Acorn winners 2012 – Francesca Skeffington
Age 25
Position Senior events manager, Ampersand Events
Nominator Natalie Mainwaring
Proudest career moment The first thank you letter I received from one of the first jobs I ran. It was a realisation of the opportunities the industry holds and a fantastic taste of what was to come - becoming general manager at Haberdashers' Hall.
Greatest inspiration The satisfaction as a team when you have delivered something exceptional is amazing; topped off with a happy client makes it even more so.
Ambition I would love to have my own business one day, although in what particular area of hospitality I am not yet sure.
Francesca Skeffington rose in five years from student to general manager at one of London's 12 livery halls - and has recently made another leap to senior events manager.
Her first experience of working in events came while at Southampton University. On graduating, she launched her own events business. In 2009, she joined caterer Chester Boyd, now part of CH&Co, at Buckingham Palace garden parties supervising the diplomats' tent. She quickly progressed and in 2010 became the youngest general manager at Haberdashers' Hall, handling revenues in excess of £1.5m.
Earlier this year she was promoted to senior events manager at sister company Ampersand. Her central production unit runs events at iconic London venues such as Kensington Palace.