Newcastle may well be known as one of the biggest party venues in the UK, if not the world, but for the team behind one of the city's biggest hotspots, it's party time for another reason after going from the outhouse to the penthouse.
And for one member of the Tiger Tiger Newcastle team, the transformation from worst to first is yet another achievement in a stellar career. Tania Woodhouse, Tiger Tiger Newcastle’s General Manager was promoted earlier this year.
Now it might only be a matter of months since Tania took the reigns as GM of Tiger, but already, the Tyneside location has gone from the lowest performing venue of the double-barrelled entertainment group stable to the highest, with an increase of over £500K in 12 months – for Tania, and those who know her, the turnaround comes as no surprise however.
Having been in the industry for almost her whole working life, Tania has made it something of a habit turning around the fortunes of other companies including Label and Blu Bambu, before it was sold.
Always standing out as a bright spark, Tania says there is one key to consistent results – and it starts and ends with others.
“If you have a strong team around you then you’ve already won half the battle.
“At Tiger Tiger we have an unbelievable team of people. Everyone has their own jobs to do and really brings their own personalities to the table. But what makes us special, and what I feel is the most important thing, is that we also work together.”
With a number of new bars cropping up in and around the city centre, Tania, along with the 120 strong workforce at Tiger Tiger Newcastle certainly have their work cut out to stay on top of their game – and top of the charts – but strong leadership has always been a hallmark of Tania’s throughout her career.
Kevin Walker, Tiger Tiger’s Regional Operation’s Manager has worked with Tania before, and says her determination is second to none.
“I’m not surprised at all that Tania is succeeding already in her role as General Manager. She’s a strong person, can rally a team and isn’t afraid to take the difficult decisions where needed – she’s a fantastic businesswoman.
“Above all though, the role hasn’t gone to her head at all. Tania is still the same approachable, grounded person that I’ve known for years. I think, knowing that, people are more likely to want to do well for her, and so far it’s definitely being shown.”
Tania arrived at Tiger Tiger, initially on a six month to a year temporary contract after a brief break from the industry. After bringing the team together and almost instantly seeing results, there was absolutely no hesitation in anyone’s minds that Tania was the right person for the General Manager role.
Now, having increased the profit and sales made by the Gate-based venue from last year in a matter of months, Kevin says he has a sneaking suspicion as to where the successful turnaround has come from.
“Tania really galvanised the team. She has amazing leadership attributes and keeps delivering results. She’s built this team up with trust, developing others as she goes and has created an amazing workplace atmosphere – no one leaves Tania.
“When she takes such an interest in your development and improves your skills, I think anyone would be mad to leave.”
