Acorn Winner 2006: Jon Reed

Jon Reed
Age: 24
Position: Training co-ordinator, Learnpurple, London

Career to date… Holder of a 2:1 degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Anglia University, Reed worked at the coalface of the hospitality industry with Marriott before joining Learnpurple, initially in food and beverage at the Prowston Manor Hotel Golf and Country Club, then at the company's Waltham Abbey hotel as duty F&B manager, where he reduced staff turnover from 67% to 32% and achieved sales 15% over budget.

In 2004, he was the recipient of an Acorn Scholarship and, in the same year, he joined Learnpurple as training co-ordinator.

Why is he a winner? One of the key parts of Reed's current job is working with clients to develop training programmes for their staff. For instance, one of his projects was creating a management programme for Jury's Doyle Hotels UK and Ireland. This included coming up with a
34-day training structure, branding and review procedures.

In the year Reed has been in his job, he has also increased sales in his area by 233%, upped repeat bookings by 60% and secured business from more than 50 new client companies. In addition, he is a Springboard ambassador, has given presentations to schools and colleges, and has acted as mentor and role model to young and aspiring managers.

He has also been instrumental (through initiating and managing the Addmore programme) in accessing £1,000-worth each of Government funding for small and medium sized businesses to develop key staff.