I hate being disorganised, but because of the building work going on at the moment, I am. The new hospitality and tourism building will be great, because everything will be centralised, including the staff, rather than spread out across the campus.
However, the dead time before it's finished and we move in is frustrating. I'm excited about it, but getting slightly nervous now the project is nearing completion.
I used to run a restaurant in Southport, Liverpool, and commuted from there after starting at the college 10 years ago.
Thankfully, I now live much nearer to work, although I'm up at 6am because I hate having to run out of the house. Instead, I'll take time to mentally order what I'm doing that day, usually over a cup of tea with the TV on providing background noise.
I drive in to work for 8.15am, often skipping breakfast or, if I get caught, grudgingly eating whatever my partner prepares.
I'll say hello to the staff when I arrive - I'll be looking after about 50 when we're in the new building - grab a coffee and check my e-mails. I don't always get through them all of a morning, because my role means I'm moving around the campus. At least the new building will mean I can pop in on colleagues to discuss what's going on, rather than scheduling a formal meeting, which eats up time.
I get involved with interviewing potential students, because it's a good way to get to know them and make sure the courses we're offering are the ones they want.
By mid-morning I might be in a meeting discussing the marketing of hospitality at the college or planning the curriculum for the new academic year. We've an adult advice day coming up soon, so packing away equipment in the old building in preparation for the move while producing course lists has been interesting. On top of this, our awards day is happening at the weekend, and 1,000 guests are due to descend on us in a marquee we've yet to erect.
I take lunch on site because, as you'd expect, we have a good range of food. Unless I'm meeting someone, I usually eat at my desk, taking a short break before launching back into my day.
The new building will have a café, a refectory with flat-screen televisions and a restaurant open to the public. This is as well as new kitchens, equipment and a demonstration studio. We're going for a modern, minimalist look. It's hugely important, because if we want support from the industry we have to make sure our facilities match the image that the employers now project.
So far everything is running smoothly, but obviously there will be a few nervous nights ahead as we near the new academic term and, hopefully, the opening of the building. At the moment I make sure I manage communication about the project carefully, because college staff do tend to panic more than those in industry would. There's no point worrying them, as that's what I'm paid for. Anyway, I'm sure my persuasive nature will make sure the building is ready on time.
Varied afternoons
My afternoons are varied, as there is always something that needs my attention, be it signing off invoices or meeting corporate clients.
Because we won Centre of Vocational Excellence (Cove) status last year, and additional funding, I'm working on a number of projects with local businesses. As part of Cove the college has a three-year action plan designed to strengthen our ties with industry and respond to their needs by tailoring the qualifications we offer.
Working with the Northwest Tourism Skills Network and Springboard also keeps me busy.
The time I finish work varies enormously. I might be home by 6.30pm, or 11.30pm if we have an event under way on campus.
My weekends are often spent at home in the garden - if not, you simply don't get time to enjoy your house. My partner's job in reservations also means we get to travel around the country trying out hotels and restaurants, of which the nearby Lowry hotel really impressed me with its attention to detail.
Interview by Chris Druce
Just a minute...
What's your poison?
Red wine.
Why make the move into education?
I used to have placement students at my restaurant business and got interested in their career development. Making the move across allowed me to bring my knowledge and business contacts into the education world.
Fact File
South Trafford College
Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5PQ
Tel: 0161-952 4600
Web: www.stcoll.ac.uk