Hotel Cateys 2017: Spa Professional of the Year winner, Leon Trayling, Principal Hotels

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Following the launch of the Principal Hotel Company in November 2016, Leon Trayling was promoted to group spa director from his previous role as spa director of Glasgow's Blythswood Square.

He continues to be based at Blythswood Square and is now expanding many of the successful initiatives he has created over the past seven years, including a bespoke spa brand, across the rest of the group, which comprises Principal and De Vere hotels.

What particularly impressed the judges was Trayling's commitment to establishing a stable, highly respected team with many members growing into managerial roles. For instance, the newly promoted spa manager at Blythswood Square previously worked in the hotel's reception and food and beverage department, while the treatments manager started as a therapist as part of the hotel's opening team. Out of a total of 44 members of staff in the Blythswood spa, 23 are therapists.

Trayling's nurturing approach towards his team has ensured that he has included team members in the refurbishment plans for the spa at Blythswood, which will include refocusing the outlet as an "ethical escape".

The focus on creating a harmonious and inspired team, who are empowered to proactively look after guests and resolve challenges, has resulted in the best customer service, which in turn has driven commercial success. The spa at Blthyswood has enjoyed year-on-year revenue growth since opening in 2010, with the latest annual turnover reaching £1.7m.

Through careful management, Trayling recognises the huge value that a spa can bring to a hotel's business and particularly encourages buy-in from the marketing and PR departments. Successful Blythswood promotions have included the Slip Shop Spa biannual shopping event, which attracts more than 100 guests into the hotel for mini treatments, Champagne and shopping.

Meanwhile, the Sparty concept encourages groups for exclusive use, and a highly successful Christmas voucher campaign drives in excess of £250,000 worth of sales during October, November and December.

Over the past year Trayling has used his spa experience and knowledge to identify opportunities for the wider business, including refurbishment plans for a number of properties that plan investment in their spas. He has also developed monthly performance capture sheets to monitor key drivers in the business and to benchmark with the wider industry.

In addition to his day job, Trayling has founded Ishga, a luxury organic seaweed skincare brand, is a member of the annual advisory board that supports the University of Derby in formulating its spa management degree, and is a speaker at industry events, where he promotes spa and wellness as a key part of the overall hotel offering.

What the judges said
"Leon is a great asset to the spa industry. He cares a great deal about his team and goes the extra mile to develop them."
Lucy Mingo

"Leon is an incredibly hard-working individual who is committed to his profession. His depth of knowledge and ability to develop and motivate his team is commendable."
Giovanna Grossi

"Leon is a real ambassador in the spa industry and the hospitality sector. He is a genuine team player who thrives on the success of others."
Liz Holmes

Shortlisted
Darren Dixon Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey
Helena Grzesk The Midland, Manchester
Leon Trayling Principal Hotels
Corinna Yap Como Metropolitan, London

Past winners
2016 Cathy Ball The Calcot Collection
2015 Lucy Mingo Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay, Cornwall
2014 Kerry Hudson Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire
2013 Anna Williams Stoke Park, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire
2012 Gemma Hulme Cottons Hotel & Spa, Knutsford, Cheshire
2011 Liz Holmes Rockliffe Hall, Darlington, County Durham
2010 Hannah Henley Donnington Valley, near Newbury, Berkshire
2009 Kerry Hole Stoke Park, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire
2008 Nicola Williams Birmingham Malmaison/ Hotel du Vin
2007 Nicki Kurran Hanbury Manor, Ware, Hertfordshire