Applications for the GM of the Future will open 1 September 2026 and close 30 September 2026.
Originally launched in 2019 as the GM of the Future Award, the programme was created to recognise and nurture exceptional talent within the UK hospitality industry.
In 2025, the Master Innholders committee renamed the award in honour of the late Neil Bannister. A respected hotelier and Master Innholder, Neil dedicated much of his career to supporting and developing emerging talent. Through generous funding provided by Neil, the scholarship will continue to invest in future leaders for years to come, reflecting his lasting legacy within the industry.
The scholarship is awarded to an individual who demonstrates both the passion and potential to become a Hotel General Manager (or equivalent) who champions the hospitality industry and inspires those around them.
Open to individuals from any hotel in the UK, candidates are recognised for their personal and professional development, leadership potential, and their ability to innovate, support colleagues and positively contribute to the wider hotel community.
The winner of the award will be provided with a fully funded scholarship for the prestigious Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University, Buckinghamshire, valued at £15,000.
The runner up will also receive a prize, which includes a place on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence programme to support and equip them with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities needed to meet their future ambitions.
Alongside the programme, the runner-up will also receive six 90-minute executive coaching sessions, delivered by one of Cranfield’s expert coaches.
Designed for early career professionals with high managerial potential, the programme provides students with a clear strategic understanding of business management, the ability to develop leadership capabilities, as well as aiding in encouraging and inspiring change across your own business.
For any queries about applications, please email secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk
The winner of the GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship will be provided with a fully funded scholarship for the prestigious Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University, Buckinghamshire, valued at £15,000.
Join early career, high-potential managers from corporate, mid-market and family firms across a wide range of industries as you prepare to capitalise on the opportunities that the emerging landscape is presenting.
Over 12 months, you will learn new skills, examine your reality, explore concepts and how to apply them.
The Talent Development Programme is designed for professionals who:
- Aspire to accelerate their career trajectory by becoming more influential within a business function.
- Want to develop a strategic focus & align their activity to the organisations’ goals so they will have a focused impact.
- Want to develop a greater understanding of the informal organisational environment; enabling them to work effectively in political environments and manage relationships strategically.
- Seek to build on critical leadership skills, to effectively lead a business function
The runner-up will also receive a prize, which includes a place on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence programme to support and equip them with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities needed to meet their future ambitions.
This two day course gives you the opportunity to bring a specific leadership challenge to the room, and a chance to practice how you communicate your message, receiving honest feedback from your peers on how you come across in what you say and how.
It is designed for middle and senior managers who:
- Are increasingly involved in cross functional projects and need to be more influential across their organisation and networks
- Need to be more impactful during client facing scenarios
- Require more visibility and confidence when contributing to executive discussion
- Are working under pressure and need to project greater credibility in challenging situations
Applications for the GM of the Future will open 1 September 2026 and close 30 September 2026.
To apply, complete an application form, which includes several questions to be answered by applicants, exploring areas such as showcasing development and leadership, as well as how you give back to teams and the wider hotel industry. All nominations must also include an endorsement from a line manager.
All entries will be judged by a panel of Master Innholders and other key industry figures. Judges this year include:
- Zoe Jenkins MI, General Manager at Coworth Park and Chair of the Master Innholders
- Francisco Macedo FIH IS MI, Chief Operating Officer at Wilderness Reserve and Master Innholders Committee Member
- Chris Turner, Hotel Manager at Dakota Newcastle and GM of the Future Winner 2026
- Franck Arnold MI, Managing Director The Savoy & Regional Vice-President UK, Ireland, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont and Raffles Paris and Hotelier of the Year 2025
- Alistair Sandall FIH, Executive Secretary of the Master Innholders
The shortlist will be invited to attend the 2027 Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place 11-12 January at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
Those shortlisted will receive a complimentary ticket valid for both days of the conference and the black-tie dinner on the first evening. If shortlisted, please note that any additional guests will need to purchase dinner tickets separately.
The winner will be announced during the black-tie dinner at the conference during a special presentation.
For any queries about applications, please email secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk
Previous winners of the GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship include:
2026 - Chris Turner, Hotel Manager at Dakota Newcastle
2025 - Brigitta Kovács, Assistant Hotel Manager at Lucknam Park Hotel
2023 - Chris Bancroft, Operations Manager at The Newt in Somerset
2022 - Karen Weisheit, Hotel Manager at Grove of Narberth
2021 - Anna Sirba, General Manager at The Bodmin Jail Hotel
2019 - Samantha Rieu, Hotel Manager at The Beaumont
Have any questions about the GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship? Find the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
About the Award
What is the GM of the Future Award?
The GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship, is an annual leadership award created by the Master Innholders to recognise and invest in the next generation of hotel General Managers.
Each year, one outstanding hospitality professional is selected to receive a fully funded place on Cranfield University’s Talent Development Programme, a 12-month leadership development programme worth £15,000. The runner-up also receives a development prize, including a place on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence Programme and six executive coaching sessions.
The award provides a unique opportunity to accelerate your career through world-class leadership development, helping you build the skills, confidence and strategic thinking needed to become a future General Manager.
Why was the award created?
Created in 2019 by the Master Innholders, the GM of the Future was created to help remove some of the many barriers hoteliers face when it comes to progressing in their careers by offering fully funded educational opportunities to those passionate and exceptional hoteliers within the industry.
In 2025, the Master Innholders committee renamed the award in honour of the late Neil Bannister. A respected hotelier and Master Innholder, Neil dedicated much of his career to supporting and developing emerging talent. Through generous funding provided by Neil, the scholarship will continue to invest in future leaders for years to come, reflecting his lasting legacy within the industry
Who is the award aimed at?
The award is designed for ambitious hospitality professionals who are already demonstrating leadership potential and are looking to take the next step in their career.
Applicants may be working towards their first General Manager role or be in the early stages of their leadership journey, typically either a middle or senior manager. Possible roles may include Assistant Hotel Manager, Hotel Manager or Operations Manager, although this is not an extensive list.
The applicant should demonstrate a passion for hospitality, a commitment to developing others and the ambition to make a positive impact on the future of the industry.
What does the winner receive?
The winner receives a fully funded place on Cranfield University’s Talent Development Programme, worth £15,000.
This 12-month leadership development programme is designed to help participants strengthen their professional, leadership and personal capabilities, providing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in senior management roles.
The runner-up will also receive a prize, which is a place on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence programme to support and equip them with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities needed to meet their future ambitions, as well as six 90-minute executive coaching sessions, delivered by one of Cranfield’s expert coaches.
The Talent Development Programme
What is the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University?
The Talent Development Programme is a 12-month executive development programme delivered by Cranfield University, designed to help high-potential professionals develop the skills, confidence and insight needed to become effective leaders.
As part of the GM of the Future Award, the winner receives a fully funded place on this programme, giving them access to world-class leadership development alongside experienced professionals from a range of industries.
The programme combines academic insight with practical application, allowing participants to immediately apply their learning within their own workplace.
What will I learn on the programme?
The programme focuses on three key areas of development: professional development, leadership development and personal growth.
Through a combination of learning, reflection and practical application, participants develop the skills needed to become more effective leaders, including strategic thinking, commercial awareness, decision-making, communication, influencing and leading others.
The programme encourages participants to reflect on their own leadership style, identify areas for growth and develop a clear understanding of how they can create impact within their organisation.
You can find out more about the Talent Development Programme here: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/open-executive-programmes/general-management/talent-development-programme
How is the programme structured?
Over 12 months, participants take part in a combination of live virtual learning, residential modules and personal development activities. The programme combines learning with practical workplace application, allowing participants to put new skills and approaches into practice throughout their journey.
The residential component is comprised of two separate five-day modules, which focus on both business and interpersonal leadership skills. There will also be two review sessions throughout the programme, with one taking place at six months in and another at twelve months.
Can I complete the programme while continuing to work?
Absolutely. The Talent Development Programme has been designed specifically for busy hospitality professionals.
Between residential modules, you'll continue working in your current role while applying what you've learned through a real business project, specially designed to challenge you, enhance your skills and bring value to your own place of work.
What happens during the virtual learning sessions?
The virtual learning sessions provide an opportunity to explore key leadership topics, share experiences with fellow participants and learn from expert facilitators.
Sessions combine insight from Cranfield University’s faculty with discussion, reflection and practical activities, allowing participants to explore different leadership approaches and consider how they can apply their learning within their own organisations.
The interactive format encourages participants to collaborate, ask questions and learn from the experiences of leaders across different industries.
Is there coaching included?
Yes. Coaching is an important part of the Talent Development Programme, helping participants reflect on their leadership style, identify areas for growth and apply their learning in practice.
The coaching element provides dedicated time for personal reflection and supports participants in translating the learning from the programme into meaningful action within their own roles.
Will I study alongside other hospitality professionals?
The Talent Development Programme brings together professionals from a range of industries, creating opportunities to learn from different perspectives and experiences.
By working alongside leaders in hospitality and beyond, participants gain fresh insight into leadership challenges, innovation and best practice that can be applied within their own organisations.
Eligibility and Applications
When do applications open and close?
Applications for the GM of the Future open 1 September 2026 and close 30 September 2026.
How do I apply?
To apply, complete an application form, which includes several questions to be answered by applicants, exploring areas such as showcasing development and leadership, as well as how you give back to teams and the wider hotel industry. All nominations must also include an endorsement from a line manager. Please send your completed application to secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk. All entries will be judged by a panel of Master Innholders and other key industry figures.
Do I need to already be a General Manager to apply?
No. The award is designed to recognise future General Managers, not only those already in the role.
Applicants may be preparing for their first General Manager position or be at an earlier stage of their leadership journey. What matters most is demonstrating the ambition, potential and leadership qualities needed to succeed as a future hotel leader.
What experience do I need to apply?
Applicants should have experience working within the hospitality industry and demonstrate a clear passion for hotel operations, leadership and developing others.
The judging panel will consider an applicant’s achievements, leadership potential, career aspirations and the impact they have already made within their organisation.
Can someone nominate me?
Applicants must put themselves forward for the GM of the Future Award and complete the required application form.
As part of the application process, applicants will need to provide endorsement from their line manager. This ensures that their organisation supports their development journey and recognises the potential they have to progress as a future hotel leader.
Are there any costs involved?
The scholarship is fully funded by the Master Innholders. Accommodation and board are provided during the residential stays at Cranfield. Please note that travel costs are not included.
How are finalists selected?
A shortlist of applicants will be drawn up by the panel of judges. The shortlist will then be invited to attend the 2027 Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place 11-12 January 2027 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
Those shortlisted will receive a complimentary ticket valid for both days of the conference and the black-tie dinner on the first evening. If shortlisted, please note that any additional guests will need to purchase dinner tickets separately.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced during the black-tie dinner on the first day of the conference during a special presentation on 11 January 2027 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London.
