Celebrating excellence at biggest Awards Dinner yet

The presentation of awards in 12 categories, an after-dinner speech by England’s most capped female hockey player, and the chance to make new acquaintances, talk over the first day’s events, and renew contacts face-to-face, were among the highlights of last month’s Healthcare Estates 2022 IHEEM Awards Dinner in Manchester. Held on the evening of 4 October, the first day of the conference and exhibition, this year’s gala awards dinner was the biggest to date, with over 600 guests, as HEJ’s editor, Jonathan Baillie, reports.

The venue for this year’s Healthcare Estates IHEEM Awards Dinner was the magnificent Grand Ballroom at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. The hotel’s imposing clocktower and striking Victorian architecture are among the notable features of the striking terracotta Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1890. Guests were able to enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the hotel’s Whitworth Rooms, and the chance to relax after a busy first day, before being seated for the dinner and the gala awards presentation

Once all were seated, Master of Ceremonies, Andy Powell – a seasoned host at Healthcare Estates Awards evenings – welcomed guests, with the words: “Most of you have been at the frontline of the pandemic, and tonight is as much a celebration of your work, as it is recognising the shortlisted companies, Trusts, and individuals, here this evening.