Each year Caterer & Hotelkeeper presents Acorn Awards to the 30 members of our industry under 30 years of age judged to be the brightest and the best.
This year's winners met at the Rocco Forte five-star St David's Hotel & Spa in Cardiff Bay on 13 and 14 April to receive their awards - and have some well-deserved fun.
The Acorn winners were divided into six groups and challenged with a range of team-building management games organised by the hotel, with help from Euphoria Sailing. After several activities in the hotel and out on the bay, the Sunday night climaxed in a Stars in their Eyes spectacular that none of the attendees will forget.
The 17th Acorn ceremony was made up of a diverse field, and individuals' occupations included head chefs, housekeepers, night managers and regional sales directors.
Judging
Our judging panel of eight had had quite a task on their hands as they considered the 170-plus nominations - the largest number of entries since the Acorn Awards began in 1987.
Caterer editor Forbes Mutch chaired the judging panel. He was joined by Calum Ross, managing director of UBF Foodsolutions; John Keating, acting general manager of the St David's Hotel & Spa; Holly Addison, chairman of the Acorn Club; Tony Jackson, head of food operations at Macdonald Hotels; Nigel Buchanan, general manager at Hotel du Vin in Brighton; Peter Barrett, divisional director foodservices at Debenhams; Phil Hooper, marketing and communications director at Sodexho; and Stephen Moss, chairman of Springboard UK.
The end result of the process was an encouraging split of 14 female winners and 16 male winners. This was another new record: the most even mix of sexes at the awards ever.
Presentation of the Acorn trophies took place on Monday 14 April, with candidates and their nominators attending a celebration lunch.
Alistair Telfer, president of the HCIMA, delivered a speech about his route into the industry, bringing the weekend to a close.
UBF Foodsolutions
At UBF Foodsolutions (the new name for Caterplan), we are delighted once again to be sponsoring the Acorn Awards, and for 2003 it has added importance.
Rarely a week goes by without the skills shortage facing the hospitality industry being mentioned in the columns of Caterer & Hotelkeeper. It is an issue that poses serious challenges for companies in this business and, as a leading solutions provider, UBF Foodsolutions has been involved at the heart of the debate. The good news is that, for once, there is a positive angle to the story.
This year sees a bumper crop of Acorns - 30 individuals under the age of 30 who have already proved their talents, but who are predicted to go on to even greater things. Not only are they high-achievers in their own right, but they have also proved their willingness to share their skills with others through mentoring schemes.
Over the years, UBF Foodsolutions has co-hosted the presentation of Acorn awards to some 480 young people, who represent the best of British. When most of the talk is about the skills shortage, it is good to remember that there are many highly skilled individuals in the hospitality industry who are committed to raising standards and are acting as outstanding role models.
Calum Ross, Managing Director, UBF Foodsolutions, Unilever Bestfoods UK
Andrew Aston
Age: 29
Place of work: Restaurant Associates, High Holborn, London.
Job title: Development and implementation chef.
Job description: Working with local colleges to encourage and source new staff, as well as interviewing and developing candidates for future Restaurant Associates operations.
Nominated by: Jackie Greenwood, Restaurant Associates operations manager.
Reason for award: Aston was nominated because of the extra time he spends encouraging up-and-coming chefs. Examples include organised trips to food markets and a desire to enthuse and nurture younger members of staff.
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"Talking to people and getting the message across that the industry is a great place to work as long as you put in the required hard graft."
Favourite film?
"Me, Myself and Irene."
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
"Mariah Carey. We could chat, maybe have a sing-a-long, and then, who knows...?"
How do you unwind?
"Eleven-a-side football on a Saturday, although I'm still aching from last week. I also do a lot of reading, which includes plenty of cookbooks."
Kate Beckham
Age: 25
Place of work: Compass Group, government services division, Watford, Hertfordshire.
Job title: Regional human resources manager, Government services (south).
Job description: Overseeing the human resources requirements of 7,000 staff at nearly 2,000 units operating in the education, defence and criminal justice sectors. Also negotiating with trade unions.
Nominated by: Ruth Dicks, head of human resources at Government services.
Reason for award: "Kate's grasp of complex situations and ability to stay on an even keel in pressurised situations is remarkable for someone of this age," says Mike Sparrow, managing director of Government services.
Most embarrassing work moment?
"When I started with Compass, I worked for Chartwells [now Scolarest], which provided catering for schools. I began work on the Durham contract and had to attend a sponsored children's event at Newcastle United's training ground as part of my induction. Little did I know, my role was to dress up as 'Yummy Bear' in a head-to-toe brown bear suit."
What's your favourite restaurant?
"My favourite restaurant is Marmalades, in my home town of Scarborough. The food is excellent, the service top standard and the jazz bands and singers help create a truly special evening."
Dream vehicle?
"An Audi TT convertible."
Craig Boughton
Age: 23
Place of work: De Vere Bellhouse, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Job title: Financial controller.
Job description: Financial control of a business with a turnover in excess of £6m. Management of a team of five account personnel, and input into all investment projects within the hotel.
Nominated by: John Scrimgeour, human resources manager at De Vere Bellhouse.
Reason for award: "Craig's advice and help is always being sought," says Scrimgeour. "His experience and knowledge of hotel matters generally and finance specifically is absolutely crucial to his colleagues."
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"We must address people's attitude to the industry. Many have outdated perceptions of our modern, dynamic environment. I think people outside the industry are largely unaware of the considerable opportunities available to learn and develop."
Favourite film?
"The Shawshank Redemption."
Dream job in hospitality?
"Finance director for a major organisation, with an Aston Martin as a company car."
How do you unwind?
"On the golf course, at the gym or playing football. I'm a bit of a sports fanatic."
Mark Buley
Age: 26
Place of work: Scottish & Newcastle Retail food development centre, Newport Pagnell, Northamptonshire.
Job title: Food development executive.
Job description: Composing menus and advancing the food section of the company. Oversees four brands, which generate yearly revenue in excess of £50m.
Nominated by: Bob Ivell, chairman and managing director, Scottish & Newcastle Retail.
Reason for award: "Even when he is on holiday, he has been known to call in at S&N units to check their progress with a menu and to help them air any grievances they may have," says Ivell.
Proudest moment?
"Completing the London Marathon last year."
Who is your industry superhero?
"My industry superhero would have to be Ferran Adri , the creative and innovative Spanish masterchef from El Bulli."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"I was brought into the industry by my love of good food. I just had to get into a kitchen and see what it was all about."
What's your dream job in hospitality?
"My dream job in hospitality would have to be one where I am self-employed, and really have the chance to make a difference."
Josie Cox
Age: 24
Place of work: Brazz Brasserie, in Bristol.
Job title: General manager.
Job description: In overall charge of running the bar and caf‚, as well as organising staff training. Also helped to develop the chain's club loyalty scheme.
Nominated by: Brazz chief executive Kit Chapman, operations director Ian Fitzgerald and senior general manager Clare Briggs.
Reason for award: Her feet-on-the ground analysis of her capabilities, sparkle and ambition were highlighted as reasons for taking Cox on. Her drive, passion and commitment to grow were the subsequent reward for the management team's initial faith.
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"I would look at increasing wages in line with other industries, and promoting hospitality and catering as a 'proper' career that requires people to be highly skilled."
Favourite film?
"Forrest Gump."
Dream job in hospitality?
"To own a restaurant in my home of Queensland, Australia. I have the perfect spot already - I just need an investor."
Sarah Coy
Age: 26
Place of work: The Dorchester, Park Lane, London.
Job title: Assistant banqueting manager.
Job description: Complete responsibility for events and accounts allocated to her. The job involves managing events and co-ordinating arrangements with customers' wishes in order to meet their expectations.
Nominated by: Zoe Jenkins, food and beverage manager, the Dorchester.
Reason for award: "Sarah spends time solving operational problems associated with other departments, as she recognises the significance of improving relationships with other colleagues and parts of the business," says Jenkins.
Most embarrassing work moment?
"When a dining table collapsed in the ballroom 30 seconds before Princess Anne walked into the room."
What's your dream vehicle?
"A Central Line Tube train on a Monday morning that is not subject to delays, has seats available, and operates between Liverpool Street and Marble Arch."
Most demanding aspect of your job?
"Time management is not always easy when you are trying to juggle the need to support the team and the requirements of clients and contractors."
Best bit of your job?
"Working in such a beautiful property is a real bonus, but the best bit of my job is having the opportunity to meet so many interesting people."
Joanne Crick
Age: 29
Place of work: De Vere Belfry, Warwickshire.
Job title: Head housekeeper.
Job description: Responsibility for managing 200-strong housekeeping team, developing their skills and looking after the department budget. Also fulfils the role of duty manager and is training for the role of executive housekeeper.
Nominated by: Karen Robinson, executive housekeeper at the hotel.
Reason for award: "Joanne will always help work in other areas of the hotel to benefit herself and the business," says Robinson.
Most embarrassing work moment?
"I'd gone into a room to check what needed to be done and, thinking there was no one in the room, I switched the lights off - only for there to be a startled shout from the guest in the toilet I'd plunged into darkness. Worse still, he turned out to be Craig Phillips, winner of the first Big Brother show."
Favourite hotel?
"It has to be the De Vere Cameron House, on the shores of Loch Lomond, Scotland. I stayed in a gorgeous wood cabin just on the edge of the loch - very romantic."
Dream vehicle?
"A BMW X5 - I love four-by-fours, although I've just ordered a black Mini Cooper S."
James Cuthbert
Age: 24
Place of work: Select Service Partner, UK Rail, London.
Job title: Brand manager.
Job description: Responsible for product development, pricing, promotions, store design and unit communication of Ixxy's Bagels, Pumpkin Café Shop and Délice de France brands.
Nominated by: Paula Buckton, marketing director, Select Service Partners, UK Rail.
Reason for award: "James has always given 110% in everything he does, which is reflected in his rapid rise to brand manager responsible for a significant amount of turnover," says Buckton.
Proudest moment?
"During my second year with Compass, I was given the responsibility for creating and rolling out a new concept, Délice de France. This was a big challenge, especially because of the tight deadline of opening 14 stores in two months. I successfully achieved this and the end result was fantastic."
Who is your industry superhero and why?
"My superhero is not from the catering industry because my background is marketing-based. My marketing superhero would have to be Richard Branson. I don't believe any one else has the same ability at generating the volume and kind of PR that he does."
Darren Evans
Age: 27
Place of work: Red Carnation Hotels, Buckingham Palace Road, London.
Job title: Central reservations manager.
Job description: The newly launched office handles the booking and revenue requirements of Red Carnation's five luxury London hotels. The role includes forecasts, budgets and strategies for the chain as well as training and development of reservation office staff.
Nominated by: Annaliesa Butler, assistant human resources director.
Reason for award: "With his energy and drive, Darren's ambition is evident in the new project of this central reservations department," says Butler. "He is not afraid to work long hours to ensure that everything is covered in order to maintain the company mission statement - 'No request too large, no detail too small'."
Dream job in hospitality?
"Managing director for Red Carnation Hotels. Without sounding really cheesy, the chap who has the job now, Jonathan Raggett, is a real inspiration to me."
How do you unwind?
"There's a clear distinction between work and home, a lesson learnt doing 5am shifts - basically, when you're not in work, you're not in work. I'm heavily involved with the Youth Showchoir of London, thanks to my love of theatre."
Charles Fisher
Age: 26
Place of work: Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Job title: Night manager.
Job description: Responsibility for the running of the entire hotel between 9pm and 8am. Duties include the night audit, overseeing housekeeping and room service, customer management and leading a team of 20 employees.
Nominated by: John Stauss, Four Seasons regional vice-president and general manager of the hotel.
Reason for award: "We knew that we had a star on our hands when the guest letters started coming in from all sides. Even the children were writing thank-you notes to Charlie," says Felicity Wheeler, reception manager at the Four Seasons Hotel London.
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"The most important thing is to sell the idea that working within it is fun and interesting. Hospitality is often seen as a career of low pay and long hours, so I'd target youngsters in school and highlight the attractive bits."
What is your goal?
"My immediate goal is to work my way up through the Four Seasons organisation and make general manager - either in the UK or possibly abroad."
Lucy gardner
Age: 28
Place of work: Carlton George Hotel, Glasgow.
Job title: General manager.
Job description: Responsible for the overall management of the 65-bedroom hotel, overseeing 50 staff.
Nominated by: Michael Cockman, director of sales and marketing at Carlton Hotels.
Reason for award: "She believes that she has responsibilities to customers and employees alike," Cockman says. "On a day-to-day basis, she will do whatever is necessary and reasonable to meet the needs of both."
Proudest moment?
"Being asked to take on the position of general manager at the Carlton George. When I was asked, face-to-face, I actually went quite wobbly at the knees."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"I graduated from Jordanhill College with a degree in primary teaching. There were no jobs at the time, and I ended up taking on the position of Christmas co-ordinator at the Moat House Glasgow. I was going to try for a teaching job in January of the following year, but was offered a position in the hotel sales department."
Deanna Grant
Age: 23
Place of work: Turtle Soup, Chester Boyd, London.
Job title: Operations manager.
Job description: Managing corporate functions for City-based firms both in established venues and as outside caterers.
Nominated by: Charles Boyd, managing director, Chester Boyd.
Reason for award: "The beauty of Deanna is that her success comes from self-motivation, which results in quality work and good client relations. She is a superstar," says Boyd.
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"I believe the key to this is training and retaining staff. Understanding that employees have lives of their own is crucial in achieving a strong work-life balance, and rewarding their hard work through recognition and praise is important. After all, it's not recruiting individuals into the industry that is difficult, it's holding on to them to build on their skills."
Favourite film?
"The Commitments. I remember watching it years ago and falling in love with the Irish accent."
Dream job in hospitality?
"Wedding co-ordinator. Working solely with wedding clients with huge budgets, creating their dream day, would be great."
Fiona Holt
Age: 28
Place of work: Zinc Bar & Grill, Manchester.
Job title: Manager.
Job description: Manager and licensee of the site, with responsibility for totally restructuring Conran's first UK business outside of London.
Nominated by: Paul Goodale, general manager of Conran's Zinc Bar & Grill and Ocean Terminal, based in London.
Reason for award: "She has personally embraced every problem and challenge that has arisen and, with very little external support, has dealt with all issues thrown up by a restaurant operation," says Goodale.
Proudest moment?
"I am very proud I was given the opportunity and challenge of managing Zinc Manchester - and making a success of it in terms of both generating and maintaining business for the company."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"I came into the industry unintentionally after I took up a summer waitressing job to earn money for a holiday, and found I loved both the social side and the adrenaline rush of working in the industry."
Sarah How
Age: 25
Place of work: Thistle Hotels, Capital House, London.
Job title: Regional training manager.
Job description: Responsible for the training and development of 2,500 staff at Thistle's 38 managed properties.
Nominated by: Bill Godfrey, director of employee relations, Thistle Hotels.
Reason for award: "Sarah is an excellent example of a highly motivated, committed and valuable member of Thistle Hotels," says Godfrey.
Proudest moment?
"Taking on my training role at the age of 23 and moving initially from having responsibility for one property to 18."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"I'd decided I wanted to go into the travel industry while at school, so took a BTEC national diploma in hotel, catering and institutional operations at college. Joining Thistle as a trainee junior assistant manager in 1996, I've taken opportunities as they've come along, first in front office and then training."
What's the best bit about your job?
"The satisfaction of making a contribution through training, and in doing so helping people to grow and develop."
Chris Hudson
Age: 26
Place of work: Shire Hotels, Burnley, Lancashire.
Job title: Operations support manager.
Job description: Responsibilities include maintaining the standard of food and beverage at the company's eight provincial hotels, overseeing refurbishment, and the design and production of wine lists and menus.
Nominated by: Ian Harkness, managing director, Shire Hotels.
Reason for award: "In his role, Chris has to liaise with senior people within and outside of the organisation. He has established a high level of credibility and has a rare charm in his dealings with people at all levels," Harkness says.
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"I would offer all staff a happy hour, with free drinks, at a local club after busy and unsociable Friday and Saturday shifts."
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
"I'm terrible in confined spaces, so I think the best person for me would be a lift engineer - or maybe my boss, so I can keep him in one place when I ask about my salary review."
How do you unwind?
"I play drums in a band called Jobe. We've just released an EP."
Mark Kirby
Age: 29
Place of work: The Landmark London, Marylebone.
Job title: Front office manager.
Job description: Reporting to the front of house executive and deputising for them when they are away. Also undertaking the day-to-day running of reception, concierge, duty managers, guest services and the hotel car park.
Nominated by: Francis Green, hotel general manager.
Reason for award: Involvement in countless projects, and training initiatives such as the Employee of the Month award. He has helped reduce staff turnover in his department by 29%.
Proudest moment?
"Having not enjoyed school, I had the chance to go to Buxton Hotel and Catering College. This I loved and, after three years, I moved to the University of Central England, Birmingham. My proudest moment was the collection of my 2:1 honours degree in hospitality management - my mother cried."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"My parents' business of electrical contracting and security dealt with lots of pubs and hotels. In the school holidays, I used to go out with my father, and hotels fascinated me. When it came to choosing a career, hotel management seemed the one for me."
Carl Littlewood
Age: 27
Place of work: De Vere Village Hotel and Leisure Club, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Job title: General manager.
Job description: In charge of developing the team to enhance service and sales levels. Also involved in planning the club's future strategy.
Nominated by: George Arizmendi, De Vere Village Hotel and Leisure Club, Dudley, West Midlands.
Reason for award: "Carl has consistently gone the extra mile, in line with his philosophy of delivering excellent customer service," Arizmendi says.
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"The public has a negative image of the industry and seems to see it as a temporary occupation. The solution is to educate people that it's so much more."
Favourite film?
"Carlito's Way."
What would be your dream job in hospitality?
"Although I get to do quite a bit already, I'd love to head a major national project of some sort - I love analysing and planning."
How do you unwind?
"Snowboarding in Italy - or Tamworth, Warwickshire, at the Snowdome, if I can't get away."
Alison Mccallum
Age: 27
Place of work: Lowry Hotel, Manchester.
Job title: Training manager, UK, Rocco Forte Hotels.
Job description: Reporting to general managers and managing director, responsibility for training and development at the company's three UK properties, and its hotel in St Petersburg.
Nominated by: John Philipson, general manager of the Lowry.
Reason for award: "Alison is a wonderful ambassador for our industry," says Philipson. "She encourages school leavers in and around Manchester to come and spend time in the hotel, highlighting the many opportunities open to each individual."
Favourite book?
"I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou."
Most embarrassing work moment?
"During my first work placement at the Balmoral hotel, Edinburgh, I managed to drop a jug of milk over an elderly guest. I was so horrified I had to hide out back for the rest of the evening."
Favourite restaurant?
"The Lemon Room, Manchester. I love the ambience, the look and the live music."
Dream vehicle?
"I'd love to own a yacht and go on a cruise, armed with a good book."
What's the best bit about your job?
"I love to see people develop, knowing I contributed to that."
Eve Mclelland
Age: 25
Place of work: La Tasca Restaurants, Glasgow.
Job title: Managing partner.
Job description: The management and development of staff and management at the restaurant, as well as promotion of the site through organised events.
Nominated by: James Horler, chief executive of La Tasca.
Reason for award: The restaurant has become one of the most successful in the chain and will have a return on investment of 117% this year.
Proudest moment?
"Being made managing partner at the restaurant."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"I started waitressing at a Highland hotel at the age of 14, and have had a keen interest in the industry every since."
Who is your industry superhero and why?
"Rick Houston, business development manager (North), La Tasca. I've worked with him since the Glasgow restaurant opened and have long admired his managerial skills."
What's the best bit of your job?
"Seeing so many regular customers is reward for all the team's hard work."
Marie-Clair Nash
Age: 28
Place of work: Le Méridien Waldorf Hotel, London.
Job title: Director of sales and marketing.
Job description: Control of a £350,000 sales and marketing budget; responsibility for managing and developing a team of six and handling the marketing of the hotel.
Nominated by: Amanda Scott, general manager of the hotel.
Reason for award: A can-do approach to work, which includes strong organisational skills and the ability to find solutions to problems affecting the chain worldwide.
Favourite film?
"The Shawshank Redemption, because it shows that if you believe in yourself, you will succeed."
Who is your industry superhero?
"My general manager, Amanda Scott. She was the youngest and first female general manager at Millennium Copthorne. She is encouraging, supportive, and I have learnt a tremendous amount from her."
How do you unwind?
"By socialising with my fiancé, family and work colleagues."
Eileen Nic Shamhradhain
Age: 29
Place of work: Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf, London.
Job title: Senior assistant banqueting services manager.
Job description: Hiring, training and direct supervision of employees in the banqueting department.
Nominated by: Livio Faverio, hotel manager, Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf.
Reason for award: "Being a firm believer in the benefits of college placements, Eileen encourages students to spend time with her and her team in room service and gives them an insight into operations in the hotel," says Faverio.
Proudest moment?
"Working with Alessio Roversi, who joined us in room service from Italy, where he worked on the buses. He pushed himself to improve his work skills and volunteered himself to cover night shifts, despite his English requiring a great deal of work. Watching him receive Employee of the Month down the line was my proudest moment."
What is the best bit of your job?
"It's when, during the course of an event, you witness the event organiser looking confident in the success of the day, and in turn see this mirrored in the behaviour and feedback of attendees."
What is your dream job in hospitality?
"To become a director of food and beverage."
Justine Ormandy
Age: 28
Place of work: Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Job title: Regional director, human resources, Middle East and North Africa.
Job description: Recruiting executive teams for forthcoming hotel openings in the region, as well as advising on human resources practice and making sure it is implemented correctly.
Nominated by: Andrew Ufton, human resources and training manager, UK.
Reason for award: Justine was cited for her friendly and positive manner. Her willingness to work extra hours was demonstrated when she worked a seven-day week to ensure the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi opened on time.
Proudest moment?
"Either being nominated Millennium human resource manager of the year 2000, or when I was offered my current role at the Abu Dhabi hotel."
What's the best bit of your job?
"For me, it's the people development side, which is what originally attracted me to the human resources department."
Who is your industry superhero?
"Andrew Ufton. I have learnt so much from him, both in dealing with human resources issues and also running lively training sessions."
Spero Panagakis
Age: 27
Place of work: Quaglino's restaurant, London.
Job title: Restaurant manager.
Job description: Responsible for the front-of-house team of 60 and ensuring a high standard of customer service. Also oversees training and development of staff, the annual budget and production of monthly sales forecasts.
Nominated by: Pamela Irving, sales and marketing manager, Quaglino's.
Reason for award: "He makes himself available to meet the client, even if they arrive unannounced for a meeting," says Irving. "He is more than willing to take time out from service to discuss their requirements, whether this be at 9pm on a busy Friday night or 10am on a Saturday morning."
How would you solve the industry skills shortage?
"Hospitality has not been advertised to the extent where people are attracted to it. Despite figures such as Sir Terence Conran, Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, the industry is still perceived by the public as a place people who can't find work go to become waiters."
Dream job in hospitality?
"It would be buying a yacht and touring the Greek Islands during the summer period, with 20 guests."
Glynn Purnell
Age: 28
Place of work: Hibiscus, Ludlow, Shropshire.
Job title: Sous chef.
Job description: Working as number two to the head chef, responsibilities include managing a team of four and developing the menu.
Nominated by: Peter Griffiths, president, Midlands Association of Chefs.
Reason for award: Supporting the development of young staff and giving his free time to the association.
Proudest moment?
"Contributing towards a Michelin star at former employer Simpson's Restaurant in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Also, seeing Birmingham City FC promoted into the Premiership last year after a very long wait."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"I was one of only two boys in the class for GCSE home economics. Initial attempts at cooking were disastrous, but by then I had the bug, and the rest has come with practice."
Who is your industry superhero and why?
"Andreas Antona, chef-patron at Simpson's Restaurant, has been very much a father figure to me. He has supported, looked after and nurtured my talents, and despite my moving on we remain close."
Katharine Riordan
Age: 28
Place of work: Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire.
Job title: Director of sales and marketing.
Job description: As well as overseeing the sales department at the hotel, has designed and launched a website, as well as an e-commerce sales and marketing strategy for the property.
Nominated by: Heiko Figge, general manager of the hotel.
Reason for award: "Katharine is currently the youngest member of the hotel's senior management team and the youngest director of sales and marketing within the Marriott group," Figge says.
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"Accident. I was studying speech and language therapy and psychology at university, and worked part-time in various pubs and restaurants to fund my studies. I felt such a buzz and passion for the industry, I decided it was for me. My friends and family thought me mad, but I've never looked back."
What is the best bit of your job?
"The excitement of seeing a new initiative come to fruition, whether it's a new sale, or success with a key account or marketing project."
Steven Taylor
Age: 28
Place of work: Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Park Lane hotel, London.
Job title: Director of revenue management.
Job description: A forecasting and business development role that includes promoting the benefits of centralised revenue control through training and education. Specific actions include encouraging effective company-wide revenue planning, and the development of branded and third-party websites to increase revenue.
Nominated by: Michael Wale, senior vice-president and area director of Northwest Europe, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.
Reason for award: Strong interpersonal skills, determination, willingness, and an enjoyment of the hospitality industry.
All-time favourite film?
"I would have to say Lord of the Rings, although I don't go around wearing pointy ears or anything like that."
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
The Hilton sisters [models and heiresses to Hilton Hotels Corporation]. I'm sure I could learn a great deal from them."
What's your dream job in hospitality?
"Being vice-president for e-commerce at Starwood. The direction of our Internet business and technology are areas that interest me."
Simon Ward-Nicholson
Age: 26
Place of work: Corney & Barrow, Broadgate Circle, London.
Job title: General manager.
Job description: Total responsibility for the wine-bar venue. This includes all in-house marketing and management development.
Nominated by: Sarah Reid, operations manager, Corney & Barrow Wine Bars.
Reason for award: "Simon is not a manager, he is a leader who is regarded as a role model by his staff and peers," says Reid.
Most embarrassing work moment?
"While assistant manager at our Jewry Street branch, I decided to belt out Spandau Ballet's Gold one Friday night at an informal karaoke session. It was only as I began singing and everyone turned to watch that I realised I only knew the chorus and not any of the verses."
Favourite hotel?
"The Royal Bohemian in the Bahamas."
Most demanding aspect of your job?
"Keeping such a huge place up to the high standard we want it."
Best bit of your job?
"The freedom I have to inject my personality into the marketing of the bar."
Peter West
Age: 28
Place of work: Laurel Pub Company, Sheffield.
Job title: Business development manager.
Job description: Oversees 21 managed town pubs with turnover in the region of £14.3m. Responsible for national sales initiatives and is involved with new pub openings.
Nominated by: Gary Morse, regional operations director, Laurel Pub Company.
Reason for award: Heavily involved with duties above and beyond his role. Examples include acting as chair on several committees seeking to reduce business costs, as well as being one of the seven members of the Laurel business improvement team.
Most embarrassing work moment?
"It could be singing American Pie while dressed as Father Christmas at last year's company Christmas party."
Favourite restaurant?
"Pizza Express, because they're simple and do great dough balls."
Dream vehicle?
"An Aston Martin or TVR."
Most demanding aspect of your job?
"Keeping on top of the personal development of my 350-strong team, which is spread out over a 200-mile radius."
Edward Winterschladen
Age: 29
Place of work: Thistle Hotels, Capital House, London.
Job title: Purchasing director.
Job description: Reporting to the finance director. Supported by a team of five buyers, the job involves control and review of yearly revenue spend of £60m and capital expenditure of £25m.
Nominated by: Ian Durant, finance director, Thistle Hotels.
Reason for award: Taking on additional responsibilities and large projects both willingly and successfully.
Proudest moment?
"Being promoted to purchasing director of a plc company before the age of 30. The promotion came as a bit of a surprise."
What brought you into the industry - accident or plan?
"Before working for Thistle, I purchased domestic and commercial lighting from Europe and the Far East. I'd not actually heard of Thistle Hotels until I applied for the position of assistant buyer back in 1998, and the rest is history."
What's the best bit of your job?
"The diversity. One day, I can be involved with tender and purchase of the group's data network; the next, it could be agreeing the beer contract."
Richard Wolfman
Age: 25
Place of work: Hilton Group headquarters, Watford, Hertfordshire.
Job title: Leisure promotions manager, UK and Ireland.
Job description: Responsible for managing seasonal marketing campaigns, building profitable strategic partnerships with other businesses, and creating and developing Hilton promotions.
Nominated by: The late Anthony Harris, former chief executive officer, Hilton International.
Reason for award: "During his first three years with the company, Richard has made an unprecedented impact on Hilton's leisure business, injecting enthusiasm, personality and drive into his work," said Harris.
Most embarrassing work moment?
"Two years ago, I was on the project team organising our biannual general manager conference. The theme was game shows, and the sportsman for our version of Feel the Celebrity (from They Think It's All Over) was ill, so I got the part. I had to dress as an eight-foot sausage in an attempt to be golfer Bernhard Banger."
Favourite hotel?
"It has to be the Trafalgar Hilton on Spring Gardens. The bar is cool, the food is superb and the rooms are fantastic."
Dream vehicle?
"The 1970s Ferrari Daytona Spyder."
The Acorn Club
Acorn Award winner? How about joining the Acorn Club?
Established in 1988, the club draws membership from the ranks of annual Acorn winners and provides a forum for people from all sectors to meet, network, share thoughts, and give something back to the industry that has supported their success.
The club's objective is to promote hospitality as a dynamic and rewarding career choice. The club organises a variety of events throughout the year, including lunches and an annual charity ball.
In 2002 the Acorn Scholarship was launched, an industry-wide initiative designed to recognise individuals whose potential has yet to be fulfilled, enabling them to realise their dreams and achieve their ambitions through the provision of training, support and funding.
This is an exciting time for the Acorn Club so why not join in 2003? For more information, or to reserve your place, contact Lisa Jenkins, Caterer & Hotelkeeper on 020 8652 3485 or at lisa.jenkins@rbi.co.uk