Acorn winners 2017: Becky Nowell

Group sales and revenue manager, Philema Hospitality Management

Nominated by Laura Cameron, director, Philema Hospitality Management

Proudest moment "Being a part of the team that opened and launched Gaia Spa, set within the grounds of Boringdon Hall hotel in Devon."

Greatest inspiration "My parents, who have provided me with support and taught me a strong work ethic from an early age."

Ambition "Long term, my goal has always been to have my own business within the hospitality sector, but in the meantime I am driven to continue to learn and grow and be the best I can be."

Becky Nowell's progression has been a testament to her dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism and work ethic. During her time with Philema Hospitality Management she has managed to increase all key performance indicators, including sales, revenue per available room (revpar) and commission.

After starting as a receptionist at the Esplanade hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, she progressed to reception manager and a year later was promoted to general manager. She held general manager positions at the Fistral Beach hotel in Newquay and Boringdon Hall before being promoted to her current role of group sales and revenue manager, in charge of a team of 20 and responsible for group sales of £10.2m. The position was created especially for her due to the strengths she was able to bring to this area throughout the company, and she has overseen a sales increase of 47% and room sales by 38%.

In her first year in the role all hotels saw revpar increases, including a 19% rises at Fistral Beach, and she has also been able to reduce the amount of commission paid to third-party companies by 3% across all three properties.

Outside her day job she also works with Plymouth University to promote sales and revenue positions in hospitality, and she attends UKinbound events to promote Cornwall and Devon to the rest of the world.