AN international hospitality recruitment and immigration specialist marked its 25th anniversary in the UK with an exclusive celebration at SEA LIFE London Aquarium last night (Monday, June 15).

Vira International, based in Harrow on the Hill, brought more than 200 senior hospitality professionals from across the hotel, restaurant, leisure and quick-service restaurant sectors together to recognise a quarter-century of the organisation supporting the UK’s hospitality workforce.

The silver anniversary event welcomed some of the UK’s most notable culinary figures, including celebrity chef and CEO of The Cinnamon Club Vivek Singh, Michelin-starred chef Sameer Taneja of Benares, Michelin-starred chef Surender Mohan from Jamavar, restaurateur and founder of Colonel Saab Roop Partap Choudhary and chef and co-founder of The Chilli Pickle Alun Sperring. Guests also included entrepreneur and founder of Las Iguanas and Turtle Bay Ajith Jayawickrema, Parkdean Resorts COO Mos Shamel and Dishoom’s executive chef Arun Tilak.

The anniversary evening reflected the company’s ‘longstanding contribution to helping employers access international talent and navigate increasingly complex immigration requirements’. Guests were treated to music from all- female classical and electric string quartet, Halo Strings and an exclusive visit inside SEA LIFE enjoying a unique experience alongside the event.

Founded by managing director Anjum Rajan, Vira’s journey began 25 years ago in modest circumstances, operating from a cold garage with a vision to connect global talent with opportunities in the UK hospitality sector. Today, the company has grown into one of the industry’s most established international recruitment and immigration advisory specialists, supporting hotels, restaurants, leisure operators and hospitality groups nationwide.

Over the past two and a half decades, Ms Rajan says Vira International has played a ‘significant role in helping hospitality businesses address workforce shortages, manage sponsorship requirements and recruit skilled professionals from around the world as labour challenges and immigration regulations have evolved’.

Addressing guests during the event, Ms Rajan reflected on the milestone and the people behind the company’s success. She said: “Reaching 25 years is a proud moment for everyone connected to Vira International. What began as a small business built on determination and belief has grown because of the trust placed in us by our clients, partners and candidates. Hospitality is, and always will be, a people business, and our success has been shaped by the relationships we have built over the years.

“This evening was an opportunity to celebrate those relationships and to thank the many individuals and organisations that have been part of our journey. As the industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to helping hospitality businesses access the talent they need to thrive while supporting skilled professionals seeking opportunities in the UK.”

Looking ahead, Ms Rajan says Vira plans to continue expanding its recruitment and immigration services, supporting employers as they navigate workforce challenges and changing regulatory requirements.

She added: “The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the company’s achievements but also to recognise the partnerships that have contributed to our success.”