Leading UK catering and events company, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, has cause to celebrate as six members of staff across Scotland were recognised for their achievements and awarded Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scholarships.
Staff secured the scholarships as a result of their hard work and dedication to ensuring that all guests and delegates visiting high profile venues across the country, such as The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Hampden Park, were treated to the best possible experience. These scholarships will allow them to build on existing knowledge and bring new forms of innovation to the company.
Awarded an Early Years Management Scholarship, Nicola Mclaughlin, Commercial Assistant at Hampden Park will have the opportunity to enhance her management techniques and learn new skills. Meanwhile Roisin Sweeney, Sales and Events Coordinator at the National Stadium, secured the Social Media Scholarship and will be clicking into the online world, learning from industry experts from leading organisations including Google and Facebook.
Awardee of the bespoke Frank Mullen Scholarship, Georgia McKay (pictured), Sales Manager for Hamilton Park Racecourse, has been given the opportunity to tailor her scholarship to focus on training in operational events. The expertise gained as a result will enable her to further enhance the offering at the renowned racecourse.
Claire McGuire, Commercial Manager at the company’s South Queensferry headquarters will help drive Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events forward with an Innovation Scholarship. Learning all about international trends and the future of the industry, she’ll have the opportunity to look at how the global company can stay ahead of the curve.
The team at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh were awarded two scholarships, testament to the hard work and dedication of staff members. Bethany Morris, Senior Wedding Planner has secured the Sales and Business Development Scholarship, using hands-on training to develop her sales skills. Katrin Gufler, Senior Sales and Event Coordinator, was awarded the Supervisor Scholarship and will receive a comprehensive training programme in the latest management techniques.
Working across 50 venues, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events is known for encouraging the development of its staff to ensure that they, and in turn the company are fulfilling their potential.
David Trotter, Divisional Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland at Sodexo Sport and Leisure, said: “Sodexo is passionate about creating the best possible experience for guests and visitors at each and every venue, and we know that our staff members are at the heart of not only providing this, but also everything we do as a company.
“Encouraging staff to put themselves forward for recognised training schemes such as HIT Scotland not only builds their skills and encourages professional development but it also ensures that Sodexo can always provide the highest quality service to our clients and guests.”
Georgia McKay, Sales Manager at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “HIT Scotland is a well-respected organisation, which is known for enhancing recipients’ skills with the most up-to-date industry resources, personal development, and fresh ideas that they can bring back to their company.
“I’m ecstatic to have been awarded this scholarship, particularly given the huge volume of applicants from across Scotland. I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity to expand and grow my knowledge across the operational side of the company.”
HIT Scotland is a charity dedicated to helping fulfil the potential of those within the hospitality industry. Having awarded over 1,000 scholarships and 10,000 bursaries since its inception in 1994, HIT Scotland provides practical experience in some of the world’s top academic establishments.