Acorn winner 2007: Laura Millar

Age: 29
Position: Marketing manager, Ego Restaurants, Chester

Career to date

Millar started working for Ego at one of its sites in Chester, where between 1997 and 2000 she progressed from part-time waitress to assistant manager. Upon graduating from university, she was offered a head-office role as business support manager for the whole group in 2001, incorporating areas such as brand building, menus and new openings. Two years later she progressed to her current role of marketing manager with responsibility for all marketing, advertising and PR for the group.

Why is she a winner?

Millar is no stranger to success, having represented England at both gymnastics and hockey. At Ego her experience of working in every facet of the business over the past 10 years has made her an invaluable asset to the group.

Since gaining a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing and taking on the marketing manager's role, she has made a massive impact and been instrumental in the continued growth of the Ego group. Although nominally a marketing manager, her actual remit is much wider, taking in aspects of various other areas, such as training, recruitment and events management.

Millar's commitment, drive and sheer stamina are second to none. After recently giving birth to a baby girl she was back in the kitchen within three weeks to keep an eye on things and was voluntarily working from home while on maternity leave. She also finds time to host regular junior chef schools to teach children about the importance of eating healthily and using good-quality ingredients and attends many industry networking events in her spare time.