Get to know our Hotel Manager Peter Bartlett

So Peter, how long have you been in the hospitality industry?

I have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years in a variety of roles and I am now thoroughly enjoying my life at Nottingham Venues. I have mainly worked in the UK, in London and across the Midlands, but also spent time in the US and France at the start of my career.

How did you get started in the industry?

Like many people in our industry, I started by studying at college. I spent two years achieving my BTEC and then went to Norwich City Hotel School to complete my HND.

When I graduated, I went to London and worked for Stakis St. Ermins which was then bought out by Hilton. In many ways my career has gone full circle. After working at various other groups, including Marriot and Queens Moat House Hotels and a 10-year sabbatical into outsourced housekeeping, I then joined the team at Stoke on Trent Best Western. Here I oversaw a £7 million refurbishment and re-branding to Double Tree by Hilton during the pandemic before I joined the great team at Nottingham Venues.

Have you been to any exotic/interesting places during your career?

Whilst I was studying for my HND I spent 9 months in America working at an upmarket beach resort in Long Island. I also spent 6 months working at a Michelin Star restaurant in France too which was eye opening and exciting.

What do you like most about working in the hospitality industry?

I love the vibrancy of it. It sounds like a cliché but every day is different and I love working with people from a range of backgrounds, both in terms of the clients and our staff team. It keeps every day interesting, and I am not sat behind my desk from 9-5.

I also like the fact that you can see the impact of strategic decision making very quickly compared to other industries. For example, investments in staff training or refurbishments can deliver an almost instant positive impact on customer satisfaction.

What excites you most about your new role with Nottingham Venues?

Overall, the opportunity presented by The Orchard Hotel, EMCC, and other venues within the Nottingham Venues brand is immense. We have a fabulous team and a significant potential to become a prominent player in the conferencing, meetings, and events industry, across the UK. We are actively working to increase our market share change and increase awareness of our offerings. As an established business, I am excited to continue contributing to its growth and help elevate it to new heights.

I appreciate Nottingham Venues structure of the business as it allows for a relatively flat hierarchy. This means that the team can contribute to decision making processes at all levels within the company.  Additionally, my colleagues value the feedback received from our engagement surveys, which provides everyone with the chance to shape the direction of the business. This aspect of our work is truly fulfilling.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone starting their career within hospitality?

Remain committed to your goals and have faith in your ability to accomplish them. The hospitality industry offers a worldwide range of opportunities and different paths so don’t be discouraged if one company doesn’t work out. Stay true to your aspirations and seek out and organisation and a mentor that can help you achieve them.

Also, always remember that the customer is the focus of everything. If you can ensure that customers are happy and come back, then that is more than half the battle won!

What is your biggest lesson learned?

90% of the time, your gut instinct is correct, but you must have the commitment to follow through. Seeing a challenge or opportunity is one thing, doing something about it, whilst taking the team with you is real leadership.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

I love to play golf as much as I can, but I also love spending time with my family.

What are you most proud of?

That would have to be my family!