Corkers
Corkers 2010
- BEST DEPARTMENT MANAGER OR TRAINER
WINNER: Charlene Hamilton, Reception Manager, Hotel du Vin Cheltenham
WHY: Charlene is nationally recognised by the industry and has continued to go from strength to strength as a department manager. She has had no staff turnover in reception this year which highlights her management style, helping introduce new procedures and initiatives. She undertakes regular duty management shifts to the highest standard and was short-listed for a Catey this year. Her achievements this year cannot be overstated.
- CHEF OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Matt Powell, Head Chef, HDV Edinburgh
WHY: His menu is inventive and creative. He embraces our standards and never misses on food costs. Matt has been supportive on a group level in creating a new Functions and Bar menu for HdV. He has gained in confidence and created one of the most exciting menus in the group. His Bistro has become a popular choice for locals. He has become well known in the city, raising his profile at Events such as Taste, the Foodies Festival and the BBC Good Food Show.
- DRINK/SPECIALIST AWARD (Bartender, Mixologist)
WINNER: Simon Beneteau, Bar Manager, Hotel du Vin York
WHY: Simon has been instrumental in turning around the performance of the beverage department in the hotel. He sets extremely high standards in both the bar and as sommelier. There has been an improvement in sales, service standards, people development, stock control and communication with the bistro. He fully embraces the company values and has participated in the Wine Academy in addition to the many hours spent reading up on wine in his own time. Re-launched wine dinners in the hotel and created an extensive sales development plan for beverage.
- EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Yvette Fields, Bar Tender, Malmaison Reading
WHY: Everyone remembers Yvette for the amazing touch of hospitality delivered over and over again. 200% customer focused and passionate about what gets done. Always happy/smiling no matter what. Yvette has great work practices in place; never walks empty handed in or out the kitchen or bar. Knows regulars by name and makes the guests feel at home as soon as they step into the her bar.Very organised and great attention to detail. She's prepared for the job at all times and always up to help out in every area.
- EVENTS/MEETINGS PERSON OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Ashleigh Burns, Events Manager, Hotel du Vin Harrogate
WHY: She is the oracle. Lives and breathes the Hotel du Vin brand and Is a long standing employee. Despite the current economic climate covers are up on budget by 6.6% and 7.6% up on last year. She was set a target of achieving 40 weddings in 2009 and is currently on 43, 60% up year on year, with more weddings on the books for next year. Her attention to detail is second to none. She is known for her personal touch, her follow ups, and her relationships with all departments. She believes in the brand and does not undersell the product, adding value to all events.
- EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD (bistro/brasserie & functions)
WINNER: Malgorzata Jakubowska, Bistro, Hotel du Vin Newcastle
WHY: Malgorzata is fantastic, brilliant, very personable, tenacious and ambitious.She has achieved this by having the biggest smile and talking all the time. She has been involved in much of the training with regards to product knowledge. A good knowledge of corporate guests profiles ensures she has breakfast waiting for them. She knows just how people like their eggs and what kind of wine they drink. A walking encyclopedia of our guests personal preferences. It can be truly said that she has a fan base that keeps coming back for more.
- EXTRA MILE AWARD
WINNER: Sandra Grugel, Switchboard, Malmaison Liverpool
WHY: One of our foundations, Sandra helped form a team. She has a natural charm and mothering instincts. Fully capable of "manning" the reception desk; however her talent does not end there... She takes on: public area cleaning, working breakfast service in the brasserie, taking deliveries to support our goods controller, "buddy for " new starters and work placements and has excellent customer service skill - truly going the extra mile.
- FIRST AND LAST IMPRESSIONS AWARD - Reservations, Reception, Spa and Nights.
WINNER: Clare Bartlett, Receptionist, Hotel du Vin Winchester
WHY: Clare is always looking to enhance every guests' stay within their hotel. She knows the guest journey inside out and look to deliver memorable hospitality at all times. Charming and approachable always looking immaculate and professional.A big favourite with the regulars, with them taking as much time to find out how her day/week/holidays were as she does with them, and is missed when away. Remembered for a first and last impression.
- HEALTH & SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Lisa Harwood, Assistant Housekeeper, Hotel du Vin Brighton
WHY: Lisa runs a tight ship and is renowned for always getting Health & Safety meetings held and minutes completed. Risk Improvement Plan up to date. Stays after her day job to catch up with H&S. Notice board and posters are eye catching and well presented. Gives feedback on any issues from Group H&S meetings and always on hand for advice and help.
- HOUSEKEEPER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Tracey Hubar, Head Housekeeper, Malmaison/Hotel du Vin Newcastle
WHY: Tracey manages 2 hotels seamlessly and has brought the teams together.She She has enthusiasm and great attitude. She has made many savings and runs an incredibly tight ship cost wise.
- MAINTENANCE PERSON OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Sam Patterson, Maintenance Manager, Hotel du Vin Brighton
WHY: Sam has to be one of the finest maintenance managers in the group. Nothing is ever too much trouble. The quality of his work is first class and he always ensures that the hotel is in ship shape.This year has been a challenge. As well as running the hotel Sam has taken centre stage in the maintenance of a new project. He has also been called away to assist with the maintenance of other hotels on several occasions.
- NUMBER CRUNCHER AWARD
WINNER: Eva Drummond, Accountant, Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
WHY: She is a long service employee - over 10 years and has done fantastic job.She took on a new challenge of running two hotels in March of this year and has thrived in this role. Eva always delivers her work with accuracy and is actively involved in the operation and doesn't restrict herself solely to Accounts matters.
- RISING STAR AWARD
WINNER: Kim Wright, Maintenance Assistant, Hotel du Vin Brighton
WHY: Kim developed from part-time, supported projects, happy is to do hours and involved with green refuge side. KIm not only caught a burglar red handed, they also spent their wedding anniversary sorting an emergency 3 in the morning. Heads up the green team, including recycling. Heads up energy saving and represent HdV and Mal at a recent water convention. Introduced "Hippo" bags to save water in our toilets and also reduction valves on our showers.
- SALES PERSON OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Tina O'Hara, Regional Sales Director - Entertainment, Media and Sport
WHY: In a year which has been economically difficult, sales has been the top of our priorities. It has been important for us to look for business in new places as well continue with business from places we have been successful in the past. The area that we have been most successful in has been Entertainment, Media and Sport led by Tina. We have doubled the amount of football teams staying with us, had new film crews staying and we've seen more business from the music and entertainment industry up and down the country.
- UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR (Kitchen Porters, Porters, Car Jockeys, etc)
WINNER: Gary Falconer, Goods Controller, Malmaison Aberdeen
WHY: Gary is someone who always puts others first even if it means he has to work harder to help them out. He is multi-skilled and clearly loves his job and time and time again has shown commitment above and beyond what is expected.
- WINE CHAMPION / SOMMELIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
WINNER: Sebastiano Ingaliso, Head Sommelier, Malmaison Aberdeen
WHY: Sebastiano has a tough area to sell wine. He has developed wine dinners. He is a local celebrity and brakes down the barriers. He has delivered outstanding hospitality. Nominated for the Catey award in food & wine service. He brings theatre to the table. A quote from a customer was "Sebastiano - Sommelier or God?"
- REGIONAL PERSON OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Tim Gassick, Director of Health and Safety
WHY: For making the hell of Health and Safety a fun topic. Brilliant in his presentations. Always available to give advice and visits the hotels regularly to understand what is going on. Implemented numerous initiatives within the business both in Health and Safety and Environment. Strong culture, everyone loves him, makes H&S interesting.
- CEO'S SPECIAL AWARD
WINNER: Pauric McGurren, Regional Operations Director - Scotland & Ireland
WHY: Pauric has done an outstanding job. Firstly he helped raise an enormous amount for charity specifically the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation. Many of the team walked the West Highland Way in November which took a lot of organising. Pauric did this in his stride. Secondly he runs the strongest region in the group optimizing the standards. He is loved by all his teams and is without question and outstanding contribution to the business.
- GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Andy Roger
HOTEL: Malmaison Aberdeen
WHY: Andy is a GM who is described as being very involved and has driven his hotel .A model GM who ticks all the right boxes. Andy his known by name by his top 50 clients, admired by staff and works endlessly. He is everything a GM should be - a mine host, a businessman and all round character.
- HOTEL OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Aberdeen Malmaison
WHY: Aberdeen has the most fantastic heads of department, a brasserie which has gone beyond any ones expectations. Lead by a great leader this hotel opened with great gusto and completely smashed it's financial targets.
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
10 YEARS
- Alan Bevis - Hotel du Vin Winchester
- Sara Woodward - Malmaison Leeds
- John Booker - Malmaison Leeds
- Stuart Wright - Malmaison Glasgow
- Rob Carr - Hotel du Vin Brighton
- Beck Hester - Hotel du Vin Bristol
- Giuseppe D' Aria - Hotel du Vin Bristol
- Sue Harper - Hotel du Vin Bristol
- Chris Cook - Hotel du Vin Bristol
- Colin Thomas - Hotel du Vin Bristol
- Margaret Gyle - Malmaison Belfast
- Tina Wells -Malmaison Belfast
5 YEARS
- Maciej Preibisz - HDV Birmingham
- Kimbilyn Gordon - HDV Birmingham
- Niloya March - HDV Birmingham
- Karolina Szafranek - HDV Birmingham
- Leszek Skonnicki - HDV Birmingham
- Inekah Ingram - HDV Birmingham
- Kelly Vincent - HDV Birmingham
- Alexandra Demetrios - Malmaison Birmingham
- Joanne Lobban - Malmaison Birmingham
- Micheal Cunningham - Malmaison Birmingham
- Marcus Bywater - Malmaison Birmingham
- Tina Arthurs - Malmaison Birmingham
- Sam Patterson - Hotel du Vin Brighton
- Hayley Wetherill - Hotel du Vin Brighton
- Steph Tauzin - Hotel du Vin Brighton
- Lisa Harwood - Hotel du Vin Brighton
- Catherine Daly - Hotel du Vin Cambridge
- Craig Smith - Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
- Marivie Orque -Malmaison Glasgow
- Hugh Nesbitt - Malmaison Glasgow
- Allison Bruce - Malmaison Glasgow
- Eleanor McMahon - Malmaison Glasgow
- Nick Lawson - Hotel du Vin Harrogate
- Catherine Carmichael - Hotel du Vin @ ODG
- Matthew Johnson - Malmaison Leeds
- Grant Mckenzie - Malmaison Leeds
- Michael Ferrier - St Andrews
- Caroline Coppin - Hotel du Vin Cheltenham
- David Paul - Malmaison Liverpool
- David Fletcher - Malmaison Liverpool
- Stephen Jooste - Malmaison London
- Mudith Rajapakshe - Malmaison London
- Kalifa Diakhaby - Malmaison London
- Derrick Jarrett - Malmaison London
- Florence Kankundiye - Malmaison London
- Dyonne Branch -Hotel du Vin Newcastle
- Susie Hall - Malmaison Newcastle
- Steve Bloxham - Malmaison Newcastle
- Angela Stubbs - Malmaison Newcastle
- Darren Sibbald - Malmaison Oxford
- Emma Lloyd - Hotel du Vin Poole
- Jeremy Pascal - Hotel du Vin Poole
- Nico Cechella - Hotel du Vin York
- Jamal Qadir - Hotel du Vin Winchester
- Maria Kras - Hotel d Vin Winchester
- Scott Harper - Malmaison and Hotel du Vin
- Pauric McGurren - Malmaison and Hotel du Vin
- Tom Ross - Hotel du Vin Cheltenham
- Phil McCall - Malmaison Manchester
- Honna Nickle - Malmaison Manchester
- Jada Hlavsa - Malmaison Manchester
- Paul Cunningham - Malmaison Belfast
- Matt Powell - Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
We would like to say special thanks to all our sponsors for their continued support of the Corkers:
Progressive Training, G&J Greenalls, Scottish & Newcastle, NKD Clothing, Veuve Clicquot, Liberty, Metrolpolitan Hotel, De Vere Venues, Arran Aromatics,The Working Manager, Gravity Flooring, Davidson Asset Management, Learnpurple, Diageo, Clayton Contracts, Bibendum, Matthew Algie, Crystal Media and Musbury Fabrics.
