaning and allied industries. She contributes to TV, press and media coverage, with high profile performances which have led to prestigious awards from peers and significant roles in vital hygiene projects, including and development of the Nightingale Hospital sites. Delia is currently Deputy Chair for the BCC, National Lead for Education Ahco and an examiner for Northampton University.

Alistair Sandall

Alistair has a wealth of experience in the hospitality sector. Having studied at what is now West London University and trained with Concord Hotels, he worked his way up the ladder in management positions with spells in the UK and South Africa. He worked as a general manager for over 20 years with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Thistle Hotels, and Hanover International Hotels & Clubs. He joined AA Hotel & Hospitality Services in 2006, rising to commercial manager. He continued to inspect hotels and restaurants for a period of over 11 years, as well as heading up the training and consultancy division and looking after key client relationships. He then served as Head of Professional Development at the Institute of Hospitality for five years, before going freelance to focus on different projects, currently with Quality International Assessment Services and consulting on F&B with Countrywide Hotels, as well as undertaking ‘mystery guest’ activities.

Liz Smith-Mills FIH, FIBCSc

Liz is a founder member of the Yorkshire and North East region of The UK Housekeepers Association, a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and Hospitality Action Ambassador. Her hospitality career spans over 40 years, working predominately in renowned 4 and 5 Star properties, across all hotel departments, but specialising in housekeeping and training. Liz also represented the British Institute of Cleaning Science as an Industry Expert, appearing on BBC breakfast news. She has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Institute of Cleaning Science in recognition of services to the cleaning industry.

Jan Raycroft

Janice has edited Housekeeping Today for the past two years and has also written specialist features for sister publication Laundry & Cleaning Today for over two decades. Her behind-the-scenes introduction to the world of hospitality came during seven years as editor of luxury lifestyle magazines and prior to that she was a newspaper editor in London and Berkshire.

Thank you to HHH 2023 sponsors