A Host of Winners

Hospitality and Accommodation Services (HAS) at the University of Birmingham is celebrating as seven of its brightest young things have made it through to the finals at the MARCHE Awards of Excellence for 2008.

The Awards have been running since 1997 and the University of Birmingham has been well represented in previous years, but having seven finalists is unprecedented.

The finalists span four of the nine categories and are as follows:

Nicola Griffiths   Manager of Tomorrow

Richard Pettit   Drinks Assistant of the Year

James Hyde   Drinks Assistant of the Year

Rob Dworak   Food and Beverage Assistant of the Year

Andrew Adam   Food and Beverage Assistant of the Year

Marjorie McHugh   Food and Beverage Assistant of the Year

Richard Cawton   Sales Executive of the Year

All seven have had to go through two stages to get to the finals involving both written and practical tests.

In addition to the seven finalists, another four members of staff took part in the preliminary stages. The four are:

Thelma Collymore

Janet Johnson

Barbara Maurer

Matthew Lockton

HAS at The University of Birmingham is proud to invest in its staff through on-going training and development and the seven finalists are a testament to the commitment shown.

Geoff Pringle, Director of HAS, said: “We are all delighted for the seven people who have reached the finals of the Marche Awards of Excellence. This is a testament to the training that our staff receive. It is also important to recognise that everyone member of HAS contributes to this success as we operate as a team.”

Hilary Hall, Chief Executive of Marche, said: “We are delighted with the higher than ever numbers of entrants for the Marche Awards of Excellence 2008. The standard of entries was very high again this year, which means that making it through to the finals is a real achievement. We want to thank everyone for taking the time to enter and making it very difficult for the judges to decide who should make it through to the finals. The results will be announced at the Awards Ceremony & Dinner on 16 March.”

MARCHE (Midland Association of Restaurants, Caterers, Hotels & Entertainment) represents the Midlands’ catering and hospitality sector and aims to promote the region.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

The finalists had to complete the following tasks to make it through to the finals:

Manager of Tomorrow

Preliminary heat: A three page submission on a set topic about environmental issues within the industry.

Finals:

A 15 minute presentation on a set topic followed by questions from the judges.

Drinks Assistant of the Year

Preliminary heat: Practical test involving preparation and pouring of drinks followed by a short written paper.

Finals: Practical test followed by a series of questions about popular drinks.

Food & Beverage Assistant of the Year

Preliminary heat: Practical test involving preparation and pouring of drinks followed by a short written paper.

Finals: Fully prepare a table for four guests and serve lunch to them.

Sales Executive of the Year

Preliminary heat: A short 1 page report on the skills and qualities needed to be a successful Sales Person.

Finals: Two practical tests covering telephone, people handling, customer care and sales skills.

For more information about the finalists from The University of Birmingham, please contact Anne Williams on 0121 415 8419.