Acorn winners 2012 – Alan Shaw

Age 29

Position Finance director, De Vere Academy of Hospitality, Blackpool

Nominator Kevin Haygarth

Proudest career moment Being awarded my directorship at the De Vere Academy in 2011.

Greatest inspiration My parents, especially my dad. The encouragement, guidance and advice I receive from him is incomparable.

Ambition To continue to succeed with my family's support.

In 10 years Alan Shaw has risen from F&B controller at the Hilton Blackpool to finance director of the high-profile, not-for-profit training arm of the De Vere Group, the De Vere Academy.

Armed with a BAHA certificate, he has worked his way up the financial ranks in some of the biggest hotel chains in the country. As financial controller of the Thistle hotel Liverpool, he reported directly to the general manager. In 2007, he became deputy general manager of De Vere Herons' Reach, gaining expertise in the operational side of the business, before moving on to his current role in 2010.

Alan's remit today includes a turnover of £12m, 13 sites from Leeds to London and five direct reports. He is responsible for the financial control of the business as well as the strategic growth and development of the brand.