10 June 2026
Hospitality Recruitment Leader Honoured for 30 Years of Industry Impact
Dawn Lawrence’s lifelong commitment to helping people build a better future was recognised as she received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from the University of Sunderland in London.
The award was presented on 10 June during the university’s summer graduation ceremonies at Southwark Cathedral, just moments away from where Dawn was born, giving added meaning to a day that celebrated both personal and professional achievement.
From running her own recruitment agency, Hospitality Jobs UK, to founding the UK’s leading dedicated hospitality jobs platform, Dawn has built a reputation as a trusted voice in recruitment over more than 30 years.
Her work has consistently focused on helping people find not just jobs, but fulfilling and sustainable careers, often in partnership with universities and charities.
She began her career at major electrical retailer Dixons in the 1980s, progressing to become European Head of Recruitment.
“I love hearing people’s stories and taking the time to understand their individual journeys. It’sincredibly rewarding to help people find jobs that not only match their skills and experience, but also genuinely fit their lifestyle and long-term goals,” said Dawn.
In 2007, seeking more flexibility as a single mother to two daughters, Dawn made the bold decision to found her own recruitment agency. This entrepreneurial leap later led to the launch of Hospitality Jobs UK in 2019, drawing on her entrepreneurship and extensive sector knowledge.
Shortly after launching the platform, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, devastating the sector. Dawn, however, embraced this as an opportunity to reevaluate and showcase the work of the hospitality community. During this time, she assembled a strong team who have been instrumental to the platform’s success.
Committed to strengthening hospitality career pathways, Dawn also co‑founded Hospitality and Universities United in 2024. The organisation highlights job opportunities across the UK, connectingstudents directly with employers.
Through this initiative, she has worked closely with the University of Sunderland in London’s Tourism and Hospitality programmes(opens in new tab).
“The university has been incredibly supportive of both me and the sector.” Dawn said, “I want people who have chosen to study hospitality to stay in the industry and grow into future hospitality leaders.”
Alongside her professional achievements, Dawn is also an ambassador of Only a Pavement Away, a charity assisting vulnerable people and ex-offenders to find employment within hospitality.
Reflecting on her Honorary Doctorate award, Dawn described it as one of her proudest achievements, and was honoured to be recognised for her continuous contribution to the hospitality sector.
The University of Sunderland in London offers a range of Tourism and Hospitality(opens in new tab) degrees for people at all stages of their careers, and works closely with industry leaders to shape the future of the sector.