Acorn winners 2016: Charlotte Davis, 29

The one thing Charlotte Davis is not afraid of is change. Within a year of working as an assistant beauty therapist at Slaley Hall hotel spa in Northumberland, she realised that what really excited her was sales. Fortunately, her general manager at the time was supportive enough to let her make the switch.

Thanks to her natural drive and ambition, within two years Davis had been appointed sales office manager at the then De Vere-owned hotel. In 2013 Davis's ambition to be a revenue manager was fulfilled when she was offered the role at Holiday Inn Doncaster.

Total hotel revenue has risen from £2.8m in 2013 to more than £3.3m. Rooms revenue has increased by £300,000, with revpar lifting by £7.55 to £37.57. And in the tough local marketplace, vibrant STR Competitor Performance from 2013 to 2015 has pushed the hotel into second place. Davis is clearly an inspirational manager.

Davis has also made time to nurture the career interests of children. Initiatives include presenting the Holiday Inn Doncaster Student of the Year Industry Ready Award at Doncaster College for three years running, as well as inspiring students with presentations on revenue management as a career. She has also given personal development coaching to colleagues.