The winner of the 2006 Olive Barnett Award was announced by organiser Springboard UK on 15 May at Claridge’s in London.

Jessica Cain – assistant manager of Milburns restaurant within the Bristol Zoological Gardens – scooped the winning prize owing to the presentation of her “clearly thought out and achievable career plan, which grasped the needs of a successful business”.

The award is open to entrants under the age of 30 who are in permanent employment in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry and in a reception, front of house or a customer service position.

Cain won an all-expenses paid placement on an Executive Education Summer Programme at the Ecolé Hôtelière de Lausanne, plus a three-year grant of £1,000 per year to invest in career development.

The award was created in 1975 by Savoy Gastronomes to reward excellence in front of house employees. It is sponsored by Chess Partnership.

Photograph: Award winner Jessica Cain