Hotel Cateys 2024: People Manager of the Year – Kirsten Price, the Belfry Hotel & Resort

Kirsten Price, head of people and culture at the Belfry hotel and resort in Sutton Coldfield, has been described by judges as the “driving force” behind an inclusive workplace.

Having started her career in the industry as a kitchen porter 25 years ago, Price has gone from strength to strength and now manages a five-strong team that oversees the employee experience for all staff at the hotel. After joining the Belfry in 2021, she has made a noticeable impact over the past three years, working tirelessly to lead wellbeing initiatives and nurture future leaders.

Staff development is key to Price’s method of leadership, and she is always keen to provide weekly feedback and enable people to put aside time to pursue their own projects. She also continuously upskills her team from an HR perspective by enrolling them into digital training courses on the online learning platform the Belfry Campus (200 courses are completed per month), external accreditations such as MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) trainer qualifications and HR networking opportunities. The LEAD programme for future leaders was also launched by Price, who organises online and face-to-face training for 89 managers.

As a result of these multifaceted initiatives, Price has personally mentored eight heads of department and supported three of the executive team towards their promotions to general manager, F&B director and chief engineer.

She also aims to ensure that commitment to people culture trickles down to all levels of the Belfry, through consistent listening forums, annual employee engagement surveys and recognition events. Partnerships with organisations such as the Burnt Chef Project support mental health awareness, while the Belfry also provides a wide-ranging benefits package, including resort discounts, 24/7 GP services, social clubs and financial advice. Since these were introduced, the Belfry’s turnover has almost halved.

Her commitments reach beyond the Belfry, too, whether that involves hosting 300 work experience opportunities through partnerships with schools, charities, universities and colleges, or supporting over 120 local school children for career insights through a Springboard Takeover Day. She also organises job fairs and placements at BMET College and UCB, as well as promoting the industry through the Hospitality Taskforce.

With the Belfry already having received recognition in various people awards, including being named in The Caterer’s Top 30 Best Places to Work 2024, it is surely time for Price to have her share of the limelight. As judge Sean Wheeler put it, she is “clearly a strong leader and one to watch”.

What the judges said

“Kirsten is in the flow right now! She is the driving force at the Belfry and clearly dynamically influences the business and people around her.  With pleasure we have credited her and recognised her for all she has achieved.”

Liz McGivern

“What impressed me most is her drive, determination and setting high standards within her team and the business resulting in an inclusive workplace who respond and deliver.”

Martin MacPhail