Langham bar manager wins Olive Barnett Award

22nd May 2008, 11:08am

Edward Viita from the five-star Langham Hotel in London has scooped this year’s Olive Barnett Award.

The lucky winner picked up a career grant of £1000 a year for the next three years, plus a place on the weeklong Lausanne Executive Education – Summer Programme at the famous Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland.

Entrants in this year's competition were asked to comment on climate change, the environment, going green and being a good employer – all points that are of interest to businesses and organisations.

Anne Pierce, Springboard's chief executive, commented on Edward's achievement: "He displayed the attributes of a rising star: enthusiasm, dedication, professionalism and ambition. Springboard will be following his career with interest."

Edward explained: "I'm only beginning to realise just how many opportunities and doors have been opened up to me with my win.

"Green issues are particularly trendy now, but I think it's important that all businesses audit themselves to see just how they are performing and where they can improve and reduce their impact on the environment. There needs to be an industry standard, and from that we can raise the bar and lead the way."

As of the 1 June, Edward will be promoted to the Bar Manager of the Artesian at The Langham. He has worked at the hotel for 18 months and is responsible for 13 members of staff.

Second place went to Sarah Ingram, operations manager at Holborn Bars, De Vere Venues, London, and following in third place was Simon Houston, general manager at BaxterStorey – BBC Scotland.

Weblink:

 http://www.springboarduk.org.uk/olive/

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