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www.thecaterer.com Flexibility is key for women in hospitality
Achieving a satisfying career shouldn’t come at the expense of your personal life, and doing so is becoming easier, says Laura Cherrington
A
s the third-largest private sector in the UK, hospitality and tourism has seen a rise in women entering the
industry in recent years and they currently make up around 53.7% of the workforce, according to the latest research. While this is a positive improvement,
there are still areas that require attention to ensure women feel they can strive for lead- ership roles. With this year’s International Women’s Day themed around ‘inspiring inclusion’, it is important to look at the hospitality industry as a whole, and how it has developed over the years to encourage women to aim high. As the proud director of sales and mar-
keting at Billesley Manor hotel in Strat- ford-Upon-Avon, I have experienced many of the same challenges (and successes) other women in similar positions have faced to get to where they are today. Despite an aspiration to pursue acting at
an early age, I found myself drawn to the industry with my first role as a receptionist, before quickly rising to supervisor. Follow- ing the arrival of my first daughter, I swiftly returned to hospitality where I explored a reservationist role before finding my love for weddings and events. It was in orches- trating couples’ dream days that I found joy – there’s something magical about being part of such a significant moment in peo- ple’s lives. After being a wedding co-ordi- nator for many years, I then took another break to have my second child. Again returning to hospitality, I was
given the opportunity to work as a sales manager, where I played a key role in help-
“Balancing the responsibilities of leadership with those of a wife and mother has taught me resilience and strength that I never knew I possessed”
ing the hotel I worked with at the time to win ‘Hotel of the Year’ in 2018. This was a huge achievement that I wouldn’t have gained without the opportunities provided by the industry. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven
by a desire to be proactive and to build and nurture relationships. The progression opportunities in this industry are endless, rewarding those who dare to climb the lad- der and gain knowledge along the way. For me, the continuous growth opportunities have been both fulfilling and rewarding. In my role as a leader, I thrive on the dynamic nature of each day and diverse challenges it brings. As a natural people person, the opportunity to connect with colleagues, clients and guests fuels my pas- sion for leadership. Despite this, being a female business
leader in hospitality hasn’t been without its challenges. While my immediate peers are predominantly women, achieving fair pay and recognition has been an ongoing jour- ney. However, I find solace in my achieve- ments, relying on the facts and figures to reaffirm my worth in a male leadership- dominated industry. Balancing the respon- sibilities of leadership with those of a wife and mother has taught me resilience and strength that I never knew I possessed. When I reflect on the inclusivity of the industry when I first joined, I can’t help but acknowledge the progress we’ve made. While there’s still work to be done, the pres- ence of more female general managers is a testament to that change. Yet, as long as gender equality remains a topic of discus- sion, there’s always room for improvement. To any woman considering a career in hospitality, I offer this advice: set your goals high and break them down into achiev- able steps. The flexibility of this industry allows you to pursue your ambitions while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. And for those striving for leadership positions, remember to earn respect through hard work and dedication – never shy away from getting your hands dirty. As the industry marks International
Women’s Day, I’m reminded of the count- less women who paved the way for me and the responsibility I bear to inspire those who will follow. Together, we’ll continue to chal- lenge norms, break barriers and carve out a future where women in hospitality thrive.
Laura Cherrington is the director of sales and marketing at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa
16 | The Caterer | 8 March 2024
www.thecaterer.com
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