The Palace Theatre is thrilled to announce that it has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Torbay Business Awards 2026 for three significant categories: the Best Tourism and Hospitality Experience Award, the Inspiring Employer of the Year Award, and the Small Business of the Year Award.

Since its inception in May 2018, Jazz Hands CIC has successfully revitalised the Palace Theatre, transforming it from a struggling venue facing closure to a vibrant hub of arts and culture. Over the past eight years, the business strategy, organisational structure, and management systems have combined to create a formidable arts management organisation that not only thrives but also serves as a model for similar venues.

‘We are really pleased to be recognised in these categories,’ said Maureen McAllister, Operations Director of the Palace Theatre. ‘These nominations are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our fantastic team. We have built an inspiring workplace rooted in core values such as integrity, community engagement, and social responsibility. Our commitment to creating a supportive environment where every team member feels valued is what drives our success’.

‘We pride ourselves on our commitment to employee development and well-being. We believe in continuous learning and provide a variety of training programmes designed to fit seamlessly into our team members’ busy lives. We offer access to online courses covering essential topics such as customer service, project management, and event management. Additionally, we encourage skill-sharing within our theatre, encouraging team members to learn from one another’.

The Torbay Business Awards celebrate excellence in the local business community, and being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement for the Palace Theatre.