#LTA26 Judges
Day one/Tuesday 11 November 2025:
Panel 1
Experience Award*
Pub Award*
Taste Lancashire Award*
Samantha Faud, Harrison Drury
Samantha is a senior associate solicitor at Harrison Drury Solicitors and as a licensed property expert, she is an integral part of the firm’s Leisure and Licensing team. She deals with businesses in the sector on a daily basis, is a keen supporter of the trade and is embedded in the industry. She is a personal licence holder, a member of the BII and the Society of independent Brewers, and holds the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing. Samantha regularly attends industry events and has an extensive network across the sector.
She provides commercial advice to businesses of all kinds within the industry, including pub chains, breweries, hotel groups, restaurants, bars, theatres, stadia, nightclubs and off-licences. As well as providing licensing advice, she also provides commercial property advice on leases, buying and selling properties, and developments.
Michael Moriarty, Boutinot Wines
Michael is a seasoned wine industry professional, Commercial Director and co-owner of Boutinot Wines, a globally respected wine producer and distributor. With over 30 years in the industry, Michael has worked across trade development, hospitality partnerships, and wine education, helping to elevate the profile of premium wines in the tourism and hospitality sectors. He has helped grow Boutinot into an international business operating in over 50 countries. His leadership blends commercial acumen with a passion for quality and sustainability. Michael is passionate about excellence and authenticity, bringing a wealth of experience in brand development, international markets, and hospitality and a discerning eye for quality, creativity and guest experience to the judging panel.
Mike Mounfield, Sauce Associates
Mike is a respected figure in UK hospitality, with a career spanning over 30 years across kitchens, classrooms, and boardrooms. Starting as a kitchen porter, he rose through the ranks to become a Head Chef in both hotel and corporate dining settings. A chance career shift led him into Further Education, where his industry insight revolutionised food education. His FE career has seen him working with many colleges across England. His visionary approach resulted in the creation of two renowned hotel schools, the Lakes Hotel School in Kendal and L20 Hotel School in Liverpool —and he was nominated for a Catey Award for his contribution to hospitality training.
After leaving his role as Assistant Principal in 2016, Mike returned to operations as Director of Food for a prominent hotel group before launching two consultancy firms: Sauce Associates, specialising in education consultancy, and Sauce Projects , focused on project management within hospitality and education. In 2018, Mike co-founded Lu Ban in Liverpool, an award-winning restaurant celebrating regional Chinese cuisine and culture and previous winner of Gold for Taste of England at the Visit England Awards for Excellence. He is also co-author of Cherry Blossom, a book exploring Chinese food and his experiences in China.
Mike remains active in the industry, holding stakes in ventures including a Lancashire street food business and a hospitality tech company. His career reflects a full-circle journey through hospitality—from the sink to the boardroom
Rod Train, Independent Consultant
Rod was a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Event Management. He has had a long career in senior management roles in the events and hospitality industry enabling him to put the academic theory into practical context. Rod’s specialisms are Hospitality and Event Management. Recently he has been working as an industry specialist/consultant for University College Birmingham (UCB) on their Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Marketing and Business and Enterprise degree programmes. He is also an External Examiner for the Hospitality degree programmes at the University of West of Scotland (UWS).
Panel 2
Small Visitor Attraction Award*
Large Visitor Attraction Award*
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award*
Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd, Elizabeth Gaskell House
Sally is the Director at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester. This independently run historic house is both an accredited museum, and a wedding and conference venue supported by a small team of staff and a large team of award-winning volunteers. Sally also sits on heritage committee for the Pankhurst centre and previously worked for 10 years within the marketing team at Marketing Lancashire working with a wide variety of tourism businesses.
Mike Davis, Northern Print Distribution
Mike is North West Director for Northern Print Distribution. Managing distribution of visitor information all across the North of England, Mike has also developed the Bags of Info for Kids service, the launch of www.daysoutinfo.co.uk, Perfect Days out and Destination Packs specifically designed to cater to the discerning needs of the self-catering market. All of these initiatives are designed to provide comprehensive resources and insights to enhance travel experiences.
Mike’s past experience also includes sales and marketing roles in the hospitality sector.
Dr Leighanne Higgins, Lancaster University Management School.
Leighanne is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Lancaster University Management School specialising in Consumer Behaviour. Her current research projects seek to understand and transform marketplace access barriers for persons with disability. Leighanne has worked in this area since 2016, and developed rich insights into the access barriers and experiences facing persons living with mobility, sensorial and neurodiverse disabilities. She has rich links with disabled communities and charities across the UK, and works actively with them to help inform her research. She is currently using her research to help companies build and implement accessibility strategies and plans.
John Child, Independent Consultant
John Child began his career in Tourism as a teenager at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, working in arcades, cafes and as a ride operator. After graduating from University he continued his career in Blackpool hotels and visitor attractions at a senior level for 36 years before retiring a few years ago.
John was passionate about embedding accessibility at the very heart of the businesses he worked in.
John was awarded an MBE in The Kings Birthday honours in 2023 for his contribution to Tourism, Disability and to the community of Blackpool.
Melanie Fielden, Blackpool & the Fylde College
Melanie is the Curriculum Manager for the Leadership, Management, and Lifestyle Apprenticeships provision at Blackpool & the Fylde College. With over 35 years of experience in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality industry, Melanie has built an impressive career working with major international organisations such as Cathay Pacific Airways, an international airport, leading tour operators, travel agencies, and hotels.
Her extensive background in the tourism sector has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, making her a valuable asset to the college and the local community. Melanie has been instrumental in supporting local employers and employees, fostering strong relationships, and contributing to the growth and development of the local tourism industry.
Her dedication to education and training is evident in her commitment to developing comprehensive apprenticeship programmes that prepare apprentices for successful careers in leadership, management, and lifestyle sectors. Melanie’s passion for the industry and her unwavering support for her apprentices and colleagues make her a respected and influential figure in the field.
Panel 3
Large Hotel Award*
Small Serviced Accommodation Award*
Dog Friendly Business Award
Alison Duckworth, Marketing Consultant, Epona Marketing Ltd
Alison has 30 years of marketing experience in the visitor economy, delivering national and international projects. She has developed award-winning campaigns and transformed marketing teams for a diverse range of clients. Alison played a pivotal role in Manchester’s economic resurgence, contributing to Olympic bids and the success of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Following this, she led the tourism marketing team at Liverpool’s Destination Management Organisation (DMO), establishing partnerships and elevating the city’s profile in international markets. As head of marketing for Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture, she contributed to one of the EU’s most celebrated capital of culture years. As a marketing consultant, Alison works with clients across the UK, helping to shape brands and drive transformational change for attractions, accommodation providers, and destinations.
Stephen Miles, SPM CONSULTANCY
Stephen has 45+ years’ experience in the hotel industry; 26 years as a General Manager in the London and Manchester 4 and 5-star hotel market. Stephen was part of Edwardian Hotels Senior Management team for 20 years and has won over 30 International, National and Local awards for his People, Products and Service.
- Co- Founder and Director of Hospitality Associates
- Board Member of Hospitality Action National Industry Charity.
- Founder and Hotel Future (first national hospitality academy).
- Chairman of British Hospitality Association North.
- Master Inn Holder
- Fellow Institute of Hospitality
- Voted in the top 100 General Managers in the world- International Association of Hotel General Managers.
Robin Lindsay, North Lancs Training Group
Robin Lindsay is the Quality of Education Director at North Lancs Training Group (NLTG), with over two decades of experience in education and apprenticeships. He has led national programmes and worked with major employers to design impactful training solutions. Robin is passionate about creating opportunities for young people, breaking down barriers to career progression and driving continuous improvement in vocational education. Most recently, this includes NLTG creating a new hospitality skills boot camp, working with local producers to drive farm/field to fork initiatives in hospitality apprenticeships and launching masterclasses for budding chefs in the region. His strategic insight and commitment to excellence make him a valuable voice in shaping skills development across Lancashire.
Robert Marshall-Slater, The City of Liverpool College
Robert is a senior leader in further education, currently serving at The City of Liverpool College. With a background as a chef and educator, Robert has held leadership roles across several colleges and works closely with Skills England on Apprenticeship Standards. He was a finalist of Young Chef of the Year and a Catey Acord winner and has had the privilege to work with some of the most outstanding chefs in the world. Robert was a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and an Ofqual industry expert, He is a current serving Ofsted Inspector and he champions food education and vocational excellence. His career reflects a deep commitment to learner progression and industry collaboration.
Panel 4
Business Events Venue Award*
New Tourism Business Award*
Family Owned / Run Business Award
Judith Dugdale, PM+M
Judith is a partner at PM+M, within the accounting and advisory team. With over 24 years experience in advising owner-managed and privately owned businesses, Judith is committed to growing the PM+M brand and reputation across Lancashire. Judith works with clients across a broad range of industry sectors, with significant experience in advising hospitality businesses. Focusing on building strong relationships with clients, Judith aims to work with business owners to enable them to achieve both their business and personal goals.
People development is a key focus for Judith within PM+M, having a key role from developing trainees to the future leaders of the firm. Alongside her role at PM+M, Judith is also a founding trustee of Bags for Strife, a charity based in Lancashire which was set up to help those bereaved by suicide.Judith is also a proud Lancashire Ambassador, working with Marketing Lancashire to promote the county
Joanne Hindley, Lancashire Business View
As Sales Director at Lancashire Business View, Joanne collaborates closely with a wide range of businesses across the region, helping them raise their profile, share their stories, communicate their key messages and celebrate their successes through their magazine, online and in-person events. With a keen understanding of strategic marketing and sales, Joanne is passionate about supporting Lancashire’s businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration and championing local success.
Anne Williamson, Customer Love
Anne is founder of Customer Love, providing Customer Experience consultancy and workshops. With her background in marketing (qualified to CIM Professional Diploma level) she brings a creative outlook to businesses who want to take their customer experience to an even higher level. Anne is the author of ‘Are you a one night stand business?’ and a Customer Journey Mapping workbook.
Anne’s first job (whilst still at school) was in a family run hotel in Blackpool. Anne’s last role was as Marketing Manager for an ecommerce company managing the inhouse Marketing, Design and Website teams. She brings over 20 years of marketing experience into her consultancy business.
Jonathan Holden, Forbes Solicitors
Jonathan is Partner and National Head of Employment & Education at Forbes Solicitors. With over 20 years of legal experience, he advises schools, colleges, and public sector organisations on employment law and governance. Jonathan is a respected advocate and speaker, known for his practical approach and strategic guidance. His expertise in education law and workforce development brings valuable perspective to initiatives supporting regional growth and talent.
Throughout his career, Jonathan has worked with a number of high profile organisations in the hospitality sector; providing strategic advice aimed at operational delivery, risk management and organisational development, partnering closely with clients to ensure their continued success within a challenging economic environment
Day two/Wednesday 12 November 2025:
Panel 5
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park Award*
Self-Catering Accommodation Award*
Regenerative Tourism Award*
Nick Lancaster, Lancaster & Lancaster
Nick has worked in Hospitality since he was still in full time education, with a career spanning nearly 40 years in roles all around the country, working in major hotel brands such as Marriott Resorts and Premier Inn through to independent small local pubs. He has worked in most roles within those establishments, from pot washer and night porter to chef instructor and manager, before settling at Langdale, where he spent 16 years as the Director of Resort Operations and Managing Director. Since leaving Langdale Nick’s roles have included Professor of Practice at University of Cumbria, non-executive director for Cumbria Tourism and currently vice chair of Millom Town Deal board.
Nick’s strengths have always been with food and beverage operations including being involved in opening new restaurants, concepts and refurbishments, and he has a passion for sustainability believing that business are at their best when they operate in a sustainable way. He is a strong advocate for sustainable food systems, championing the use of local, seasonal, ethically sourced ingredients and promoting food that is friendly to both planet and nature. All of this helps with financial sustainability which should always be the priority in providing a steppingstone to wider sustainability which helps us protect and regenerate our environment and communities.
Ian Wright, Blackpool Council
Ian Wright was for several years The Business Partnerships Officer for The Centre for Global Eco-innovation at Lancaster University (CGE), working on environmental and low carbon projects and has almost two decades of experience supporting SMEs in the north west. He is now based at Blackpool Council, working on strategy, policy and their low carbon projects .
Karen Lawrenson, Lancashire County Council
Karen has a master’s degree in Tourism Management and has worked with a range of tourism businesses across Lancashire for over 20 years in a wide range of business engagement and support roles. Prior to that she worked in the restaurant industry in Hong Kong, London, America and the Channel Islands. In the last 16 years Karen has worked at Lancashire County Council managing the Leader rural funding programme, which has supported a number of tourism projects including food and drink, tourism accommodation and tourism attractions. Karen also delivered the Rural England Prosperity Fund on behalf of Wyre Borough Council, Chorley Council and West Lancashire Borough Council, which supported several tourism businesses.
David Allen, Hospitality Skills
Experienced in coaching and advising businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector for over 25 years. With a strong and successful track record with small to medium-sized independent businesses, particularly accommodation, food and drink providers, attractions, conferencing, wedding and golf venues. Working one-to-one or group training workshops with owners and managers, helping them to improve productivity, performance and profits.
Rod Train, Independent Consultant
Rod was a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Event Management. He has had a long career in senior management roles in the events and hospitality industry enabling him to put the academic theory into practical context. Rod’s specialisms are Hospitality and Event Management. Recently he has been working as an industry specialist/consultant for University College Birmingham (UCB) on their Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Marketing and Business and Enterprise degree programmes. He is also an External Examiner for the Hospitality degree programmes at the University of West of Scotland (UWS).
Mark Belfield, Blackpool & The Fylde College
Mark is Senior Tutor for Progress at Blackpool and The Fylde College, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals. With a strong background in culinary education and student development, Mark has led initiatives that blend practical skills with personal growth, including life skills cooking courses that have inspired young learners to pursue careers in the industry.
Panel 6
Hotel Wedding Venue Award
Wedding Venue Award
Emma Mayoh, Lancashire Life
Content editor and northern food editor for Lancashire Life, Cheshire Life, Yorkshire Life and Derbyshire Life, Emma has been a food writer and editor for several years, including editing Lancashire Life’s Food & Drink magazine and the Life titles’ food coverage across the north. Emma has also spent her time promoting our hospitality heroes across the north of England, including Lancashire chefs, restaurateurs and food producers to a national audience, has been a judge for the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards, a panellist at specialist food conferences and shows and has hosted events with well-known foodies, including Prue Leith.
Andrew Leeming, Boost Business Lancashire, Lancashire County Council
Andrew is a senior figure in Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth and Innovation team, helping Lancashire’s businesses access a range of specialist business support. This role includes overall management of Boost.
Andrew played a lead role in creating and launching Boost in 2013, which has since helped more than 14,000 businesses access support.
In his role leading Boost, Andrew is found across the region speaking to business leaders, support providers, policymakers and enablers, helping connect them to Boost and its partners to help growth-hungry Lancashire businesses achieve their aspirations.
Jamie Turner, Musique
Jamie Turner is a managing director of Musique. Born and bred in Lancashire, Jamie studied Music at the prestigious Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and has spent his early career working as a session musician and record producer.
After founding bands ’The Party Fettlers’ and ‘Vintage Swing Thing’, Jamie went on to launch Musique in 2020, supplying private events across the country with high-class live entertainment. The award-winning Musique now look after a host of artists including ‘Liberty Soul’ and ‘Desire’, and delivers music policy, playlisting and innovative A/V solutions to the hospitality and leisure sector.
Jamie is also a guest lecturer in music business at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Royal Northern College of Music and was featured on LIPA’s graduate panel masterclass.
Katrina Kerr, Independent Consultant
Katrina is one of three ward councillors for Chester City Centre and Garden Quarter. Prior to that, she was Chair of Chester Bid and CEO of Marketing Cheshire. For over thirty years she worked in large multinational communications agencies – Ogilvy, J Walter Thompson, Publicis – on clients such as Unilever, Reckitt Benckiser, Kimberly Clark, Renault, Magnet Kitchens, Times Newspapers, HSBC and local accounts such as Vimto and Salford University. She has also consulted on tourism strategy for councils in Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire. She was educated at the University of Bristol (Modern Languages) and has an MBA from INSEAD.
Panel 7
Cultural Venue / Organisation Award
Large Event Award
Small Event Award
Gaynor Black, GB Hospitality
Gaynor Black is an award- winning hospitality and brand specialist with extensive experience working at Director and Executive level. Previous roles as Brand Director within the luxury hotel sector, including DeVere Group PLC and QHotels with recognition from the industry with awards including AA Hotel Group of the Year, BDRC for Leisure experience, BDRC for Meetings and Events, best Spa Group by Good Spa Guide, AA Restaurant Brand of the Year across multiple sites and years.
Gaynor also holds various N.E.D roles with independently owned hospitality businesses and sits on the Northern Board for Hospitality Action, the industry’s benevolent charity and also appointed Trustee for La Salle Hospitality Education Charity which aims to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in the Liverpool City Region through food, hospitality, and community-driven resources including transforming a former Brothers’ home into a fully operational hotel school, complemented by a kitchen garden.
Gaynor is the Managing Director of GB Hospitality, established since 2007, a commercial, brand, marketing and communications consultancy based in the Northwest. GB Hospitality build brands with heart, partnering with ambitious independent, hospitality, property and lifestyle businesses to transform their profitability and positioning through results-driven, strategic branding, consultancy and operational excellence.
Elizabeth Moss, Consultancy Partner, Counterculture
Liz has extensive experience working within heritage, culture, events and tourism sector activity and across the public, private and charitable sectors.
Most recently Liz was Chief Executive of the Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, which opened Showtown, the Museum of Fun and Entertainment in March 2024, and prior to that CEO at Heritage Trust for the North West. Previous career roles include opening the multi award winning Windermere Jetty Museum for Lakeland Arts, running the Lake District National Park’s Commercial Services, and leading of a number of the North West’s leading cultural heritage visitor attractions, including Wigan Pier, Holker Hall and Gardens, Blackwell (The Arts and Crafts House), Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Lytham Hall, and Brockhole on Lake Windermere.
Liz is a leader and influencer in cultural and tourism sectors including her work through membership of the National Trust’s North of England Regional Advisory Group and as a Board member for Cumbria Tourism (2019-2022). She is currently a Trustee at Thackray Medical Museum (Leeds), Heritage Trust for the North West and Super Slow Way.
Chris Adderley, Marketing Liverpool
Chris is Commercial Manager for Marketing Liverpool and has lived, worked and loved the Visitor Economy sector for over 20 years – with experience gained across a multitude of areas, comprising an equal workplace split between the private and public sectors. His opening career had a distinct hotelier flavour, with a background in both full service, as well as extended-stay, plus events experience via the highly regarded ‘Tate’ brand. His most recent period has been dedicated to Destination Management, with VisitLiverpool, looking after over 400 regional partners and representing the organisation at local, national and international levels. This is Chris’ 6th year as a judge for the Lancashire Tourism Awards.
Zak Khan, QWALA
Zak began his career in policing, qualifying as a Detective and earning a place on the prestigious Fast Track Constable to Inspector programme. Alongside his police work, he was deeply involved in community initiatives – serving as a secondary school governor and chairing a mental health charity. Towards the end of his policing career, Zak began advising a growing retrofit business, which inspired him to take a leap of faith and establish his own start-up in the sector: Qwala, where he serves as Founder and Director.
In May 2022, Zak was elected as a Borough Councillor for Hyndburn Borough Council, successfully winning the seat from the opposition. He later held the Cabinet portfolio for Business and Sustainability and now proudly serves as Leader of the Opposition.
Bridging experience across both the public and private sectors, Zak is passionate about driving economic growth, regeneration, and investment as vehicles for delivering strong and lasting social outcomes. Zak is also a proud Lancashire Ambassador, working with Marketing Lancashire to promote the county
Panel 8
Hospitality and Tourism student
Nicola Roberts, Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub
Nicola Roberts is Employer Engagement Lead for the Connect to Work programme at the Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub. She specialises in early careers recruitment and stakeholder engagement, building strong partnerships between employers and training providers. Nicola is passionate about inclusive growth and helping individuals access meaningful employment. Her work supports Lancashire’s strategic goals for a skilled, productive, and future-ready workforce.
Paul Sharples, Stonyhurst College
Paul is the Commercial Director at Stonyhurst College where he is responsible for delivering the commercial strategy, developing the Summer School provision with the international market and the broader event aspects of Stonyhurst.
Paul started his career in the hospitality industry as an Apprentice with Northcote before roles at Heathcote’s and The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey before returning to Northcote in the early 2000’s. Following this Paul moved in the world of education spending 11 years at North Lancs Training Group delivering Hospitality Apprenticeships which led onto roles at both Blackburn and Burnley Colleges where he supported the development of apprenticeships, employer engagement and commercial training.
Paul is a proud Lancastrian who is passionate about local business and collaboration. Paul is also a proud Lancashire Ambassador, working with Marketing Lancashire to promote the county
Rod Train, Independent Consultant
Rod was a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Event Management. He has had a long career in senior management roles in the events and hospitality industry enabling him to put the academic theory into practical context. Rod’s specialisms are Hospitality and Event Management. Recently he has been working as an industry specialist/consultant for University College Birmingham (UCB) on their Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Marketing and Business and Enterprise degree programmes. He is also an External Examiner for the Hospitality degree programmes at the University of West of Scotland (UWS).
Mike Mounfield, Sauce Associates
Mike is a respected figure in UK hospitality, with a career spanning over 30 years across kitchens, classrooms, and boardrooms. Starting as a kitchen porter, he rose through the ranks to become a Head Chef in both hotel and corporate dining settings. A chance career shift led him into Further Education, where his industry insight revolutionised food education. His FE career has seen him working with many colleges across England. His visionary approach resulted in the creation of two renowned hotel schools, the Lakes Hotel School in Kendal and L20 Hotel School in Liverpool —and he was nominated for a Catey Award for his contribution to hospitality training.
After leaving his role as Assistant Principal in 2016, Mike returned to operations as Director of Food for a prominent hotel group before launching two consultancy firms: Sauce Associates, specialising in education consultancy, and Sauce Projects , focused on project management within hospitality and education. In 2018, Mike co-founded Lu Ban in Liverpool, an award-winning restaurant celebrating regional Chinese cuisine and culture and previous winner of Gold for Taste of England at the Visit England Awards for Excellence. He is also co-author of Cherry Blossom, a book exploring Chinese food and his experiences in China.
Mike remains active in the industry, holding stakes in ventures including a Lancashire street food business and a hospitality tech company. His career reflects a full-circle journey through hospitality—from the sink to the boardroom