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During the course of 2016, Leasowe Castle Hotel undertook a strategic review and it was decided to take the business in a different direction, which would re-position the business on a higher platform, to better utilise its USP of being a 16th Century Castle.
Apart from the extensive refurbishment programme that was instigated, moving the business to a high class 4 star Hotel from 2 star offering, we also needed to partner with a Head-hunter, who understood the values and qualities required, to ensure we have the correct personnel in place, to match our loftier ambitions.
After a briefing with a short list of 3 renowned companies in the field of employment search companies, it became clear that Mark Duffey from Mark Duffey Recruitment Limited would be our preferred partner.
Throughout our engagement, Mark took it upon himself, to understand the culture and blueprint we were looking for. He provided detailed feedback on prospective candidates and why he felt they would have the qualities we were looking for.
His over-riding objective was to ensure we found the right candidate that shared the same values and principals as the owners and was not motivated by his own agenda. Throughout this process, Mark provided an in depth view of the market, how he will embark on his search and do so in a confidential manner, whilst providing guidance to an individual who was not from a hospitality background. Mark’s knowledge and contacts in the hospitality sector is unrivalled. He also has a sense of calmness about him and was happy to become a sounding board for issues, that did not form part of his own remit.
He was professional from start to finish and I have no hesitation in recommending Mark to any perspective employer, as an individual that can be relied upon to understand your ethos and work diligently with you, to seek the correct candidate for your business.
Bupa Gandhi,
Owner,Lawton Hotels Limited,
So having seen various blogs recently on how to recruit and retain your staff at all levels,I thought that I would add my thoughts.
Recruiting the right people is tough at an level but once on board to retain and engage them is in my opinion ever more difficult and there are many reasons for this.
Part of the issue is that many times a person starts and they have an induction plan set out for them,often this is delivered by their HOD,so then they get pulled away to do something else and the individual is left alone or put with a team member and before you know they are involved in service.
The employer doesn’t follow up on references or can’t be given as not company policy so this again creates a vague picture of the person and work history.
I can add many more things but also believe that working in the industry now is in general practise the same as 30 + years ago,hours are the same and in some places still split shifts,welfare is non existent so staff meals are a second thought,no adequate space to eat and relax and then for the smokers no provisions made.
It is a tough game and things need to change,who is going to be bold enough to do it !!!
Hi All,
So here we are at the start of another year and having survived 2016 and all that happened with Brexit,fall of the £ and many other incidents including the death of my Father and Mr David Bowie as well as many other famous faces it was all very sad.
That said as they say time moves on and I am back at my desk making contact with clients and candidates and presently looking for many positions in various locations.
So if you feel that it is time for a new challenge then get in contact with me on 0151 339 0411/07392 847414 or email mark@mdr.limited
So I am looking for a number of positions in various locations at present, they include Deputy General Manager, Cheshire, Operations Manager, Shropshire, Head Chef, Chester, Head Chef, Brighton as well as a Head Therapist in Cheshire a Leisure and Spa Manager Wirral area and various F&B Management positions in Cheshire, Shropshire,Brighton and Bournemouth.
Get in touch for further info on 07392 847414 or e:mail at mark@mdr.limited
So my recent travels have taken me to a few different places to stay and eat,they include the Kinmel Hotel and Spa , Burnt Truffle as well as the Vintage Inn at The Chimneys.
So to start with The Chimneys we went on a Saturday night quite early as our eldest daughter Henrietta had won a competition to create a recipe for a pizza that would be put on the menu as a special with her class at school. This was all her own work and she experimented over a few weeks and eventually came up with goats cheese,peppers and caramelised onion.I have to say that it tasted great during her focus group tasting (at home with her sister,mother & I),this was then tasted by the General Manager,Assistant Manager and Kitchen Manager.Her’s was chosen as the best.Well done Henrietta. It was placed on the menu and so we went to see and try it again. They did a great display of the whole event with pic’s etc. Well done to all who took part and also The Chimneys for coming up with such a great idea.
Recently my brother in law took us to The Burnt Truffle in Heswall as he took part in their crowd funding for the restaurant,the 1st site is Sticky Walnut in Hoole Chester. We went as a party of 4 with partners and the food and service were great,we were in the main part downstairs near the kitchen.Overall everyone enjoyed the food and was nice evening,only negative was the dessert wine was served room temperature and portions a little small but would recommend.
Finally we went the the Kinmel Hotel and Spa for our 15th anniversary,upon arrival there was as wedding which we thought my create an issue later in the night,they didn’t except doors opening which woke my wife but not me.The room was nice but had some faults,I pointed these out to the management.We ate at the restaurant,you need to look at the decor and make it a little more welcoming,this let’s down the restaurant and that it has a rosette.
The team in there are very warm and welcoming and the food and service overall were of a very high standard.
Breakfast is a let down by how it is set up and also the staff were less than hospitable and none of the people from the dinner service were there.
So generally all positives with some things needing attention.
The Kinmel you need to sort out the bedroom and breakfast service and The Burnt Truffle serve you wine at the right temperature.
Thanks