LAUREN CROWTHER Director of Sales, Radisson Blu Durham
Tell us about your current role?
Having worked for Radisson Hotel Group for the past five years as an Account Manager, I have recently moved to a new role at the Radisson Blu Durham as Director of Sales. We have such a great team at the hotel and I love being back on property. My new role consists of building strong client relationships with existing corporate clients who may have bedroom, meeting or event requirements and social events too. A large part of the role is finding new business which is something very important in the current climate. I am also working on the hotels marketing initiatives and networking with local businesses.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Over the past 11 years I have worked for International hotel brands starting my hospitality career as a sales graduate. My first role after the graduate programme was Sales Manager, for a new hotel in Aberdeen back in 2013. I was super proud when the team won “Best Select Service Hotel in Europe for 2013!”
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Sustainability is high on the client’s agenda especially after the COP26 Climate Change Conference last year, businesses really care about their carbon footprint. Radisson Blu Durham offer Carbon Neutral Meetings where we automatically offset the carbon footprint of every single meeting or event taking place at our hotels worldwide at no cost to the client.
What are you currently working on?
This year one of my focuses is promoting our meeting and event space for social events. We have a lovely restaurant, Collage, which has views of the Cathedral and River Wear so a perfect setting for a baby shower, afternoon tea, hen parties or birthdays. Our function space can seat up to 220 for larger events such as engagements, weddings and social gatherings. Tell us about the team you work with? We have a great team at the Radisson Blu Durham and I work with all departments throughout the hotel. I work more closely with our Revenue office who handle all enquiries from group rooms, meetings, events, weddings, social events and Christmas.
What is the Radisson Durham’s USP?
We are so lucky with the location of the hotel with stunning views of Durham Cathedral and the River Wear. We are only a 10 minute walk from Durham train station and have a large car park for visitors with over 120 spaces. We also have a large gym, 15m pool with steam/sauna and whirlpool. As well as a wonderful spa which offer treatments and spa days. Once the Milburngate site opens next door to the hotel, it will really make this side of the river a fantastic place in the city.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Have confidence, believe in yourself and trust your instincts.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Returning to work after the pandemic was a big challenge, I had been on maternity prior to the lockdown and then furloughed so in total off for 20 months. So much had changed in the hospitality world and it did feel like starting a new job. After a while things did feel normal again and it’s just so positive to see lots of enquiries coming through and businesses returning to travel. www.radissonhotels.com
