Acorns 2019: Lee Melton, 28

Head of learning and development, the Coaching Inn Group

Nominator Chris Moores, head of HR, the Coaching Inn Group

Proudest moment "Receiving the 2018 BII National Innovation in Training Award, which recognised the learning and development culture I had established in the group."

Greatest inspiration "Our chief executive, Kevin Charity, has unlocked my potential and supported and guided me from when I started as a part-time waiter 12 years ago to today."

Why hospitality is a great career "Few industries can rival the fact that it's full of career opportunities and people ready to unlock your potential. It offers fun and challenging experiences every day and your career can go at a pace that is right for you."

Not only has Lee Melton been quick to seize his own personal development opportunities, he has also ensured others have reached their potential, too. For example, at the Coaching Inn Group he has been responsible for the development of 140 managers and has set strategies that mean a third of the estate
is run by home-grown talent.

His own progression is inspirational. He joined the company when he was 16 as a part-time waiter and worked up to duty manager and assistant manager. By 23, he was designate general manager with responsibility for 35 employees and £1.2m turnover, swiftly earning promotion to a property with a turnover of £2.5m.

His aptitude for employee development led to a group training role and he's carved out his current role from there. He's now responsible for the learning and development strategy across the group, which employs 640 people, and he has established a chef's academy, which cut the need for agency labour.

Melton has already attracted recognition for his work in promoting skills development through apprenticeships by representing the industry at the House of Commons for the 2018 National Apprenticeship Week. He is also working towards an award in education and training that will improve his ability to deliver lectures and masterclasses at local colleges.