Work experience in a relevant industry sector is a key element of the Hospitality Diploma and in early March, four Hospitality Diploma students from George Green’s School, Tower Hamlets, went out on their two- week placements  with BaxterStorey, the in-house contract caterer at BlackRock, the global investment management company based in the City.

General manager, Christina Clegg, who took charge of the students during their fortnight was keen they should see all sides of the business. “I wanted the students to experience a range of jobs during their two weeks. I’ve told them that this is a profession where, once you have the basic tools of the trade, you can work anywhere in the world and transfer their skills to different industries.”

One student, Olamide Salau, has made such a good impression that she has been offered the chance to return during the summer for a paid work placement. “She was a bit quiet the first day or two but as soon as we put her on the deli service, it was like seeing a different person,” says Christina. “She has picked it up very quickly, she is good with customers and my staff love her.”

“I’ve been making lunches, dealing with customers, helping out and I love it. I don’t want to leave,” said a smiling Olamide. Fellow student, Amina Mohammed said "this was best experience of my life so far". Gemma Hornsey said, "Working in a real kitchen with real chefs was brilliant and I have no doubts now that want to be a chef!” Maria Mills commented, "If this is what work is like, I can't wait to leave college!"

An unqualified success! Great work experience that motivates the students to a career in the industry. Christina has some potential BaxterStorey recruits on her books!

THE BROOKWOOD PARTNERSHIP RECOGNISED IN THE   SUNDAY TIMES 100 BEST COMPANIES
TO WORK FOR 2010
SO GOOD THEY WON IT TWICE!

The Brookwood Partnership has been recognised by The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For 2010, the only food and service management company to have been listed.

Brookwood achieved 54th position in the list, which is up from 81st in their 2008 award. They believe this reflects the work they have invested on employee communication, especially with the introduction of Brookwood TV.
Brookwood was 24th in the category of wellbeing for all companies listed. Employees felt they were not stressed or under pressure. They also felt they had a good balance between their work and home life and that this had a positive effect on their health and performance.

Top marks were also achieved in relation to team spirit, having fun at work and feeling a sense of belonging to Brookwood. In turn, employees feel that, within their job, they can make a difference to the organisation. Employees take value and pride in working for Brookwood.

Brookwood scored very well within the leadership category, displaying that employees felt positively towards the Managing Partners, senior management and felt very positively towards the values and philosophies of Brookwood.
Brookwood ranked within the top 33 companies in the country in relation to management. Employees reported feeling supported, trusted and cared for by their immediate manager.

Very well done Brookwood!

To learn more about The Brookwood Partnership, click on their logo above.

Brookwood TV can be viewed on
http://www.brookwood-ptnrs.co.uk/

Well, despite the wind and the rain on Sunday, 28 February, Elior UK’s Team Leggit (Ruth Rigden, Gemma Hodson, Joanne Still, Tracey Fairclough, Jas Banwait, Andy Wood, Jonathan Bradford) put in a stonking performance to complete the Hotelympia 10k in fine form.

Strained ligaments and blisters aside, the team can proudly say that by the end of 28th February they had all finished!

A massive thank you to those of you that helped the Elior team raise a huge £1,038.01 to date for the Springboard, this year’s Elior charity.

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