Hotel Cateys 2021: Outstanding Contribution Award: Peter Hancock

Conference chair, award ceremony host, qualified toastmaster, professional after-dinner speaker, “reasonably priced raconteur”, long-time columnist for The Caterer and the “voice of God” at the Cateys and elsewhere – this year’s Outstanding Contribution Award simply had to go to outgoing Pride of Britain Hotels chief executive Peter Hancock.

Hancock has spent more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, including 21 years as chief executive of Pride of Britain Hotels. He started his career as a waiter in 1977 at the Roman Way Hotel and Country Club, working his way up to  become general manager of the 20-bedroom property aged just 21. He went on to hold the same role at Newtown House hotel and Hallidays restaurant in Hampshire.

From 1988 to 2000 he worked for guide publisher Johansens, becoming a director of the company in 1996. He joined Pride of Britain in 2000, taking over the management of the consortium of 50 independent luxury hotels on the retirement of Michael Yeo. During the course of his long tenure, he has seen the group grow in size and stature, even though having what is essentially 50 bosses can’t have been a walk in the park.

“He’s been just so fabulous keeping it so buoyant and so positive, so cohesive. He’s just been genius at that. He has shaped that role, he’s a natural diplomat,” says Pride of Britain Hotels chair Sue Williams, general manager of member hotel Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. “I can’t think of anybody else of his ilk in our industry. We’ve been very fortunate to have had him on board for so long. He really has built the brand up to be so highly regarded.”

Consultant Liz Smith-Mills says Hancock has been a “champion” for housekeeping and “instrumental” in organising housekeeping forums for the Pride of Britain consortium, creating an opportunity for housekeepers from properties all across the group to exchange ideas for best practice.

And, of course, he was integral in supporting the group’s members during the pandemic. One of his many initiatives included launching a well-judged ‘Ready When You Are’ marketing campaign last summer to encourage guests back into hotels.

His support and involvement in the industry has extended far beyond his day job. He is a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, the Tourism Society, Hospa, and the Academy of Food & Wine Service. He is also an honorary Master Innholder and St Julian Scholar, and an ambassador for the Gold Service Scholarship young hospitality professionals competition.

“There isn’t a single industry initiative that he hasn’t had an involvement in or helped and supported, and so much of it, certainly in the early years, he provided on a complimentary basis,” adds Williams.

This month sees him step down from the role he has held for more than 20 years, but as is so often the case in our industry, retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from the sector altogether. Hancock plans to do more speaking and event hosting, continuing his involvement with various industry bodies, plus plenty of time for golf and for family – particularly with his one-year-old granddaughter.

Past winners

2019 Sean Wheeler

2018 Jonathan Slater, Oddfellows Hotels

2017 David Morgan-Hewitt, the Goring, London

2016 Robin Sheppard, Bespoke Hotels

2015 Philip Newman-Hall, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire

2014 Robin Hutson, Lime Wood Group and Home Grown Hotels

2013 Patrick Dempsey, Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants

2012 Paul Gayler, the Lanesborough, London

2011 Gordon Campbell Gray, Campbell Gray Hotels

2010 Alan Parker, Whitbread

2009 Willy Bauer, AB Hotels

2008 John Williams, the Ritz London

2007 Grant Hearn, Travelodge