Success Stories
Thomas Batty
Assistant Manager at the Inn on the Lake
I’ve spent my whole career with Lake District Hotels, following in my mum’s footsteps, as she worked at the George hotel in Penrith from when I was a young boy. When I was fifteen I joined the LDH group as a waiter and worked in the restaurant at the George Hotel. I also selected my options for sixth form and took an A-level in hospitality and tourism management basing a lot of my studying on the work I was doing with the LDH group.
When taking annual leave I volunteered my time to learn the reservations system in the Central Reservations department in the LDH head office. I also volunteered in every department of the hotel, covering staff holidays and days off which meant I had the chance to gain experience in most sectors of the business.
I went on to study Business Management at Kendal College, and linked this to my move to the Inn on the Lake where I joined the reception team. It was really exciting to join the hotel during the busiest time of the year with all the visitors and many weddings happening throughout the summer. I quickly learnt the systems and went on to become the Reception Manager. Two years ago LDH invested in me to complete my level four in Hospitality Management and placed me on their management training scheme.
Over the years I have jumped at every opportunity to cover shifts in all departments across the group of hotels and I’ve learnt as much as possible – I love it! I am honoured to say that at 23 years old, having been trained by very inspiring managers across the group, that I am now one of the assistant Managers at the Inn on the Lake hotel which in my opinion is the jewel in the LDH crown. My new aim is to be my General Manager’s natural successor in years to come and continue to provide our guests with the outstanding service that they have come to know and I look forward to welcoming them back for years to come.
Connor Morrison
Assistant Manager at the Kings Arms Hotel
I joined Lake District Hotels in April 2014 and started as a bartender working in the Kings Arms. As time has progressed I have worked my way up to assistant manager and I’ve found that Lake District Hotels take pride in training and progressing staff in every department, with multiple courses and training available to everyone right throughout their employment.
I am very ambitious and would like to progress in my career as much as possible, which I feel I am achieving with LDH. The company has paid for me to do several courses which has benefited my career, such as BIABB cellar management course, fire warden course and personal license, and the training doesn’t stop there. The company also train us internally with their online training modulator know as ‘Flow’. This online training scheme has benefited many people in their job role by giving them additional information to improve themselves with new techniques and methods. I have also been able to complete my Level 2 in Hospitality and I am currently working towards my Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership.
I also have a hand in training the staff at the Kings Arms Hotel, which is part of my job role as assistant manager. When I was promoted from bar manager to assistant manager I was looking for someone to fill my old position. I am happy to say that I didn’t have to look far as I was very happy with the progression of one of my bar staff, Dymitr, who showed a great interest in the bar, and with previous training from me I felt he was confident enough and capable of managing the bar. After a short period of time, Dymitr has earned his new title of bar supervisor and is still increasing his repertoire of skills.
Our company gives us the opportunity for great career progression. We are one of seven hotels in the group and we want all of our staff members to go on to be the best they can be, which is a favourite saying from our General Manager, Garry Price, who has taught me a lot in my 4 years of working here. There is a really friendly working environment throughout the company and they are always looking for passionate staff to join the great team.