QHotels puts people at the centre of its business

QHotels recently launched the first phase of its human development programme ñ an initiative that aims to put the companyís people at the centre of the business, treating them as internal customers.

Launched by Paul Brewer, QHotelsí director of human resources, the company is aiming to be at the forefront of the industry in terms of its far-sighted approach to staff training and development.

Paul Brewer said, ìWe really want to raise the bar where our people are concerned, rewarding long service, encouraging personal initiative and empowerment and simplifying assessment procedures.

ìIn particular, as a small company we want to give our people a real sense of ownership and responsibility, whilst enjoying the benefits of a strong team environment. We see the role of group personnel as very much a support service, focused on helping the hotelsÖthey are our customers.î

In time the new programme will concentrate on a number of areas, allowing personnel to attain external qualifications, and participate in an ideas scheme, where employees themselves champion and deliver their own ideas to fruition.

In addition to this programme, QHotels is looking to employ new general managers in its project management initiative. Two general managers joined the company recently ñ Joanne Barratt, now the general manager of Chesford Grange; and Mark Platt, who has just joined QHotels from the Holiday Inn Group.

Both these people were ëtalent spottedí by the company and have been given special project management roles, prior to their taking up positions within the individual hotels. Joanne has spent several months reviewing brand standards within the conference side of the business, ensuring the product and offering is of the highest quality, whilst Mark has just embarked on a special project to ensure house keeping excellence across the group. Both initiatives, once complete, will be rolled out within the chain.

ìThis is just one element of our human resource programme, but what it allows us to do with senior staff is familiarize them into the QHotels Way, prior to them becoming general mangers. They may not be in their official roles for a while, but giving them a specific project to undertake before they take over one of our hotels, really provides them with a great opportunity to prove themselves and add value to the group,î concluded Paul Brewer.