Reading-based chief executive Alastair Storey of WSH – the parent company for leading catering and hospitality businesses BaxterStorey, Holroyd Howe, Caterlink, benugo and Portico – has been named the UK’s ‘Most Powerful Person in Hospitality’, knocking Jamie Oliver off the top spot, a position he had held for the past two years.Compiled by industry magazine The Caterer and Hotelkeeper, the list of the 100 most powerful people includes a diverse collection of personalities - from famous chefs to hoteliers, restaurateurs, contract caterers and pub operators. It recognises them as the most influential people, whose achievements have had the biggest impact upon the industry.
In 2011, Storey achieved 13th position in the list and in 2010 was ranked 21. Commenting on this year’s results, he said: “I’m delighted to receive such an accolade. I’m passionate about giving young people the opportunity and the skills to become the industry’s future hospitality stars and I feel honoured to be recognised for that commitment.”
Throughout 2012, Storey has demonstrated his commitment to inspiring a new generation to follow a career in hospitality. He became a patron for the Edge Hotel School – the UK's first full-time training hotel – and has helped to launch a new UK scholarship for front of house professionals called The Gold Service Scholarship.
A panel of industry experts and journalists judged all 100 candidates on the scale and scope of their operation, the power and influence they exert in the industry and the respect they command among their peers. They also determined whether they were shapers of policy, leaders in their field or an inspiration for the next generation.
In addition, the judges examined whether the candidates had a proven record of financial success and whether their reputation for innovation was setting standards that others wanted to copy. Longevity, and whether the candidates and their creations would stand the test of time, was also considered.
Westbury Street Holdings were presented with the Fast Riser award sponsored by Grant Thornton in the 2011 Thames Valley 250 - further information here
WSH’s support office is based in Thames Valley Park Drive in Reading.
Resources: WSH website
Perry Burton, managing partner of Grant Thornton's Thames Valley office presents Alastair Storey of WSH with the Thames Valley 250 Fast Riser Awards in 2011
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