PROFILE

Hotel Consultancy needs improved marketing

Steve Welsh

I currently run my own Marketing, Print and Design business in Birmingham having spent the majority of my career in the Hotel and Catering Industry.

My first position in 1979, as Hall Porter at the 200-bedroom Centre Hotel in Birmingham ,

Age of 17, promoted to Receptionist. This is where I learnt the grass roots of the hotel industry,

After five years as a Receptionist I was invited to fill the position of Reservations Manager,This is where I was able to make a 'real' difference to the income of the hotel. Maximising on every reservation call, sales opportunity and PR possibility. I recruited a small team who within a short space of time became sales people, not order takers.

My next position was 'Front of House manager', this is where the fun really began, a large team, with all of the challenges associated with it. I remained in that position of over five years. During this time, as a team, we dramatically improved the profitability of the hotel by offering upgrades and staging promotions to encourage guests to spend in the Food and Beverage areas of the hotel.

By 1989 I had reached my goal, Sales Manager.