Sarah Barber - Director of Sales at Doubletree by Hilton, Newcastle International Airport
What attracted you to working in the hospitality industry?
I originally started a degree in bio-medical science but following a gap year working for Key Camp Holidays I realised I loved the world of travel and decided to move into hotels.
I began my career at Swallow Hotels where I undertook their graduate programme.
Subsequently taken over by Marriott I enjoyed a wide range of national sales roles before long spells at Matfen Hall and Seaham Hall.
I loved the autonomy of independent hotels but also the brand structure of working within the larger chains.
Tell us about your current role?
I joined the hotel in 2019 having decided I wanted to work for one property within the North East. Not long afterwards Covid hit but we had landed a big contract with BP which meant we were able to stay open throughout for key workers. This led to a change in our core business mix and allowed us to look wider and attract lots of Teesside businesses as well as international corporates.
How has the hotel evolved over your time there?
Pre-lockdown we had a huge investment in our public areas and added family bedrooms. In more recent times we have had a rolling refurbishment of our bedrooms as well as behind the scenes investment in tech and wi-fi.
I must give a nod to our owners, the Cairn Group, who really care for their staff and made no redundancies throughout the Covid period.
Tell us about the Hotels facilities?
We have 193 bedrooms and seven meeting rooms, for up to 150 delegates, as well as 100 car parking spaces and ev chargers. In addition we have an onsite gym, the popular Columbus Bar and Fratellos restaurant.
What is the Hotels USP?
We have a brilliant team working in a fantastic location. Plus we have the backing of our large ownership company, Cairn Group, whilst also being a franchise of Hilton which is very important.
What are your currently working on?
We have a huge focus on meetings and events and are constantly looking at ways to entice people away from their office to a different environment.
What is your proudest career achievement?
Managing my team and seeing the career development of former staff is very rewarding.
Winning Visit England Gold whilst at Matfen Hall in 2016 was also fantastic.
What advice would you give to anyone looking at a career within the hospitality sector?
Definitely to work across all departments and display common sense and a good work ethic. This industry is very much a people business and that is something AI will never replace.
How do you like to unwind?
I spend a lot of time ferrying my 15 year old daughter to rowing club and the theatre. I also enjoy jogging and have recently completed my 7th Great North Run. I love to catch up with old friends as well who have a great way of bringing you back to reality.
www.doubletree-newcastle.co.uk