Blog. Spotlight on: The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

We are proud to collaborate with hundreds of operators, suppliers, and institutional funders who celebrate the joy of hospitality. Among our longest-standing relationships is The Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, who raised over £20,000 for Hospitality Action at their fabulous Annual Gala in February. Following this week’s Anniversary Cocktail Party, we caught up with Society President Binoy Nair.

Tell us about yourself and your time in hospitality.

I’ve worked in the service and hospitality industry for over 35 years, beginning my career at the age of 17. From the start, I was drawn to the energy and people-focused nature of the hotel environment. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several departments, including food and beverage and front of house, before settling on my calling as a concierge. 

I’m proud to serve as President of the Society of the Golden Keys of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, having previously held roles as Vice President and Public Relations Officer. I've also worked as Head Concierge at St James’ Court Hotel in London. Before that, I spent several years as Head Concierge at The Grove and 14 years at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. 

The Society has worked with Hospitality Action for many years - what is it about the charity that resonates so strongly with your members?

Hospitality Action supports the people at the heart of our industry. Hospitality can be incredibly demanding - long hours, physical strain and emotional stress are all part of the job. Hospitality Action has a genuine understanding of these challenges and offers tailored support to hospitality professionals. That empathy and dedication to our industry is why our members value and support the charity so strongly.

What were some of the highlights from this year’s Gala? Any standout moments?

The Gala was another fantastic showcase for The Society. It was our first time hosting at The Peninsula London, and the venue couldn’t have been a better fit. Tickets sold out in record time, and it was heartwarming to see the incredible enthusiasm and support from both our members and business affiliates. We’re especially proud to have raised over £20,000, a record-breaking sum, which speaks volumes about the generosity and spirit within our community.

Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave when it comes to the Society’s charitable impact?

I hope The Society continues to be recognised, not only for supporting its members but also for giving back to the wider community. We want to be seen as an organisation that genuinely works toward the improvement of our industry and society as a whole. Our motto, 'Service Through Friendship,' lies at the heart of everything we do."

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will be a key focus, along with providing training and development opportunities. We want to ensure that being part of The Society is not only a professional honour but also a personally fulfilling experience that benefits the wider community. My goal is to leave The Society in a stronger, more sustainable position than when I began, just as my predecessors have done. Our achievements wouldn't have been possible without the incredible efforts of our committee members and past Presidents.

What does The Society have planned next?

We have an exciting calendar of events ahead such as our Business Tradeshow at the InterContinental London Park Lane this spring. The Tradeshow is a fantastic opportunity for members and business affiliates to connect and learn more about one another.

In July, we’ll tee off at the stunning Foxhills Golf Club in Surrey for our Annual Golf Day, followed by our ever-popular Summer BBQ in August, an informal, fun-filled gathering that’s always a highlight. We’ll round off the year in style with our Concierge of the Year Awards, a standout moment in our calendar celebrating excellence in our community.

And at every event we’ll proudly champion Hospitality Action, reminding members that HA is there for them, whenever they need a helping hand.