Four new recruits have moved into the hospitality and catering industry to join the customer service team at a spa resort on the shores of Windermere.
Millie Stephenson from Kendal, Katie Oston from Burton-in-Kendal, Lora McKenzie from Windermere and Holly Kitchin from Lancaster make up the new team members working as spa co-ordinators at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa.
Holly studied at Lancaster and Morecambe College to attain her Level 2 qualification as Air cabin crew and has also trained as a Barista, having worked at Costa Coffee and in a range of customer service roles.
Katie has a BA Hons degree in Community, Social Work: Policy and Practice and was working in childcare at a local nursery before joining the spa. Lora joins the hotel team having completed her studies at Newcastle University.
Millie’s previous work experience has included working at festivals and events. This is her first role since finishing her studies at Manchester University.
The new starters have been joined by Kerry Park, Alex Salehi and Lucy Barron who have all made internal moves within the hotel to become spa co-ordinators and complete the team recruitment to meet the increasing demand for spa services at the hotel.
“I was looking for a new career move and when I saw the spa jobs advertised at English Lakes Hotels, I thought it would be exactly the right sort of challenge for me,” explains Katie.
"We’ve been given a wide range of training, from learning the ins and outs of the spa operations through to ways to enhance guest experiences, particularly on special occasions."
“During our first few weeks, we’ve also had the chance to work with different members of the team across the spa and the resort. That means there’s a lot of variety in the job. We’ve also received continued support from our management team as we develop in our new roles."
The spa co-ordinators act as facilitators between other members of the spa team and the wider hotel to ensure everyone knows the plan for the working day ahead and is prepared for the schedule. A natural affinity for engaging with customers and anticipating their needs is also a core skill for the team.
Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues adds: “Our spa co-ordinators are trained to look for every opportunity to add value to our customers’ stay with us and help make amazing memories for our guests."
“It requires flexibility and a range of skills, from reception duties, call answering and check-in through to accurate payment handling, food and beverage provision, maintaining supplies and upholding, promoting and selling our full range of spa services. We hope this is just the beginning of long and fruitful hospitality careers for the new starters.”