Acorn winners 2017: Bradley Shough

Nominated by Alex Robertson, general manager, Corus & Laura Ashley Hotels

Proudest moment “Being appointed to my first general manager role at age 27, driving a team to deliver exceptional guest service and leading the hotel to 35% increase in sales and net profit returns for the first time in 15 years within a 12-month period. The hotel is still profitable today and is considered one of the best wedding destinations in the West Midlands.”

Greatest inspiration “Working with talented hoteliers, coaching, guiding and supporting them and being by their side to congratulate them when they are successful. There is no greater inspiration for me than knowing I have played a part in someone else’s success. My partner is also a massive inspiration to me and a major source of moral support.”

Ambition “In the short term, I will be opening the first Laura Ashley Tea Room at the Regency Hotel in Solihull. Mid-to-long term, I would like to continue to develop within the industry as an area manager or operations director for an international group, being able to apply my skills and drive business all over the world.”

Bradley Shough started his career in hospitality as a waiter and now, at the age of 29, is a cluster general manager overseeing two hotels in the West Midlands and responsible for a turnover of around £4.5m, 177 bedrooms and 100 staff.

He joined Corus Hotels in January 2014 as operations manager of the Chace Hotel in Coventry. During his three-year tenure with the company he has made such a dramatic impact that he has risen to his current role.

He has turned two marginally loss-making hotels into profitable businesses in that three-year period, adding £450,000 to the bottom line of both properties. His success is down to excellent general management and increased guest feedback scores, which has resulted in an increase in weddings held at his two properties each year from 30 when he first took over to 100.