02 Oct MEET OUR NNBN AWARDS FINALISTS – Meet Marie Nickerson from the Holiday Inn Express Kettering
Our next feature in the build up to the NNBN Awards taking place at Kettering Park Hotel & Spa on Friday 6th October is Marie Nickerson, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express Kettering. Marie is a Finalist in the Special Recognition Award category kindly sponsored by Tresham College.
So what does Marie do at the Holiday Inn Express Kettering ?
“I am the General Manager of the hotel and have been since May 2010. I oversee the entire operation to administration on behalf of the owners GIG Hotels Limited.”
“I manage a team of 32 people in various roles and departments. I maintain all costs and service levels to ensure we offer the best product possible and part of our role within the business community is to work with other local businesses to drive revenue into the area.”
How do you add value to people you work with ?
“I would say my loyalty is my main value. This was my first General Manager position and I have learned a lot along the way. We have great support from IHG as a brand, and I now have this brand running through my veins.”
“I try to promote a happy and relaxed working environment, so people enjoy being here whether they are working or staying. Our staff retention is amazing – some employees have been here since the hotel opened in May 2009 and I would like to think the team see me as a team player especially when the chips are down. Having a great team around me helps of course!”
“I have seen the hotel undergo various changes – some good and some bad, but we have stood the test of time. It was my goal during COVID-19 to maintain all staff and not to make any redundancies just because it was the easy option. I am as loyal to my team as I am to the owners of the hotel.”
What do you enjoy the most about what you do ?
“I think I enjoy the madness! One day is never the same as any other. The guests have different needs, and keeping in touch with those, and also moving with the times it our key to success.”
“I love to see positive feedback about the hotel and the team, as this gives me an immense sense of pride. Of course, happy guests’ equal better business to then deliver excellent returns for the owners.”
What was the feeling like when you learned you were a Finalist at this year’s NNBN Awards ?
“Most people wouldn’t call me shy, but I didn’t really know what to say. I was surprised and a tad emotional, because it is always great to know you are appreciated and the things you do that are above and beyond are noticed by those around you.”
What are you mostly looking forward to at the NNBN Awards this year ?
“For us, the hotel being a finalist in another category. Awards like these are a real boost for the hotel.”
To learn more about the Holiday Inn Express Kettering, visit their website here.
