Hotel Cateys 2011 - The Extra Mile Award
Sponsored by Sunlight Textile Services
WINNER: Veronica Kingham, Village hotel, Maidstone
Veronica Kingham has not only raised revenue in her role as general manager at Village hotel Maidstone, through her charitable efforts she has also generated thousands for good causes.
Since joining the hotel in 2006, she has led incremental growth, despite challenging economic conditions. Described as a "dynamic, driven lady and effective business manager", Kingham draws the best from her team through her engaging personality and adept interpersonal skills.
As a school governor and a non-executive director on the Federation Trust of schools, Kingham uses her status to promote hospitality as a worthwhile career. Through this work she has recognised underachievement in maths and English, and has helped address it by helping develop lessons that apply in the workplace, with examples of youngsters who have carved out careers in hospitality.
But it's Kingham's charitable work that has really set her apart from her peers. In the same way that she motivates her teams to excel in the hotel, everyone at Village Maidstone is encouraged to think big at charity events to maximise the fundraising potential. Through this team involvement not only are significant sums generated, but the events and their planning serve to be fantastic team building exercises too, energising the entire hotel.
Through Kingham's effort and enthusiasm, over £40,000 has been raised, benefiting over 20 worth causes. Among the many successes were a Variety Club V Factor fundraiser night, Help for Heroes ball and numerous themed evenings.
Clearly, Kingham thrives on enthusing her team and in the process manages to raise considerable sums for charity. Her colleagues admire her work ethic and dynamism, while good causes benefit from her dedication to team and charity coffer building.
What her employer said...
"Veronica believes that as well as raising money for great causes, we're creating opportunities for team involvement in something 'different to the norm'. It's a huge motivational factor at the hotel."
Mandy Digby, people and development director, Village Hotels
THE JUDGES
Senior members of the Caterer and Hotelkeeper editorial team
THE SHORTLIST
Veronica Kingham, Village hotel Maidstone
Clint Marsh, the Langstone hotel, Hayling Island
Barbara Sheridan, Thistle Marble Arch, London
Dave Smith, Royal Garden hotel, London
FORMER WINNERS
2010 Fiona Simm, Crowne Plaza Cambridge
2009 Gary Gateley, Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury
2008 Gloucester East (Barnwood) Team, Premier Inn
2007 Paula Middleton, Premier Travel Inn, East Kilbride