Andrew Hogg - General Manager, Park Head Hotel. The perfect base for private events, business meetings, networking and overnight stays in the heart of County Durham.
Did you always envisage a career in the Hotel industry?
Not immediately no. I studied Media at University and flirted with a career in the PR industry. However the longer I worked in it the more I realised this wasn’t a path I wanted to pursue. I already had a job working in a bar in a Hotel which I really enjoyed and decided that working in the hospitality sector was a more preferable route.
What has been your career path so far?
After I graduated I was able to move through the ranks at the Hotel and enjoyed spells working in reception, events and reservations. This was a fantastic learning curve.
I then moved from a what was a small 29 bedroom property in Spennymoor to a 351 bedroom Crowne Plaza hotel in Chipping Norton. Here I spent two fantastic years.
I then joined an events based company which included a number of wedding venues. The Managing Director took a leap of faith and trained me to become General Manager and following her retirement I ran the business for 10 years.Then Covid struck and the Park Head role came up and I thought it a good time to come home.
What have been your biggest challenges?
Unquestionably Covid was a very difficult period although getting through it certainly gave my confidence a significant boost and made me feel I could handle anything thrown at me.
Tell us about your team?
I cant speak highly enough of the team at the Hotel. They are amazing and all well trained and skilled. We employ a number of good experienced people in addition to others just starting their career.
What about the Hotels facilities?
We have 38 brand new ensuite bedrooms which are amongst the biggest in the region. We also have a tremendous 74 seater restaurant called The Oak Room which has a great Food and Beverage offering. Our Laurel Room holds 50 people and is ideal for any event. Our courtyard is beautiful in the Summer and comes complete with a childrens playground. We also received a three star accreditation recently from Visit Britain which is testimony to the work of the team.
What are you currently working on?
We handled our first wedding In August which went fantastically well and this is something we hope to develop going forward.
Christmas looks like it is going to be a great success and we are working on the few remaining dates we have. Looking to next year we look forward to more outdoor dining next Summer.
Is there a mantra you aspire to do business by?
Work fairly and always treat people with respect.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
Jules Patmore who trained me in everything I know and believed that I could work at a senior level. Sadly she passed away recently but her influence is something I will never forget.
How do you like to unwind?
Going on holiday a couple of times a year. I am currently going through a bucket list of visiting every capital city in Europe. Next stop Riga in Latvia!
For further information on The Park Head Hotel call 01388 661727 or visit the website parkheadhotel.co.uk