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Luxury chain recognised for no redundancy policy
Tuesday, 02 Dec, 2009
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Luxury hotel group Red Carnation has been named best employer in hospitality and leisure at the 2009 Springboard Awards for Excellence.
The company impressed the judges with its refusal to make redundancies or lower prices, despite the economic downturn.
The group decided to use increased investment in staff training to deliver improved customer service and added value.
As a result the company increased revenue, exceeded food and beverage targets, and increased market share.
Red Carnation’s owners were praised for their "… 110% commitment … to support and invest in employees" noting that the company showed equal commitment to caring for customers and staff alike.
Katherine Cottrell, sector engagement manager for award sponsors Investors in People UK, said: “Despite the difficult economic conditions Red Carnation made a pledge to their staff of no redundancies, and through some innovative measures they were able to succeed.
“They continue to invest in the training and development of staff which allows them to promote from within, and provide an excellent service to their customers.
“Such investment means they have excellently trained staff, and can come out of the recession even stronger. We believe they are an inspiration to other businesses in hospitality."
Company managing director Jonathan Raggett, recently named Hotelier of the Year at the Catey annual hotel industry awards, said: "Instead of doing the easy thing, the company decided to do the right thing.
“It was tough, but everyone got behind the strategy and rose to the challenge – especially Liz McGivern, our director of human resources and training.
“I’m hugely proud to be leading such a great team and to be working for people who realise that you can’t offer the best service unless you invest in the best training – they genuinely value every individual, from the most loyal customer to the most junior member of staff."
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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