Acorns 2018: Gillian Duthie, cluster general manager, Jurys Inn, Edinburgh

Cluster general manager, Jurys Inn, Edinburgh

Nominator Samantha Shepherd, head of HR

Proudest moment "Being awarded the Master Innholder scholarship to attend the general manager programme at Cornell in January 2018. It exposed me to outstanding hospitality professionals at an Ivy League institution."

Biggest inspiration "Both my parents encouraged me to believe I can do anything if I put my mind to it, and I use this with my teams to nurture a strong, target-driven environment."

Ambition "To be managing director of a hotel chain one day. My other goal is to share my knowledge and show people what a fantastic and rewarding career choice hospitality can be."

After joining Jurys Inn as a graduate in 2010, Gillian Duthie worked in several roles across the portfolio, driving consistent results in improved customer service scores and positive EBITDA conversions month-on-month. Her obvious potential vaulted her onto the company's management training programme, which she completed in August 2016, becoming interim general manager at Jurys Inn Sheffield. By the following April, she had been promoted to take the helm at the Edinburgh hotel.

Last year, Duthie and her team delivered a 96% occupancy level, achieved £9 year-on-year growth in average daily rate, 50% EBITDA at year-end and £600,000 over budgeted sales.

What makes Duthie a great manager is that she goes the extra mile to develop others, getting involved in programmes and acting as an ambassador and mentor. She uses her free time to visit schools and universities, offering students work placements and inspiring younger people to consider hospitality as a career.

Her professional development has reached a high point, having been awarded the Master Innholders' scholarship for the prestigious general manager programme at Cornell, New York, this year.

Edward Gallier, head of learning and development, says: "We expect her to continue to develop as the company grows. If a leader has followers, Gillian has an army of them in her hotel team and in the peers she is always happy to support and share learning experiences with."