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On our last day of celebrating #IWD20 with our career stories, meet Alisa Johnston, Housekeeping Manager for Premier Inn Manchester. “I st...
On our last day of celebrating #IWD20 with our career stories, meet Alisa Johnston, Housekeeping Manager for Premier Inn Manchester. “I started my career as a Housekeeping team member with a little knowledge of the English language. In six months I became a receptionist, broke the language barrier with guests and started believing in myself. Coming from Azerbaijan, not knowing the language, not having friends or family here, it was very hard. Then I found a job at Premier Inn. “That is when my life changed. I was very hungry to progress and I had support from four amazing leaders who even helped me with my Apprenticeship Level 2 and Level 3. I’m currently on my Level 4 and loving life. “My role is so interesting. Managing a big team is just like living their life, every day is different. I have made so many new friends, it’s like a big family. Some team members need support, some days they support me. I think we have created a great culture here.” #EachforEqual
We know that diverse teams make winning teams. We’re committed to actively breaking down barriers to entry so that we can be an inclusive an...
We know that diverse teams make winning teams. We’re committed to actively breaking down barriers to entry so that we can be an inclusive and representative employer. Continuing our celebration of #IWD20, we met with Elizabeth Clarke, from Maidenhead Premier Inn, who shared her story of life at Whitbread. Elizabeth joined us from Derwen College - a national further educational facility specialising in skills training for independent living and employment for young people with disabilities and additional needs. #EachforEqual
Our career stories of internal progression are regardless of gender or age as Hotel Manager, Shanna Mills will testify. A young mother, she’...
Our career stories of internal progression are regardless of gender or age as Hotel Manager, Shanna Mills will testify. A young mother, she’s a leading light in our industry and proof that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. “I started my career in here as a reception team member before I progressed to become a team leader in larger hotels, with even more rooms. I rose up through the business and am now a Hotel Manager for three hotels within the West Midlands. “The multi-site role is fantastic as no two days are the same, each hotel has its own challenges. I have a large team, which means I get to work with different individuals with diverse backgrounds and, therefore, any challenges stretch my personal learnings. I also get to work on other things outside of the ‘day job’; for example supporting our local job centres mentoring unemployed to get back into work. Here I can really share my story - ‘a receptionist, now a multi-site hotel manager’ – and have an impact. It’s a journey I am extremely proud to be on. I think I, along with others I have met along the way, are true examples that Whitbread supports us to achieve our career goals.” #EachforEqual #IWD20
Meet Bev Kennard our Projects and Programme Manager, who shows us what it’s like to work in our Property team and being a trailblazer in an ...
Meet Bev Kennard our Projects and Programme Manager, who shows us what it’s like to work in our Property team and being a trailblazer in an industry that’s traditionally not had many female role models. “I’ve been at Whitbread for close to ten years. I’ve always worked in the property team, where I’ve been exposed to a huge variety of projects in different geographies, and with differing levels of complexity. In my experience, smaller projects are by no means easier than larger ones! I also really enjoy working with our legal advisors during the cut and thrust of negotiating contracts and leases which is not to for the faint hearted. “The construction industry has always struggled to attract women which is a real shame. I don’t know many industries where you work with so many different people, on complex issues and projects with your own budgets and I’m always pleased to bang the drum for more female representation in the industry. “In Whitbread, I mentor a female graduate project manager, as well as a few female consultants in our consultative teams. I take great enjoyment in this as I’m passionate about the industry, its people and maybe contributing towards our future leaders.” #EachforEqual #IWD20
As part of the #IWD20 celebrations, we've spoken to some of the amazing women leading our business, finding out who inspires them and why th...
As part of the #IWD20 celebrations, we've spoken to some of the amazing women leading our business, finding out who inspires them and why they’re passionate about working for Whitbread - home to some of the UK's best known hospitality brands. Within Whitbread, we want to create the best place to work where we all feel comfortable to be just that, and where everyone feels welcome. Meet Katie Birchall, Employee Relations Team Leader. She tells us how GLOW, our thriving support network has a big part to play in this – helping champion inclusivity, offering support, community and friendship. #EachforEqual
Here at Whitbread there really are no barriers to entry, no limits to ambition. Here’s Becky Woodmansee, People Director Premier Inn & Resta...
Here at Whitbread there really are no barriers to entry, no limits to ambition. Here’s Becky Woodmansee, People Director Premier Inn & Restaurants UK explaining what this has meant for her. “After a three-year career-break to focus on my young children and experience living abroad, I was ready to come back to work. I naturally made sure I was up to speed with the latest business news, trends and information but one question kept ringing loudly in my mind: ‘What if no-one wants to hire me now?’ As an employer who passionately believes there are no barriers to entry, no limits to ambition, Whitbread answered that question. “Returning to work was much easier than I expected. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s like riding a bike – it all comes flooding back, as did my confidence. There were a few challenges along the way, but I realise now looking back that the main challenge was in my mind. I can confidently say that Whitbread is a place where you can #changeyourstory, because I changed mine. Now, here I am four years, later loving my role as People Director and excited about my future.” #EachforEqual #IWD20
As part of the #IWD20 celebrations, we've spoken to some of the amazing women leading our business, finding out who inspires them and why th...
As part of the #IWD20 celebrations, we've spoken to some of the amazing women leading our business, finding out who inspires them and why they’re passionate about working for Whitbread - home to some of the UK's best known hospitality brands. Meet Rio Mercedes Bischoff, Reservations Centre Duty Manager. She tells us why ‘nothing is impossible’ at Premier Inn… #EachforEqual
We’re continuing our celebration of International Women’s Day, with a range of career stories from some of the remarkable women at Whitbread...
We’re continuing our celebration of International Women’s Day, with a range of career stories from some of the remarkable women at Whitbread. Meet Sarah Davies-Steele, our Regional Operations Manager for our Restaurant brands, who joined us as a Kitchen Porter. “I began my Whitbread journey at Cepen Park Brewers Fayre in Chippenham and the opportunities within the business allowed me to learn new skills across many different areas including kitchen, reception, restaurant and management. I didn’t just grow and develop but I could also pursue my career across many parts of the UK. I love the people and the development culture that is embedded across the whole business; from the fabulous opportunities I have been lucky enough to have had, to the endless support I have been given from everyone. This has happened in the shadow of suffering the loss of a family member and, again, has shown me that Whitbread truly is an employer who always supports their teams through the good and bad times.” #EachforEqual #IWD20
At Whitbread we don't just celebrate women on #IWD20, we do it all year round - changing people's stories and changing others perceptions. F...
At Whitbread we don't just celebrate women on #IWD20, we do it all year round - changing people's stories and changing others perceptions. Follow our account to see behind the scenes at the UK's number one hospitality business and the power behind brands such as Premier Inn and Beefeater. #ChangeYourStory #EachforEqual