The entries are in, shortlist drawn and finally we can reveal some of the personalities competing for your vote in the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association Awards 2012.
This year the special employees, who go that extra mile, are going head-to-head for the YEP-backed Unsung Hero title.
These are the people who are not always seen, but help to make the multi-million pound industry the success it is in Leeds.
And you will get to choose who you think deserves to win by casting your vote by email.
When voting remember to put the full name of your chosen Unsung Hero in the subject bar of your email.
Voting closes at midnight on Thursday June 21.
1. Conference and events sales manager Danielle Hyam has been making quite an impression on her bosses at Weetwood Hall.
The 28-year-old has risen through the ranks to her current position and to all intents and purposes is fast becoming the public ‘face’ of the hotel, representing her company at various trade exhibitions and networking events.
2. “Dedicated” is the word to sum up Georgina Chapman, who regularly puts the guests at Royal Armouries at Clarence Dock, first.
The 24-year-old sales administrator has even spent the last couple of New Year Eve’s at her desk taking bookings, processing sales and organising seating plans until the very last.
3. Gareth Mason, guest service assistant at The Holiday Inn Express at Clarence Dock, not only works hard but knows how to lift morale.
The 29-year-old, who comes in on his day off to complete the monthly stock take, regularly stays late to help out colleagues who he treats with his homemade chocolates.
4. Newly appointed executive housekeeper Kate Hermanowska, 29, joined Radisson BLU at The Light in Leeds six years ago as a cleaner.
A “can do” attitude saw her take on more and more responsibility and she is credited for creating a loyal and unified housekeeping team.
5. Michael Cox, maintenance man at The Queens Hotel, is back after winning the Unsung Hero category last year.
Bosses have decided to nominate the 64-year-old again as their longest serving member of staff and ahead of his retirement later this year.
General manager Ivar Van Diepen said: “Whether it’s a popped light bulb or plumbing emergency, no job is too much trouble.”
6. Financial controller Rachel Smithson, of De Vere Oulton Hall, is a respected member of the team.
The 39-year-old is credited with “yielding visible and robust results”, regularly covering duty manager shifts, driving health and safety initiatives and taking a creative approach to guest services.
7. Amazing customer service and attention to detail from sales coordinator Danika Thomson, 23, has seen group reservations at Ibis increase by 88 per cent for the last two years. The 23-year-old “thinks out of the box” and “tailors offers and services to guests needs” to make sure she gets a sale, said manager Sarah Tomlinson.
8. No matter how tough the stain, no mark can get the better of Denise Marshall, housekeeping supervisor at Thorpe Park.
The 50-year-old loves to clean and is passionate about her job, said general manager Gordon Jackson, who added Denise starts early and finishes late and always works with a beaming smile.
9. She will not be known to every guest staying at Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club, but Sue Crossland, 59, is well loved by the golfers she feeds on their way round the 18 hole course. In fact members have credited her with transforming the facilities of the half way house, where she serves up hearty meals and is on hand with a first aid kit for any minor injuries.
10.Lamin Darboe, 39, is a commis chef at the Marriot, who came to Leeds from The Gambia. He is president of a charity helping people in his country, and saves up his annual leave in the UK so he can take one extended trip home each year to continue his work with the poor.
11. When most people’s working day draws to a close, night porter Paul Dawson starts his shift at Hilton Leeds. It means the 22-year-old is always there to lend a hand even when others are not. And his bosses say he is an exemplary member of staff.
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