Stuart Lloyd - General Manager, Radisson Hotel Durham
Did you always envisage a career in the world of hospitality?
Definitely not! Not until I started working in the bar at Mottram Hall, near Manchester, whilst doing my A Levels.
One of my jobs included looking after the footballers who visited including Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham which I found very inspiring. From that moment I was hooked.
Describe your career path so far.
I took an NVQ in hospitality and did all of my training and development at Shrigley Hall in Cheshire which gave me my first rung on the ladder.I then took on a variety of roles with Q Hotels, including spells in Lincolnshire and the amazing Midland Hotel in Manchester. I took my first GM role with the Cairn Group at the Mercure Hotel in Darlington and then moved to the Holiday Inn Scotch Corner before joining the Radisson Durham four years ago.
Tell us about the Hotels facilities.
We have 207 bedrooms and a great leisure club. We also have Meetings and Events space for up to 400 people. One of our current initiatives is our Blu Meets Green meetings packages which start from just £34 per delegate and offer a green solution with 100%of the Carbon offset along with free electric car charging for the organiser or a delegate.
Tell us about your team.
We have an excellent highly motivated team who are geared up to provide an good level of service at all times. I’m heartened to say our Trip Advisor reviews are consistently positive.Our Head Chef Chris Atherton has worked with me for eight years whilst our Events Manager Wendy Bryant has a wealth of experience. Our Rooms Division Manager ,Catherine Draper, is currently one of a select group in the European region to be undertaking the Radisson high potential development scheme. The pool of talent we have is exceptional.
What makes Durham a great place to visit?
It is such a picturesque City and the level of investment means that tourism is growing rapidly. The Radisson is the biggest hotel in the county and a real jewel in the crown given our enviable location.
What are you currently working on?
On a personal level I have just trained to be a global trainer for Radisson which was very enjoyable. We are also embracing new technology and will have self check in kiosks by the end of the year. The restaurant was also recently refreshed. Business is growing all of the time.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
I love the management style of Richard Branson and Sir Alex Ferguson.I also admire an school friend of mine, Rob Smethurst who saved Macclesfield Town Football Club from liquidation.
How do you like to unwind?
Spending time with my family, hitting the gym and watching Manchester United.
Favourite Book and Boxset?
With a two year old and a four year old there is little time for such things!