MHA Awards - The Nominees 2011

This News article was posted on 13 Sep 2011 .

Manchester Hoteliers Association are looking for heroes in their hotels.

To select the Award winners, World Class Service and Manchester College have established criteria for each of the four awards. Assessment will be based on the submission of a citation and each hotel could enter one individual for each Award.

The Awards, in association with Hospitality Academy at Fielden, part of The Manchester College, will be presented at the MHA Ball at The Palace Hotel on Friday 21st October 2011.

The nominees are:

New Star

Jade Walker
Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa

Jade Walker - De Vere Placement Student done good! Jade joined the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa officially in October 2010 as a reservations in putter. Prior to this Jade had under taken a twelve week work placement in HR as part of her completion of her De Vere Academy course. For someone so long Jade has taken on a lot of responsibility and is a key person in the reservations team, in putting approximately 80-90 reservations a day. Jade has developed massively both personally as well as technically.

Raymond Drake
The Midland Hotel

Raymond Drake is the most distinguished Concierge Doorman in the city. Raymond came out of retirement to pursue a career in hospitality in June and we are extremely glad he chose the path to The Midland. Raymond has been recently praised by a guest on Trip Advisor as a ‘star’. What ever the weather Raymond shines, he ensures every guest receives a heartfelt welcome and he coveys to them knowledge of Manchester that is second to none. Raymond is a credit to the hotel concierge team and has received a great amount of positive customer feedback in his short employment.

Joshua Keaton
Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester

Having previously worked in Stanneylands Hotel, a 4* property in Wilmslow as a Night Porter, and before that working in different bars. It was clear straight from the interview process that Josh had caught the ‘bug’ and thoroughly enjoyed working in the hospitality industry. His passion was obvious and he brought an enthusiasm which was fantastic to see. Josh’s attitude, willingness to learn and interest in the industry is infectious and has had a positive effect on the whole department. He is always asking questions, and offers to help where necessary to aid in his development.

Clare Kelly
The Lowry Hotel

Clare Kelly is the HR Administrator within the Human Resources team at the five star Lowry Hotel. Clare joined The Lowry Hotel in February 2011 and has fast become an integral part of the hotel team and is responsible for supporting all team members and delivering a five star HR service to everyone. She is a great ambassador for the hotel and industry as a whole and certainly is our New Star within the business and will continue to grow both personally and professional within our business.

Samantha Taylor
Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

Samantha Taylor works in the Conference & Events Sales department at Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel. Prior to taking on this role 14months ago Samantha had never worked in a hotel. Within the past year she has developed and grown within the sales department and the hotel. Sammy’s confidence and performance cannot be faulted and she is regarded a key player within the hotel, supporting the Sales department as well as working alongside the operations departments to ensure the smooth running of all conferences and events. Samantha has an evident passion for her role and the hospitality industry who will continue to grow and succeed as a hotelier.

Martyn Strong
Cottons Hotel & Spa

Martyn Strong joined Cottons Hotel & Spa (Shire Hotels) in September last year after graduating from university. He was selected to join the Management Development Programme after a series of interviews. In addition to working in the restaurant and bars and gaining supervisory experience, he has also been selected for our two-year Food and Beverage Academy, which is run in conjunction with Kendal College. This ultimately enhances Martyn’s knowledge of food and wine and provides him with a further qualification. It is Martyn’s ambition to progress in the company and to one day manage his own hotel.

Employee of the Year - Front of House

Luke Stratton
Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa

It is hard to know where to begin with Luke as he does so much in the Hotel! Luke could be described as the Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa’s ‘Man Friday’. Luke joined the hotel in March 2008 as a Restaurant Supervisor, where he made a massive impact on the department with his charming nature towards guests and staff alike. Luke soon made a name for himself in the hotel as a very likeable chap. He is a fantastic asset to the hotel and genuinely loves his job!

Alain Boissavy
The Place Hotel

Alain Boissavy is our Duty Manager at The Place Hotel, he has worked with us for nearly 4 years and in that time he has become a valued member of our senior management team. Alain has worked his way up through the company over the years he has been with us, and as a result, has varied his experience and knowledge base, meaning he can be flexible and adapt quickly to the needs of our business. Alain can be commended, on doing what needs to be done, from sweeping the floors, to disciplinary meetings, to recruiting staff. Alain can be trusted on a multitude of levels, which is something that I personally am very privileged to have encountered.

Joanne Kennedy
The Midland Hotel

Joanne Kennedy is the face of Conference Operations at The Midland Hotel. Joanne joined the hotel 13 years ago as a Conference and banqueting hostess progressing to become a Manager within the biggest department in the hotel. Joanne is a key contributor to the success of many conferences at The Midland Hotel and consistently receives praise from conference organisers for her efficiency attentiveness and friendliness. Joanne often stays late to ensure she sees a conference through to the end, her conscientious and hands on approach has lead not only to many repeat bookings but a lasting respect from her colleagues.

Kasia Burazewska
The Portland by Thistle Hotel

Kasia Burazewska, has worked for The Portland by Thistle Hotel since October 2007. She began her career as a Receptionist and her talents were soon recognised and she was promoted to her current role Reception Manager. This dedicated path that Kasia has followed has been an inspiration to team members throughout the hotel. Her infectious personality radiates through the hotel ensuring the first impression at Reception is a lasting impression. Kasia is being nominated for the Front of House Award, this award would be such an accolade that would be well deserved for such a hard working member of the team.

Martin Greenwood
Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester

Since joining the Radisson Edwardian Free Trade Hall in January 2011 as In-Room Dining Team Leader, his enthusiasm and professionalism have become invaluable to us. Martin approaches every day with a positive and proactive demeanour and is a superb motivator of his team. He is always calm and cheerful ensuring high morale within the department. His weekly training sessions are to the highest standard and he has implemented a “Standard of The Week” to ensure our 5 star brand standards are constantly maintained.

Helen Vernon
Arora Hotel Manchester

Helen’s attributes of teamwork, commercial awareness and passion for customer service ensure that she continues to delight the customer. Her
dedication, care, attention and enthusiasm for the business her to positively influences her colleagues and drives her to progress her career further. Helen demonstrates a real commitment to all areas of the hotel business, which is evidence in her interaction with other teams and contributes to
increasing customer satisfaction and business revenue. An integral part of our business, we are delighted to have Helen on the team and hope she will remain with us for many years.

Lindsey Elliott
Ramada Manchester Salford Quays

Lindsey has worked at Ramada Manchester Salford Quays for just over 3 years. Since joining she has developed into a confident and professional young lady who always shows a positive attitude and willingness to do well within her career. Lindsey is solely responsible for any conferences and events at the hotel and attention to detail and communication skills are second to none. She is well respected by her fellow colleagues and senior management and our customers are always guaranteed the best possible customer service where every expectation is met. Lindsey would be a great asset to any company.

Deepak Soman
The Lowry Hotel

Deepak Soman is a luggage porter within the concierge team at the five star Lowry Hotel. Deepak joined The Lowry Hotel in January 2010 and is an active member of the hotels concierge department whose responsibility is to look after the needs of a five star guest. Deepak was quickly recognised by colleagues and guests for his high levels of service and attention to detail, this can be demonstrated as his award as Employee of the Inspection on two of our Leading Hotels of the World – hotel inspections for achieving 100% in delivering the standards and his personable skills highlighted by the inspector.

Thomas Carter
Holiday Inn Manchester - MediaCityUK

Thomas has demonstrated a continuous and progressive career path within the hotel industry since joining the industry in 2007.
Thomas is an exceptional Front of House Manager, who has mountains of energy, is passionate, committed and successful to the hotel industry and within the Holiday Inn Manchester-MediaCityUK and deserves the recognition of the MHA Award Nominations 2011, Employee of the Year – Front of House Award.

Claire James
Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

Claire James works in the Housekeeping Department at Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel as Head Housekeeper. Claire is an experienced Housekeeper who ensures cleanliness is a priory standard throughout the hotel every day. Claire is tasked with the largest department in the hotel, a team of 40 staff. She ensures each and every one receive adequate training, development and promotional opportunities. Claire’s team are loyal and committed not only to the hotel but to Claire and her department. Claire is a key player within the company providing training, advice and support to other properties. She is an absolute star of the Piccadilly Hotel! 

Karina Mcilree
Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport

Karina McIlree is a Breakfast Supervisor at Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport, running a busy shift from 4:30am daily; warmly greeting each guest personally. She relishes every opportunity to deliver outstanding individual customer service, excelling at forward planning to ensure enjoyment for business, leisure, individual guests and groups alike, often also handling flight delayed guests with little advance notice. Karina has underpinned her leadership skills by attending Supervisor Development workshops and is extremely proactive in developing her own team members with ongoing training and support.
Her spirit is integral to delivering ‘Great Hotels Guests Love’, Karina is a great ambassador for our hotel.

Jack Appleton
Mint Hotel

Jack joined Mint Hotel Manchester in September 2007 as a junior reservations agent. During this time with Mint Hotel he has moved around to various departments where he had the opportunity to build on his industry knowledge and experience. Jack’s current role is Guest Service Manager where he really excelled in customer care and guest experience. Jack also took on the role of social media liaison; he has set up twitter, facebook and foursquare page for the hotel and interacts with guest on a daily basis. We have seen an massive increase in our online traffic since launching the pages. Jack also introduce a new VIP scheme for the Front desk and Guest services department which will make our regular guest feel more at home and give our corporate guest more time to relax in our rooms.
Jack is a benefit to the hotel and organisation and the work he is doing with springboard will definitely give him the exposure he deserves.

Employee of the Year - Back of House

Erica Stoodley
Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa

Erica Stoodley joined the hotel in January 2009 as a Receptionist where she was quickly promoted to Reception Shift Leader in August 2009 which demonstrates how competent Erica was in her role. Erica was a born leader and led the reception team from the front through numerous challenging situations. In July 2010 Erica decided that accounts was where her passion was and successfully applied and was appointed as Senior Accounts Assistant. Erica has excelled in her current role and has taken on numerous projects that are outside of her normal working remit. She is a true high achiever.

Sharon Elliott
The Midland Hotel

Sharon Elliott has been the backbone of the Linen and Laundry Department of the Midland Hotel since 1987. It is the little things that Sharon does which make a big difference to day to day success of the hotel. Sharon often puts her own work on hold to assist with a departmental linen requests. Her dedication to her colleagues can be relied upon as much as her exemplary time keeping and commitment to the company. The ‘home from home’ feeling that our guests experience can be contributed to Sharon’s high standard of work, memorable fluffy towels and crisp clean sheets!

Biju Ragaopal
The Portland by Thistle Hotel

Mr Biju Ragaopal, has worked for the company since 2007 and his commitment and service to the hotel have seen him promoted to his current position of Head Chef. He is married with a Son and has another baby due this September which he is so excited about. We are nominating Biju for the back of House Award for his dedication to the role and to his team, we feel that his enthusiasm should be rewarded and this would be such a fitting way for Manchester Hoteliers Association to recognise this exceptional member of the team.

Alex Harrap
Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester

Having won employee of the month on 3 occasions, Alex has shown his true passion for the hospitality industry. Receiving numerous guest and employee nominations for his excellent customer service, great work ethic and resourcefulness, Alex is a true contender for this award. Alex is a sharp and intelligent individual who has the right business attributes to do his job exceptionally well. Always looking outside the box, Alex is confident in offering the client the most suitable resources and packages for their event whilst maintaining a business mind and ensuring he maximises revenue where possible.

Marie Winward
Arora Hotel Manchester

Marie has worked at the Arora since 2006; she is a tremendous asset to the Back of House
and well known for her infectious commitment, pride and attitude to her work. Marie goes the
extra mile to ensure that each individual customer is delighted with the cleanliness and
presentation of their room and she can be relied upon to positively resolve any challenges.
Her pleasant, cheerful approach means that colleagues and guests benefit from a genuinely friendly and warm interaction. An integral part of our business, we are both proud and
delighted to have Marie on the team.

Ray Hayden
The Lowry Hotel

Ray Hayden is the Conference and Banqueting Head Chef at five star Lowry Hotel. Scottish born Ray joined The Lowry Hotel as Banqueting Chef de Partie in September 2003. He was promoted to Junior Sous Chef in 2006 and Sous Chef in 2008 and in June 2010 he was appointed Banqueting Head Chef. His department looks after over 8,000 guests annually. Ray creates all menus available in our conference and banqueting product and is creating a new range of menus which will feature regional and local foods. He is an integral part of the kitchen team going above and beyond his normal activities to ensure that the hotel reputation for food quality and service are at a five star level.

Alan Davies
Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre

Alan has a wealth of knowledge and experience that benefits the Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre beyond his direct team and responsibilities. The passion and commitment he shows to his team is apparent and he is a well respected member of the team in the hotel by managers and hotel staff alike. The hotel is maintained to a very high standard and guests always comment on the freshness of the hotel and that it still feels brand new - this is a credit to Alan and his team and their attention to detail.

Paul Morgan
Holiday Inn Manchester - MediaCityUK

Paul has demonstrated a continuous and progressive career path within the hotel industry since joining the industry in August 2010 as Maintenance Manager for the Holiday Inn Manchester-MediaCityUK and most recently the opening of 50 serviced apartments at TheHeart Apartments, MediaCityUK. Paul has trained and developed a team to understand the subject of maintenance. Paul is an exceptional Maintenance Manager, who has mountains of energy, is passionate, committed and successful to the hotel industry and within the Holiday Inn Manchester-MediaCityUK and deserves the recognition of the MHA Award Nominations 2011, Employee of the Year – Back of House Award.

Paul Pridding
Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

Paul Pridding is a huge character here at the Piccadilly Hotel. A gentleman with a popular and motivating personality, he is a key player at the hotel. Paul celebrates 20 years service in September 2011, acknowledgement of his commitment and loyalty. Paul is an ‘all-rounder’, helping out in various departments within the hotel. No job is ever too big or an issue for him and his flexibility is a credit to his character. Customers, clients and work colleagues are all extremely motivated by Paul’s work ethic and customer focused approach. He is an asset to the hotel and a credit to the hospitality industry.

Anna Kurek
Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport

Anna is a passionate team player who consistently challenges costs and is influential in driving the finance department and the hotel forward. Significant reduction of payroll and sickness costs achieved due to proactive monitoring of figures and influencing departmental managers. Excellent communicator - departmental representative on Employee Consultative Committee, assists with translation for HR issues and represents 23 Hotels at monthly Payroll Forum meetings. Has undertaken a number of training courses and acted as coach to her Accounts colleagues. Methodical in all aspects of work, Is always keen to help other departments, especially Food & Beverage when we have flight delayed guests, during 2011 Anna has been nominated as a Star Performer. 

Radoslav Mitro
Mint Hotel

Rado joined the City Cafe kitchen brigade in December 2010 and was instantly a hit! Positive and enthusiastic Rado makes it his mission to interact with the wider team on a daily basis, raising his profile and the profile of the kitchen is always his main goal. He shares not only the company passion for customer service but also the industry passion, from a back of house perspective creating an amazing sense of team spirit and a ‘can do’ attitude from the rest of the brigade. He has been leading the kitchen alone for some 6 months whilst we were without a head chef and his leaderships skills have been transferred upwards to our new Executive Chef and the front of house teams.

Joanne Padfield
Holiday Inn Manchester West

Joanne Padfield has only been in my employment as Reservation Manager for 18months. However in this short period of time, she has shown her dedication to her position, her passion for the industry and her constant strive to better not only herself but also the service and standard we deliver.
Once set a task, Joanne will not stop until it is delivered. She is such a conscientious individual that she often take work home and deliver it the next day with such pride and satisfaction that she has managed to better a process, procedure or article to ensure that the Hotel will run better and smoother than before.

Howard Raynor Lifetime Achiever

Christine Hardman
The Place Hotel

Christine Hardman is our Head Housekeeper here at The Place Hotel, she has worked with us for nearly 5 years and in that time she has become a valued member of our senior management team.Christine has a remarkable relationship with her staff members, and she is noticeably respected by her 30 housekeepers and public area cleaners and can be commended on providing individual support, tailored training. Christine’s dedication to her work and her 100% attendance record is a credit to her, you can clearly see her passion and dedication the company. Christine adds significant value to the business, not only through the years of experience of the industry, but her kind personality, professionalism and management skills.
 

Kevin Hobson
Park Inn by Radisson Manchester Victoria

Kevin played a key part in the successful opening of the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Manchester Victoria in 2009. Kevin is pivotal in creating a great team spirit at the Hotel. Kevin’s positive personality and approach is infectious and can not help but have an impact on his colleagues within the Hotel. Kevin’s warm and friendly persona perfectly reflects all that is good about the Manchester Hospitality Industry and is a leading example to all of how we should be with our guests and colleagues.

Neil Butler
The Midland Hotel

Neil Butler Guest Relations Manager has had a significant career spanning 13 years at The Midland Hotel. Neil takes ownership and operational execution of guest services, leading from the front to inspire the team to deliver the highest standard of customer service. Neil is a pillar of the hotel daily operation; he knows everything there is to know about the Midland and meticulously translates his knowledge and best practice to all staff. Neil goes the extra mile to ensure the care of guests and staff, his vibrant personality can motivate the weariest traveller or transform the dullest staff meeting.

Keith Wallis
Holiday Inn Manchester Airport

Keith Wallis has been employed at the Holiday Inn Manchester Airport for the past 25 years. During this time he has seen plenty of change, not only to the hotel but to the industry too. His continual adaptation to change and dedication to his job is an asset to both him and the hotel. A conscientious manager who never fails to exceed, a great pleasure to have worked with him.

Karen Parker
The Portland by Thistle Hotel

Karen has worked at The Portland by Thistle since 1995. Originally from Scotland Karen is a passionate dedicated member of the team who will often been the first port of call for anyone that has an issue or concern that they may need assistance with. We are nominating Karen for The Lifetime Achiever Award in the hope that her service and loyalty to the Hospitality Industry will be recognised this would be a fitting tribute to a lady that had dedicated her life the industry she lives and breathes.

Richard Hurst
Radisson Edwardian Hotel Manchester

After starting his career in the hospitality industry 11 years ago, Richard has worked for a number of hotel chains before joining the Radisson Edwardian 4 years ago. With his vast knowledge of the hotel industry Richard is a real asset to the company. A strong team leader, Richard has taken the Meetings & Events team forward through his passion and thirst for the business. Working closely with the Sales team he has a proactive nature in driving sales leads. Richard is a pleasure to work with and this award would be a well deserved achievement for him.

George Hardman
Arora Hotel Manchester

George has worked at the Arora since 2005; he is a tremendous asset to the Front
Office and Conference departments for his positive customer and work attitude.
Always dependable and reliable he is never anything less than 100% pleasant and
cheerful meaning that any colleagues and guests who come in contact with him benefit from a genuinely friendly and warm interaction. An integral part of our business and an ambassador for Arora Hotels, we are both proud and delighted to have George on the team and hope that he will remain with us for many years to come. 

Russel Green
The Lowry Hotel

Russel Green is the Head Concierge at the five star Lowry Hotel. Russel joined The Lowry Hotel in 2001 within pre – opening team as Deputy Head Concierge and returned as Head Concierge in 2010. Russel was awarded the prestigious Golden Keys in 2002 and has played an integral part in the promotion of the society not only in The Lowry Hotel but of other Golden Key member hotels outside of the London region. In recognition of his work he was appointed as Chairman of the Northern Region and he is committed to improving standards and to development of concierges outside the London region. Russel also was the lead member and co-ordinator for the Manchester Concierge Network which aimed to provide up to date information on places to visit; attractions and restaurants. He is fully committed to providing our guests with the best information he can on Manchester and the surrounds in order for them to get the best out of their stay in Manchester.

Tony Blunn
Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel

Tony Blunn has been employed at the Ramada Manchester Piccadilly Hotel as Maintenance Manager since July 1997. Whilst his job title is Maintenance Manager it does not give justice to all that Tony does here at the hotel. He is a key member of the Guest Care Management Team, providing excellent service to our guests; he manages the Health & Safety of the whole hotel as well as the security management. Tony is a senior manager who is respected by all of the team. He successfully assisted in the management of the £18million refurbishment and continues to ensure the building is in the best possible condition for guests to visit and employees to work in. Tony is on call 24hours per day, 365 days per year, day or night to support and guide the team through maintenance and Health & Safety issues. The hotel would be lost without Tony Blunn and all that he does.

Steve Partington
Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport

Steve has worked at the hotel for 30 years, holding the position of Maintenance Manager since 1999. Despite many change of ownerships he remains a very loyal and committed manager. An integral part of the Senior Management team he is a real ambassador for the hotel. The presentation and condition of a hotel built in 1963 is a credit to Steve and his dedication over the years. Steve is a committed, hard working manager who has never had a day off sick. He is extremely caring about the property, the team and the guests. 

Mercedes Howarth
Mint Hotel

Joining Mint Hotel in May 2007 as part of the initial pre-opening team, Mercedes has devoted 4 years to the company and her current role. She has over 20 years experience in the Manchester Hotel Industry, with over 35 years experience across the Hospitality industry, dedicating time to the profession in the Middle East and Asia. Mercedes is an impeccable ambassador for the industry. She brings her unique, world experience and ‘can do’ attitude to over 300 plus guests per week, and trains, in her own time without pretence Junior and Senior Management alike. She has no hesitation is assisting where she can and is always on hand to go the ‘extra mile’. The customer is always Mercedes main focus. She offers her services which are fresh and inviting day by day to new and regular clients alike.

Gary Jackson
Holiday Inn Manchester West

It has been my great privilege to work with Gary Jackson over the past four & a half years at the Holiday Inn Manchester West. Currently he has a multi role of Breakfast & Conference Supervisor & Duty Manager. He has worked at this Hotel for a period of 11 years and in this period of time the Hotel has transformed from the Diamonds Hotel to Whitehouse Hotel to Holiday Inn Manchester West. He has worked with 6 different General Managers. Throughout this time, he has shown himself to be a conscientious hard working individual who constantly strives to offer the guest not only the best but an excellent service . He always goes that “extra” mile to prove to the guest that they are most important. Voted “Employee of the Year” in 2009 by his peers for his dedication, extremely happy disposition, warm & welcoming nature he is the type of person once met, never forgotten!