Destination Southampton were amongst nominees in attendance at the EHO approved SO Star Awards held in October 2020 at the Grand Cafe. The team at the bureau were proud to have received a nomination for The Community Award, sponsored by Route PR for their work in 2018-2019, raising funds during a year long campaign to celebrate 20 years in business, whilst giving back to the community.
Southampton’s finest tourism individuals, attractions and related businesses celebrated their achievements at a glittering award presentation and dinner.
In unprecedented times these winners represent true beacons throughout their industry, all that is best in a sector which has been hit with more challenges than most by the Covid pandemic.
Postponed from spring due to lockdown, the SO Star Awards, delivered in association with A-One Insurance Group, Ange’s Brows, DA Training Consulting, Compass Spirits, Double Dutch, Elis, Enotria Wines, Estrella DAM, Harvest Foods, Meridian Lifts, Signable and Wave 105 were staged successfully by adhering to government guidance and regulations and in association with the Southampton City Council environmental health team.
The evening genuinely retained the kudos and glamour of past gala ceremonies and attracted hundreds of entrants from throughout the SO postcode area.
Jackie Phillipson, co-founder the SO and BHStar Awards, paid tribute to the sponsors and the venue who made the event possible as well as the participants who took part.
She said: “The hospitality and leisure sector has been affected to a massive degree during the past few months, yet despite that new independent venues launched, businesses diversified, pivoted or invested in additional screening and outdoor equipment as required. They have never given up, rather, they made every effort to combat hardship, welcome visitors and locals alike and provide a wonderful customer experience in changed circumstances.
“People supported much-loved favourite venues, attractions and businesses, beginning with Eat Out to Help Out, then, as restrictions eased, going out more frequently with family and friends, whether for exercise, entertainment or mental wellbeing. They tried new places, explored, learned about this city and its wider environs, and provided much needed revenue to keep doors open and valued staff in their jobs.
“The commitment of these winners – and all who entered – shows that they take immense pride in offering the best of the Southampton region. They all exude that star quality which we have come to recognise during the past few years since we launched the SO Star Awards.”
A socially distanced dinner, with groups of six at each table, the event concluded by 10pm. Drinks and food were served to each table and guests registered details for track and trace. MC Mark Rush Palmer went through relevant health and safety information, including how each of the category winners would be announced and presented with their awards. For a full list of the winners visit https://star-awards.co.uk/
