John Lambourne-Richardson FIH - General Manager at the Award-Winning Hampton by Hilton Stockton on Tees.
Describe your career path so far?
I originally wanted to be a chef as I loved cooking and started a course at Bath Technical College in September 1979. However, by November I realised I wanted to work out front after a spell as waiter at the Pump Rooms in Bath it transformed me. I enrolled as a Trainee Innkeeper with Trusthouse Forte, then the world’s largest hotel chain, where I spent 25 years. Here I worked in various departments working in a variety of Hotels in Dorset, East Anglia, Cotswolds, South Wales, Lincolnshire and Wiltshire.
After a period as Deputy Manager I took my first GM position in Keswick in 1989. I then moved on to numerous other GM roles in multiple locations before leaving to run my own business, a luxury Belgian chocolate & patisserie shop, near Salisbury Cathedral which I ran for nine years.
What brought you to the Hampton Hotel Stockton?
After my business closed, I moved back into Hotels with a management company in Folkestone. Wanting a change after a few years, I was asked if I’d be interested in running a new Hotel in Stockton. Despite early reservations I met Richard McGuckin from Stockton on Tees Borough Council who impressed me with his passion and drive and once I took a look at the site I realised its enormous potential. After three interviews and a full presentation I started the role on August 1st 2018 and we opened on time and on budget on February 12th 2019. The Council were tremendously supportive during the whole process. Pre-Covid we hit 100% occupancy quite quickly after opening and were delighted to stay open for key workers throughout the pandemic.
Tell us about your team?
We have a team of 28 which is a mix of full and part time members of staff. Some have over five years service and our Operations Manager, Jill Yeoman, was in post just three months after me and before we opened. We have consistently been in the top 10% of Hilton Hotels in the country for the annual Hilton Quality Audit which measures the Hotels condition, cleanliness and brand standards.
We were also delighted to receive a Civic Award for our work in helping people living with dementia. The initiative to make Stockton a dementia friendly town started pre-Covid and to this day we host an afternoon tea on the first Wednesday of the month to help those living with the condition.
What are the best features of the Hampton Hotel Stockton?
As a modern hotel we have all the facilities you need for a business or leisure location. Our prime location means we are fantastically accessible for Teesside Airport as well as the fantastic developments at Billingham, Teesworks and the greater Tees Valley.
What are you currently working on?
Looking for new business opportunities as well as maintaining high standards in order to receive great guest feedback.
How does the Hotel engage with the local community and support local business?
As a Director of Stockton BID we are always looking at ways of promoting the town for new business as well as encouraging the local community to use the town and of course the hotel.
What is your biggest challenge currently?
Undoubtedly managing the expectations of customers which in todays world are ever more demanding and exacting.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
Many of the GM’s I have worked with have been fantastic professional mentors but my late Mum was my biggest inspiration. She lived with a form of cancer for decades but made the most of what she had and lived life to the full and with such positivity.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in the industry?
Be prepared to work hard and have a bit of fun. This really is a career where you can go from being a kitchen porter right up to becoming a General Manager. You have great opportunity to develop and grow. It is a profession I love.
How do you like to unwind?
Walking the dog, eating out and going to the theatre.
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