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A Hilltown student and a Southern Regional College (SRC) lecturer have both been recognised at the recent Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism. Danielle Grant, who is studying for a Hospitality Management degree at SRC, and part-time lecturer Jamie Maxwell were named finalists in their respective categories, with Grant in the running for the Student Management Potential Award and Maxwell shortlisted for Lecturer of the Year.
This year marks the 29th year of the awards, which recognise the achievements of individuals working in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. The ceremony was held at the Culloden Estate & Spa Hotel, Belfast, on Friday 11 September 2026.
Danielle Grant from Hilltown, has been working in the hospitality industry for the past thirteen years and secured the first ever Generation Chef final title in 2025 alongside fellow SRC students. She began her career at the Avoca Hotel in Newcastle and has since progressed through the ranks, now working as Operations Supervisor at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). Her current role involves co-ordinating a diverse range of large-scale events, from weddings, international conferences and corporate functions to major occasions such as the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Good Friday Agreement. She is also involved in the delivery of QUB's graduation celebrations, catering for up to 3,000 guests over three days.
Speaking on her finalist position, Grant said: "I am absolutely delighted, very proud and genuinely honoured to be a finalist for the Institute of Hospitality Student Management Potential Award and it is a privilege to represent SRC at this level. To be named as a finalist for the award is a fantastic achievement and I genuinely believe that everyone who has reached this stage is a winner. For me, the nomination is also recognition of the hard work, support and encouragement I have received from my lecturers, employer, colleagues, family and everyone who has helped me throughout my hospitality journey."
Jamie Maxwell, who balances working with travel agent KT Travel in Dundalk alongside course co-ordinating duties for the Travel and Tourism level 3 Extended Diploma, the equivalent of 3 A-levels, echoed Grant's sentiment. He has extensive experience of the travel industry, having worked as a holiday representative abroad and as a Grounds Operation Manager for EasyJet's operations at Gatwick airport, before becoming Service Delivery Manager at Dublin airport, where he represented twenty-three airlines. Despite this experience, Maxwell was keen to return to SRC, where it all started, to inspire future generations.
Speaking on his nomination and subsequent finalist position for Lecturer of the Year, Maxwell said: "I'm immensely proud to have been recognised as a finalist. To receive that recognition for my work as a part-time lecturer is an achievement in itself and incredibly rewarding. It's a real affirmation that the work I'm doing is making a positive impact and it means a great deal to have received that recognition."
