Southern Enterprise Awards 2019

11 | SME NEWS - Southern Enterprise Awards 2019 Boutique Hospitality Manager of the Year 2019 – UK Standing proudly on what is the finest marine promenade in the world, The Grand is a truly awe-inspiring venue of true magnificence. However, for all the splendour and glory, the secret to this venue’s modern success is down to the incredibly hard work ethic of one man; General Manager Robert Richardson. Now celebrating his tenth anniversary with the hotel, discover how he has been named Boutique Hospitality Manager of the Year 2019 in SME News’ Southern Enterprise Awards. A proud feature of the Folkestone coastline since 1899, The Grand is a Grade-II listed, award-winning Edwardian venue that boasts a rich history that is steeped in culture and royalism. With a wide range of individually- designed, bespoke suites and sea-facing garden view suites, this renowned venue has housed some of the most famous figures from recent English history, including King Edward VII, Agatha Christie and Yoko Ono. However, the outstanding figure present at the hotel on a daily basis today is its General Manager, Robert Richardson. Beginning his journey as a Food and Beverage Team Member for a small hotel restaurant in Dover, Robert’s voyage towards becoming an award-winning General Manager started back in 1997 at the Forte Posthouse. There, Robert trained and learned the ways of the chef, before switching his focus towards hotel and business management. Following a five-year stint at Forte Posthouse, this budding manager transferred his skillsets to a myriad of establishments across Kent and the outskirts of London. Working within restaurants and hotels alike, Robert gradually built up a large portfolio of experience across a multitude of areas within hospitality. From his Saturday job working on the busy hotel floor, he was soon operating as Manager, either for Food and Beverage or Conference and Banqueting for major hotel chains such as Ramada Jarvis and Intercontinental Hotels Group before switching to hotel management when he joined Hilton Hotels. After a number of years gaining invaluable experience, Robert then joined The Grand in November 2009 as General Manager. There, Robert has cemented his status as one of the finest hospitality management professionals, Robert Richardson, The Grand with a proven track record of success that stretches back nearly ten years. From developing workers, to demonstrating strong leadership, keen financial awareness, top-quality operating standards and focused strategic direction, Robert is the best in the business. As General Manager, he has proven himself capable of consistently creating and taking care of professional, award- winning teams, meaning his leadership is as strong as his own work. Duly recognised for his outstanding work at The Grand, Robert has received great support for his work, including being recognised as “One of Britain’s Leading Hoteliers” by Hotel Designs, as well as being shortlisted for Hotelier of the Year 2019. Robert has also been elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality; a prestigious membership to one of the industry’s top professional bodies, globally, for hospitality professionals, and during the summer of 2019 joined their board of trustees. As the current custodian of The Grand, Robert’s work has continued the long-standing tradition of success and luxury at the Edwardian establishment. With such prestige rooted deeply within history, the task was monumental for Robert. And yet, he has risen to it with admirable aplomb, ensuring that the future of The Grand is brighter than ever before. Not just for its cultural and historical attraction, but for the level of service that Robert has instilled amongst workers who are keen to ensure every stay is a truly memorable one. Company: The Grand Twitter: @RBWR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert- richardson-fih-3b265a20/ Contact: Robert Richardson FIH Website: https://grand-uk.com/ “Robert has also been elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality; a prestigious membership to one of the industry’s top professional bodies, globally, for hospitality professionals...”

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