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Imago

27 Jun 2010

IMAGO’S RISING STAR MOVES UP THE RANKS

Keith Barber has been appointed as the new Operations Manager for The Link Hotel in Loughborough, which offers quality accommodation on a budget. Multi-award winning conferencing and hospitality brand imago, acquired The Link at the start of 2010 and Keith is now working to refresh the look of the hotel.

Keith has developed an impressive CV with imago since starting as a kitchen porter in 1997. Through the opportunities and support available at imago, this shining star has risen up the ranks to become the overall Operations Manager for three imago venues, including exhibition and conference centre Holywell Park, the café based at Loughborough University’s SportPark and now The Link Hotel. Keith made his mark at imago as the driving force behind the extensive refurbishment of Holywell Park, whilst leading an ever growing team of staff. Keith is now looking to apply the imago ethos of quality and service to The Link (previously known as The Compass Hotel), which is on track to be completely refurbished by the end of 2010.

Keith added: “imago has a fantastic staff culture, so there’s always been another level for me to aim for and enough freedom to apply my own vision. I share imago’s belief that employees are the key to a successful business and developing a strong team has been the key to the continued success of all the venues I oversee. It’s important to be customer facing and although I am now working across three different locations, the majority of my time is spent with guests, acting as a single contact for any enquiries. I often work in the public lobby so that I am constantly visible to both customers and colleagues.

“Working with The Link is a really exciting opportunity especially I always wanted to work in the 24/7 residential market. The whole team is now eagerly watching the new look hotel take shape before our eyes and looking forward to being able to offer the customers more in the way of value and service.”

Keith’s appointment not only charts his personal success but imago’s belief that supporting and promoting staff internally equals better customer service. This ethos certainly seems to be having a positive effect with imago winning Gold at the national final of the Enjoy England Awards of Excellence 2010 in the Access for All category and Holywell Park becoming one of only 17 venues to be awarded the Venue Verdict Gold Standard for customer service, under Keith’s management.

imago has taken home a record six titles within the first six months of 2010. In addition to the above, imago has also won Gold for Excellent Social Responsibility at the Hotel Excellence Awards 2010, Gold for Best UK Conference Centre and Silver for Best Conference and Banqueting Staff at the 2010 M&IT Awards and been a winner in the Sales and Marketing Category at the Leicestershire Business Awards 2010.

imago is based on the campus of Loughborough University and located one mile from junction 23 of the M1, eight miles from Nottingham East Midlands International Airport and three miles from Loughborough mainline station. For more information on The Link or to make a booking visit www.linkhotelloughborough.com, call 0845 036 4624 or follow @imagolboro on twitter.

ENDS
For further information please contact Nicola Weston or Rose Kilby at Willoughby PR on 0115 924 7132 or email rosek@willoughby-pr.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
About imago:
Launched in 2003, imago based at Loughborough University in Leicestershire offers outstanding meeting and conference venues, four star accommodations and catering and the UK's most extensive sport and leisure facilities. imago is comprised of three award winning locations:
• imago at Burleigh Court - A first-class international conference centre
• imago at Holywell Park - A versatile day conference centre
• imago at Loughborough - Loughborough University's extensive conference and sports facilities
• imago at The Link – Quality accommodation consisting of 94 comfortable ensuite bedrooms, including lounge bar, dining and banqueting facilities

imago is located one mile from junction 23 of the M1, eight miles from Nottingham East Midlands International Airport and three miles from Loughborough mainline station.