I started working in the Hospitality industry 35 years ago and I have been managing and running hotels and restaurants in London over the last 20 years.
What are some of your driving values?
Share my experience and knowledge with younger talents and professionals, and help them grow.
You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?
I am passionate about giving something back to the community and connect with charities with a full hands-on approach. I want to inspire my team and peers so they can see the true meaning of helping others.
Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?
Injustice. Sadly, far too many people don’t have a roof to sleep under, or are victims of child poverty, or do not have access to education. These are severe issues in our society which we see them every day in our lives.
How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?
I always wanted to do something for the community and give something back. However, I am not a good runner nor am I a swimmer so I would embarrassingly fail at marathons and you wouldn’t see me crossing the channel swimming. So the CEO Sleepout charity event sounded the perfect match for me! I must admit sleeping outdoors on cold concrete in freezing temperatures is not an easy task, but the experience is incredibly rewarding.
What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?
We gather every Friday at the Strand (Agar Street) to distribute warm meals, drinks and other essential food items, as well as clothes and sleeping bags, to those living in very straitened circumstances. In addition to this, our talented chefs at Ormer at Flemings Mayfair prepare and cook over 50 warm meals every Wednesday to be distributed to families in real need across the streets of London. These are collected via charity bike project led by Charity Begins at Homes and over the last two years, more than 8000 meals have been distributed to the homeless.
Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:
Motivate others. Leaders with Purpose is a great description of someone with a vision to make a positive impact in our society.
How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?
To get involved in supporting charities and contribute to your local community.
Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?
Make people better, inspire them and develop them as they go. In Hospitality, we care about our guests; and it is also equally important to take care of our staff as well as the local community.
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