L&A News — Page 21 of 43 — L&A Housekeeping Consultancy and Training

UKHA Olympics

On the 5th October 2012 at the Millennium Copthorne and Chelsea Football Club, the UKHA held their first Housekeeping Olympics competition. The day was a wonderful demonstration of excitement, competitiveness, enthusiasm and hard work from all who entered. The UKHA thanks all the athletes, the hotels, the sponsors and everyone who supported the first UKHA Olympic Challenge.

The winners are: Teresa Kwiatkowska, Jacky Butler, Kathrina Polido, Jamie Burke from Coworth Park Hotel! The runners up were from the Mandeville Hotel.

The UKHA also presented a “Rising Star” award, the award was presented by Adam Sargeant, General Manager of the Hospitality Guild. All Athletes were contenders for this lucrative prize and recognized by all the Judges and the winner was Alise Jurane from the Doubletree Hotel in Leeds. Congratulations to Alise! The quality and skills of the Athletes was outstanding. The  National & London & SE Chairman, Anne Britton said: ” We all know that our business successes begins and ends with the quality, commitment and aspirations of our teams and the job that they do. It was a pleasure to see our upcoming Housekeepers compete and realised our future is in good hands.”

For more information visit: http://www.ukha.co.uk

Coworth Park 1st - Mandeville 2nd - Dorchester 3rd

Coworth Park - the winners

Mandeville 2nd place

 

Bedmaking

Quiz Time

Toilet roll throwing contest

Vacuuming

Each team had to make something from 2 towels for the end of the bed - this is Coworth Park

In the stands - Chelsea football club

PEHN Christmas Party

The Professional Executive Housekeeper’s Network is  having a Formal Black Tie – Christmas Party on the 7th December at Seasons Botanic Gardens on St Kilda Road. RSVP by 23rd November @: pehn.aus@gmail.com or mfernandes@radisson.com
Dust your gowns ladies and bow ties and top hats if you like gentlemen. We are going to have a ball. It has been a while since we have dressed up for our Christmas Party this year we can start this old tradition again! We will have a prize for best dressed! Male and Female!
This is a yearly event where we can all let our hair down and enjoy a night of music, dancing and fun, to bid the present year goodbye and welcome the new year! Did I mention that this Party is loaded! with door prizes, in the past years we have had bed ensembles  hotel accommodations,  spa vouchers and hampers galore! Contributions are still always welcome, to add to the excitement on the night and reward the great work done by the housekeeping team and our friends.
I would like to thank the GM’s of hotels and suppliers in advance for your continuing support and generosity.
We encourage everyone to bring a friend or two member or not, the more the merrier!
See attached invitation for more information and please RSVP early.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to email Marian Stratford or call on 0411 590 136.

Interview with Anne Britton Executive Housekeeper – Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, London

Lycette & Associates’ director Liz Lycette spent the whole summer in the UK working on various Olympic Projects, during which time Liz was delighted to meet with the Executive Housekeeper at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower London – Anne Britton.  Anne is not only the Executive Housekeeper of a 220 room 5 star hotel; she is also the National Chairman and London & SE Chairman of the UK Housekeepers Association. Anne is an inspirational speaker, who frequently speaks on the importance of housekeeping, career progression and raising the skills required in the industry. She is an amazing ambassador for housekeeping. With all of this Anne is a difficult woman to get hold of and we are grateful she has taken time out of her busy schedule to meet with Liz.

What is your cultural background?

I am French, I moved to the UK when I was 19 and never left.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in the French countryside, in the mountains close to the border with Switzerland.

What was your career path to date?

I attended the Madame Cheval Hotel and finishing school/hotel school and was sent to the Sofitel in Paris as a trainee where I became a Housekeeping Floor Supervisor. As I needed to improve my English, I moved to Cambridge, UK and worked as a silver service waitress in a Restaurant.  After 1 ½ years, I met my husband. We married and we purchased a pub in Somerset near the Cheddar Gorge, which we managed for 3 years. I missed Hotel life so we returned to London where I started from the bottom as a Chambermaid at the 900 bedrooms Cumberland Hotel. I had 6 promotions in less than 5 years and ended up as Head Housekeeper at that property at the age of 25.  I then moved to the Chelsea Hotel, a 220 rooms 4 star property and was there as Executive Housekeeper for 7 years. My last move to my current property was 15 years ago in 1997. I am also currently President of the UK Housekeepers Association.

What was your first role as Executive Housekeeper?

I was Head Housekeeper at the Cumberland hotel when I was 25 years old.

What challenges did that bring?

Being so young it was hard to be taken seriously. Looking back it was harder than now, as I did not have the same level of maturity, experience and contacts.

What is your current position and Hotel? What are your current job responsibilities at your hotel?

I am Executive Housekeeper of the 220 room, 5 star Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in central London. I have from 60-100 staff and along with the usual responsibilities of an Executive Housekeeper I am responsible for negotiating all housekeeping contracts including night, agency, florist, drycleaner, laundry and showcases. I source items for the rooms or for our operation like the linen or uniforms. I am part of the refurbishment planning of the hotel. I have to ensure my team is properly trained. It is a Jumeirah requirement that we have a proper succession plan and that all managers have an individual development plan so all can grow. On several occasions it is my turn to be the senior Manager of the whole hotel over certain weekends. I have the responsibility over a very large budget.  I sometimes assist with the openings of our Jumeirah European hotels including the planning, review of mock up rooms and onsite work.

How many staff are you responsible for?

Up to 100 staff

What areas are you responsible for?

Rooms, Public areas, Linen room, uniforms, valet, showcases & general upkeep of the hotel.

What would your typical day be like?

There is no such thing as a typical day, every day is different. I usually start at 8.30am with emails and then the Management team meets at 9.00am. I may have a day of meetings with suppliers, presentations on refurbishments. I spend time working on cost control, sourcing new ideas, organizing the reparation and recovering of areas/furniture, recording and tracking all invoices, controlling and general supervision. I get called by UK or European Hotels for assistance or advice I meet with guests and of course I have a briefing with the team. I usually finish at 7.30 – 8.00pm. As Chairman of the UK Housekeepers Association I have work commitments with that too.

What are your top three challenges this week?

  1. Renegotiating every showcase contract, interviewing and finding new clients for the showcases. Doing a feasibility study on the construction of new ones.
  2. Review of the 2013 budget
  3. We are currently reviewing a change in legislation with regards to agency staff and I need to review how we will balance our manning in 2013 between temporary staff, permanent staff and agency staff.

How did you choose those managers under you?

My four most senior assistants have been with me for years. We focus on each person’s core strengths to ensure these combine well with each other. Personality is a key factor. We have a good team and for this reason we can ensure we develop and nurture each individual. We promote from within 80% of the time, the other 20% is hired from outside and bring with them new ideas and perspectives.

What criteria?

Their strengths, job skills, commitment and personalities are all important.

How do you deal with staff coming from different cultures?

I believe it is important to be aware of different cultures; I try not to have a majority of any one nationality. My team is not permitted to speak their mother tongue other than English in front of others. Everyone is well integrated and everyone is treated the same. Team spirit and training with a buddy ensure everyone is unified into our big family. The staff restaurant offers food from all over the globe; this educates us on all different culinary delights and promotes a motivating environment and hence reduces absenteeism.

How does pre-opening work compare with working in an existing property? What are the top challenges in an opening?

Being involved at the planning stage of a project is a big advantage. Ensuring there are sufficient funds in place at the start and getting involved in the mockup room important. Often I get called on to review plans before the hotel is constructed. It is vital that a Housekeeper approve plans at this stage to ensure the work flow and spaces are correct.  For example when I was involved in a project in Majorca, I spoke to many Housekeepers there and learnt essential information such as staff requiring summer and winter uniforms and the need for a refrigerated rubbish and recycling area at the loading dock because of the heat in summer. Consideration on how employees will commute was important and the ways that different levels of staff work together. When undertaking any project, I love reviewing plans and elevations. I also enjoy the travel aspect of experiencing new cultures, reviewing new spaces, new machines, equipment, technology and meeting new people with different ideas and perspectives.

What are your top 3 tips for success in Housekeeping Management?

  1. Know finance and be in charge of the financial workings of your Department
  2. Focus on what you need to achieve to reach the standards required.
  3. It is all about your team. Be flexible, treat everyone as an individual. Be fair and communicate as much as possible to each and every one.

If you had to do it all over again what would you do differently?

Not a lot.  You need to make mistakes to learn by them and grow.

Had I known, I would have developed my financial acumen faster, now knowing how important this is for a Housekeeper.

We, as Housekeepers often undervalue ourselves, now I spend time promoting our role. This has improved the awareness of our importance within the operation and has emphasised my own position within the hotel.

What advice would you give someone starting out in housekeeping?

  1. You need to have a strong personality and be able to stand up for yourself
  2. You need an eye for detail and a wide vision
  3. You need to be able to solve problems
  4. You need imagination
  5. You need to be able to think on the spot
  6. You need to be organized and focused.
  7. You need to be a motivator and act always fairly.
  8. Do not accept micro-management if you want to perform properly.
  9. You have to be flexible.

How about your personal life? How do you balance work and home life?

My daughter grew up with little support, on the positive side this made her stronger and more independent. I have an extremely supportive partner, someone who accepts all that I do.

What do you do for fun?

Horse riding, skiing, sailing and decorating. I love new ideas. I would rather spend my Sunday in a DIY shop than in a girly shop.

How do you think housekeeping management has changed since you started?

I feel the role has been downgraded over the years because Housekeepers have lost control of the finances of their Department. This is not the same for other Departments. Too many Housekeepers are promoted too quickly and there are not enough Professional Housekeepers to teach and train the next generation. Since Rooms Division Managers came into play, Housekeepers are lower paid and the role is less attractive creating a down ward spiral.

Where do you think it is heading?

Hotels are starting to realise they need the expertise of a good Housekeeper to achieve high standards, properly manage costs and save in the right areas of the operation without compromise. Websites like TripAdviser have increased the awareness of the importance of service and standards. Housekeeping is no longer a department that should be used to make savings. A bad reputation is very costly.

About Jumeirah Carton Tower

The 5 star Hotel has 220 rooms and diverse banqueting suites with a wonderful pool, gym, golf simulator and massage/therapy rooms. It is situated in the heart of Knightsbridge and is located within walking distance of Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores and the exclusive designer boutiques of Sloane Street. Jumeirah Carlton Tower was voted Europe’s Leading Business Hotel 2011 at the World Travel Awards; top three best hotels for service in the UK in the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2011 and 4th place for Best UK Business Hotel in the 2010 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards.

About Lycette & Associates

L&A specialises in all aspects of Housekeeping Management including on-site consulting, training and development workshops including assistance with initial set-up of housekeeping operations at the pre-opening stage. L&A also undertakes customised operational reviews of existing housekeeping operations identifying and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of current departmental procedures. For more information visit www.lycetteandassociates.com or e-mail info@lycetteandassociates.com

 

New committee for PEHN

The PEHN Annual General Meeting was held at William Angliss “The Bistro” on the 24th October 2012. The meeting  commenced at 5:00 pm sharp and finished with refreshments at 6:30p.m.  After the official reports and votes, the committee and attendees discussed other business such as how to attract housekeepers as members, the yearly events and venues for the coming Christmas party.  

The committee for 2012 – 2013:

  • President                          Marian Stratford (Bluestone Recruitment)
  • Vice President                  Margaret Fernandes (Radisson Hotel)
  • Treasurer                          Jocelyn Ng (Metwood)
  • Secretary                           Donna Musarrella (AHS)
  • Committee                        Lynabel Carreon (Clarion Suites Gateway)
  • Committee                        Meena Tamang (Cosmopolitan Hotel)
  • Committee                        Megan Johnston (Park Hyatt)
  • Committee                        Dorthe Jantzen (MCohn & Associates)

Calendar of Events planned for 2013

  • March – Supplier Function
  • May – Housekeeper’s Forum
  • July – Mini Trade Show (Supplier night)
  • September – International Housekeeper’s Week (Hotel Housekeeping Teams get together)
  • October – AGM/Charity Event
  • December – Christmas Party

If you have any ideas or suggestions for the coming years events please send us an email on pehn.aus@gmail.com  or visit our website www.pehn.org , you can also look us up at LinkedIn and Facebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PHAN Pink and Movember Morning Tea – 21 November 2012

PHAN invites members and non-members to join them at a magnificent Morning Tea to be held at their favourite “Pink” Cancer Supporters venue.  They have joined with Ziva before to support her in this worthy and popular cause.  PHAN is blending Pink and “Mo”vember events – cancer related health issues for men and women!

21 November 2012
9.00 to 11.30 am

High up on the 48th floor of the MLC Centre right in the heart of the city.  A wonderful feast, great speakers – and a good opportunity to network with colleagues from other properties and industries.   Please invite your male colleagues to come along and support this event.

  • Members $30 (PHAN will support their members by contributing $10 for each member attending)
  • Non members $35

Let PHAN know you are coming – and how many colleagues you will bring. Email public.officer@phan.org.au

 

 


 

Calendar of events for the Association of Executive Housekeepers (AGG) in Switzerland

The Association des Gouvernantes Generale (Swiss Housekeepers Association) presents the events for the coming months:

4 to 7 November – Gastronomia 2012
23 November – Assemblée Générale de l’association et Gala de fin d’année
Spring 2013 – Show room des Partenaires de l’AGG

SEQPHA Sofitel Gold Coast Xmas Breakfast

Only two months now until Christmas, SEQPHA is organising its last breakfast for the year late November.

All members and non members are invited to come along for breakfast at the Sofitel Gold Coast, Tuesday the 27th November at 7 am. Members $20 and Non Members $25

Please let Melissa Bent know if you can attend by the 12th of November. Email her on melissa@corporatedesigns.com.au or call 0466 915 341

Another L&A Housekeeping Development Course for Singapore with e2i

The 2nd 3 day workshop “Development Programme for Housekeeping Managers” was run in Singapore this month. Once again the workshop was sponsored by Government Agency e2i ( Employment and Employability Institute) and was held at their state of the art seminar room in Redhill. The 23 attendees from every level of Housekeeping Management and every kind of Housekeeping operation participated enthusiastically over the 3 days. The focus was again on Profit, People and Product the Housekeeping Managers left with tools and skills to further improve their Departments.

Singaporeans and permanent residents of Singapore were able to take advantage of the 50% funding offered by e2i making the 3 day workshop even greater value for money.

Further workshops are planned for 2013 including a new 2 day workshop on Project Management and Environmental Sustainability a follow on from the Development Programme for Housekeeping Managers

About e2i

An initiative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), supported by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), and the Singapore National Employers’ Federation (SNEF), e2i serves all segments of workers, from rank and file to professionals, managers and executives.  As THE market-place for workers, employers and training providers, e2i exists to create better jobs and better lives for workers. In 2010, they helped 40,000 workers through providing better jobs, developing better skills through professional development, and improving productivity for companies

Update from the Global Soap Project!

The Global Soup Project was founded in 2009, and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the Global Soap Project receives partially-used soap from over 1,000 hotels across North America, recycles it into new bars of soap, and distributes them to disaster victims, refugees, and children and mothers living in extreme poverty.  To-date, GSP has sent recycled soap, along with hygiene education, to thousands of people in 23 countries, and each week GSP produces 30,000 new bars of soap to go to people who need them most.
Sam Stephens, Executive Director of the Global Soap Project gives us an update on progress made to date!
As we head into a busy time of year, I want to share some of the exciting successes in 2012.
The Global Soap Project is growing.  Currently, we’re partnering with 1,000 hotels across North America to salvage their used soap.  With improved machinery and a handful of new, capable staff, we’re now producing 30,000 new bars of soap each week – a quantity that would have taken 10 weeks to produce last year! That’s 7,500 pounds of soap that would otherwise end up in landfills or water systems weekly.
Our impact for good has been growing, too.  So far in 2012, we’ve partnered with a host of respected relief and development organizations to send more than 300,000 new bars of soap to 11 countries.  This includes a partnership with the youth development group Salesian Missions to provide 5,000 children in orphanages in Haiti more than a year’s supply of new soap.  In addition, we’ve recently partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a project in Malawi to improve the health of pregnant women and their children by teaching them about proper hygiene and encouraging regular visits to their local clinics.
There are more exciting partnerships like these on the horizon, and we’ll need your help to make them a reality. Together, we’ll continue to make a difference – one bar of soap at a time!
For more information about the Global Soap Project visit www.globalsoap.org

L&A Housekeeping Development workshop held at Taylors University, Malaysia

3 days Development Programme for Malaysian Housekeepers through Taylor’s University. With the support of the Malaysian Association of Housekeepers (MAHIR) and the Malaysian Hotel Association housekeepers and university lecturers were able to attend from across the country. The participants coming from a range of hotels and institutions enthusiastically took part and all agreed their Assistants and Housekeepers Managers should do the same for the next training sessions scheduled for March 2013.

The Programme was subsidised by the Government with 100% of the fees claimable by participants making this training programme extremely affordable for all hotels. The 3 day development programme of finance for housekeeping, people management in housekeeping and quality control have given the participants the ability to put an action plans in place with many issues to be actioned and resolved in the future.

About Taylors University
Taylor’s University, at the brand new Lakeside Campus was launched in 2010 and has faculties in Architecture, Business and Communication,

Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts, Law and Medicine. There are over 12,000 students on campus with nearly 3000 in the hospitality and tourism faculty. The Continuing Professional Education hosted the workshop as part of its endeavours to provide ongoing training and opportunities to Malaysian Hotels. For more information visit: www.taylors.edu.my/en/university/schools/cpe