Stephanie Wolstenholme, Reception Manager at Rockliffe Hall, won the Shooting Star Award at the North East Hotels Association Excellence Awards 2017 last night, with two additional team members being named as finalists.
The five star hotel, golf and spa resort, near Hurworth in County Durham, had several team members shortlisted for various awards. Steph, 22, from Newton Aycliffe, scooped ‘Shooting Star’ while Gemma Pott, the hotel’s Business Development Manager, was a finalist in the Sales Excellence category and Richard Allen, Executive Chef in The Orangery, was finalist in the Inspirational Leader section.
The winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony at the The Boiler Shop in Newcastle on Thursday 11th May.
The NEHA Excellence Awards actively seek out the best individuals in each hotel and recognises them for their outstanding achievements, exceptional service and professionalism. Its ethos is to reward hard work and ensure recognition is given to those who show real future potential and whose positive attitude makes a real difference to the visitor experience.
Steph joined Rockliffe Hall 5 years ago as a part-time receptionist whilst at sixth form college and she hasn’t looked back. She took on a full time job in the resort’s reservations office, was next promoted to Reception Supervisor and then her current role of Reception Manager. Alongside working, Steph also studied a Hospitality Management degree at Teesside University and achieved a First Class Honours.
She says: “I was honoured to be nominated for this award and couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d been short-listed for the finals. So to win the category last night was a big shock, I’m absolutely thrilled. It means so much to be recognised for the hard work I’ve put in over the last 5 years.”