The CIS Excellence Awards has recognised Scottish independent bar and restaurant operators, Buzzworks, for its outstanding wellbeing initiatives – particularly throughout 2020 – with the Wellbeing in Hospitality Award 2020.
Managing Director of Buzzworks, Kenny Blair (pictured second right), was surprised with an impromptu prize giving at the company’s head office in Kilmarnock, as Alex Buchanan from CIS Excellence (right) and Kevin Simpson (left) from award sponsor Inspire Catering presented him with this accolade.
This award seeks to identify operators who are leading the way in recognising and addressing mental health issues in the workplace and prioritising well-being among its employees and customers.
Renowned for excellent food and customer service, Buzzworks has also built its reputation locally and throughout the industry as a people-focused business that is proud to support the communities in which it operates, and for placing an emphasis on its team well-being.
Buzzworks’ pledge to keep its team informed and engaged through a programme of fun activities focused on health and well-being throughout lockdown helped the business to win the award. This included home schooling support, free online fitness classes, regular updates from the senior team and a staged reopening with return to work support.
Further demonstrating the commitment to its people, Buzzworks trained mental health first aiders across the business. Twelve colleagues completed a certified course at Ayrshire College which provided participants with an understanding on a range of mental health issues, including how these affect people and how to support them.
Hospitality Action is Buzzworks’ charity of the year and the company subscribes to its Employee Assistance Programme which provides staff with access to impartial advice, support and services 24/7, free of charge.
Blair said, “Providing a positive working environment and company culture for our team continues to be an ongoing commitment for us all – so it’s great to be recognised as an industry leader for wellbeing initiatives.
“At Buzzworks we value every voice and while our venues were closed during various lockdowns, we went to great lengths to keep our teams engaged.
'By hosting internal online events and encouraging charitable activities we enabled our people to feel connected to each other, the business and their local communities. Activities included fitness challenges, our not-for-profit Lido Pop Up and donating 40,000 meals in Ayrshire through Centrestage.
“We are thrilled to receive this award, it recognises the hard work and dedication of all of our people.”
Simpson added, “Inspire Catering were delighted to sponsor the inaugural CIS well-being in hospitality award and to present this award to Buzzworks.
'As a sponsor and as a judge for this category, it was a privilege to learn about all of the initiatives that Buzzworks has implemented to support its teams’ wellbeing. Now more than ever, wellbeing is extremely important and Buzzworks clearly see this as a key priority of the business.
“Buzzworks is unquestionably a business focussed on ensuring that its teams are supported and they should be extremely proud of this award. Huge well done to all of the team involved!”
Pictured with Simpson, Blair and Buchanan. is Cara McGlynn, People Director at Buzzworks .
Buzzworks is currently searching for more than 30 new recruits to join its kitchen teams across all levels throughout its portfolio.