How did you get into the industry?
Like many people here, I fell into it when I left school and got a job with the Marriott hotel group. It has become a career that I thoroughly enjoy, gives me a lot of opportunity to travel and encourages people based on their ambitions, not their qualifications.
What do you like about the meetings industry?
The industry is about people, whether that’s the people you work with or the guests you are providing hospitality for.
It is a 24-hour business and provides a constant sense of accomplishment and fulfilment, regardless of the hurdles that may be presented. The relationships I have developed in my role have been timeless.
How long have you worked at the Grosvenor?
One year. But, I have over 30 years’ experience in the hotel industry. I was previously the GM at the London Marriott Hotel, County Hall. Other experience has included overseeing the launch of the Twickenham Marriott Hotel on behalf of the Rugby Football Union in 2009.
How is general business at the hotel?
We are pleased with where we are today, but we are forever assessing the future. There will be a lull after the Olympics, for example, so we are looking at how to compensate. We are fully-booked during the Olympics but once the Games finishes, on 12 August, business will take a few days to ramp up. Our strategy is to market to the Middle Eastern market at this time, as there will be a strong influx over here once Ramadan will be over. Our message is that London is open for business beyond the Olympics.
What is the hotel’s visitor demographic?
Thirty per cent domestic visitors and 70 per cent international, our main markets are India, China and Europe.
A typical guest is a discerning, well-experienced global traveller that wants a premium experience, who is not just looking for a room but a place where they can stay to do business, meet and invite people for special occasions.
How is event business faring?
We have our regular annual events in the calendar, which keep us ticking over and have some great examples of holding international conferences.
We are focusing on companies coming to London for inbound incentives and inbound conferences. We have a team that travels extensively to attract this business and have a presence at all the large trade shows such as EIBTM, IMEX and IMEX America.
Does the hotel have any development plans for the future?
We have spent £1m recently upgrading fixtures and fittings and we are in the design stage for the next generation of rooms at the hotel.
Best ever brainwave?
My ‘eureka’ moments are often at 6.30am in the gym. Complex matters are simplified when you have time to ponder.
Time-saving tip for organisers?
Engage with the General Manager.
Funniest moment experienced/witnessed at work?
Finding out the reason why a guest absolutely insisted on staying in a particular room and was asking us to move the current occupant of the room was because he had left his UK cash under the wardrobe floor for safe keeping!
What has been your most successful personal achievement?
A Highland adventure where I rode on horseback 160 miles from Aberdeenshire through the Cairngorms to the Isle of Skye.
Blackberry or iPhone?
iPhone.
What sports team do you support?
Tottenham Hotspur.
Prediction for the future?
A wireless world.
This was first published in the July edition of Conference News. Any comments? Email conferencenews@mashmedia.net
