I live in Twickenham, Middlesex, which means I have to use the M3, M25 and M1 to get to Travel Inn's head office in Luton, Bedfordshire. It's not as bad as it sounds, because I leave my house by about 7am, which is early enough to miss the worst of the traffic as long as there hasn't been an accident. The drive also allows me to think about my day ahead and plan what has to be done.
I'll have been with the company for a year soon, so my body is pretty used to the routine, and dragging myself out of bed isn't the horror it once was.
Before this I was a project manager for British Airways, working on its fleet of Concordes. When the contract came to an end I took the opportunity to move into a similar industry. I really enjoy it here because the brand, which in relation to other hotel operations is young, still has a real buzz about it.
Arriving at the office between 8am and 8.30am, I'll grab a coffee and have something nice and unhealthy, usually containing bacon and eggs, for breakfast. I'll then check my e-mails and look through my to-do list, which I write each evening before I go home. I take huge satisfaction in crossing things off my list.
One of the most attractive things about my job is that my days are varied. It means I've had to adapt to juggling a number of projects at one time, but I've become much more comfortable and effective at prioritising.
One project that's now nearing completion is the introduction at our 300 hotels of an entirely new wardrobe for our employees. Originally piloted at our Sheffield Travel Inn, the new uniforms have been designed to reflect the chain's contemporary image. The new wardrobe has also allowed us to introduce consistency, as the uniforms are now all one colour, purple. The amount of uniform variations has also been significantly reduced from the 40 pieces of clothing we had before, which makes managing and ordering replacement uniforms much simpler.
There has also been a practical element in the changes, as our housekeepers no longer have to overheat in denim, and instead wear a tracksuit-type material that is much more practical for their role.
During the morning I'll call about eight to 10 suppliers, responding to their enquiries, which can be about anything from the offer of a branded tissue box to installing the latest technology.
While projects are running I'll have constant meetings with the product, supply chain and marketing teams - the last of which I'm considered part of.
I'll aim for lunch between noon and 1pm, usually in the canteen with work colleagues. If I'm out and about I'll grab something in the area.
I was recently at one of our hotels in Luton, checking out some new soft furnishings. Getting out of the office and talking to people is the only way to keep your finger on the pulse, and getting the right beds is fundamental.
My afternoons, when in the office, are often spent writing product proposals for the board. As I do my homework beforehand, any changes I'm asked to make are usually just tweaks. At the moment I'm working with an art consultant to refresh the artwork we display across the chain, so once we've finalised the details we'll start introducing the new prints.
Working day-in, day-out in the area of design does have its advantages, as I often see things that'll work in my home, which I'm decorating. When I'm out and about I don't switch off. If I stay at a hotel or go for a meal I'm constantly looking out for ideas.
Last action of the day is to revise my to-do list and double-check I've done that day's tasks. If I can get away at 5pm I'll head straight for home and take a run in the park facing my house. If I'm running late I'll head for the nearby David Lloyd health club instead and have a workout, heading back home later in the evening when the rush-hour traffic has died down.
Interview by Chris Druce
FACTFILE
Travel Inn
Oakley House, Luton, Bedfordshire LU4 9QH
Reservations: 0870 242 8000
www.travelinn.co.uk
JUST A MINUTE...
Tell us a secret
I used to be in a band. We were called Rudy Shades' Slow Train soul band and had a manager, backing singers and brass section. We did the pub circuit for about three years and did really well.
Favourite tipple?
Definitely Guinness. You can just about get a pint wherever you are.