Neil Wornham

19 September 2002 by
Neil Wornham

Name: Neil Wornham<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /?>

Date of birth: 5 September 1968

Job title: Managing director, Porters English Restaurant and Porters Bars

Location: Covent Garden, London

First job in hospitality? A Saturday job washing dishes at the Pump Room in Bath.

How did you get from there to your current job? Having enjoyed the atmosphere and teamwork in a professionally managed restaurant I decided that perhaps I could make a career in catering. Milburns, who still operate the Pump Room, took me on as a trainee manager. After a couple of years working through all the departments, I accepted promotion to deputy banqueting manager, which in turn lead to the manager's post. In 1990 I joined Stakis Hotels as banqueting manager in Wokingham, where I worked for two years. Unfortunately Stakis were in a bit of a financial crisis, so I decided that I should find a more secure future with a company that didn't have a large debt hanging over them. I moved to Porters English Restaurant as they were looking for a deputy manager. In 1995 I was promoted to my current position.

What are your main responsibilities? Pretty much everything that is involved in running a successful restaurant and two bars. From financial controls and profitability to ensuring that our staff are well trained and our customers enjoy themselves and keep coming back.

What do you most enjoy about your job? I could listen to satisfied customers singing our praises forever.

What do you dislike about the job? Circumstances beyond my control, for instance, tube workers who continually turn to strike action to try to resolve their issues of the day, causing central London businesses financial disaster. We lose as much as 65% of our turnover on these days.

What attributes do you need to do your job? Tenacity and organisation.

What would be your next move? My future is very much at Porters. We plan to continue our expansion of the bars.

What would be your ultimate career move? Manager of Porters, Lombok branch.

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