Partner Article

ABC Event Preview: Raoul Lemmerling

In this series of articles, we are looking to provide an insight into some of Asian Business Connexions partner organisations.

Name: Raoul Lemmerling

Organisation: Newcastle Gateshead Marriott Hotel MetroCentre

How did you become involved with Asian Business Connexions? One of our Managers is a member and currently attends ABC meetings. She recommended the hotel becoming a member and we are now honoured to have this great opportunity to host the ABC Annual Dinner.

What has Asian Business Connexions membership/involvement brought to your business?
We are a new member and see this as a great opportunity to work in partnership with a local enterprise who currently provide opportunities for local businesses in the community to connect with each other. We hope this is the start of a long term relationship.

What does the Asian Business Connexions mission; ’ Connect, Support and Promote’, mean to you?

Connect – Here at the Marriott hotel we are always connecting with our customers. Our hotel is a meeting hub located next to the A1. We are easily accessible and support meetings to take place, families to be reunited, leisure members to work out and business guests with a relaxing place to stay. Connections also thrive between our other four Marriott hotels in the North East, 60 hotels nationally and over 3,600 hotels globally.

Support – We are experts in hosting events and supporting businesses through the way we connect between our hotels. For example, one local Gateshead company needed to organise a meeting in Leeds and we were able to offer support in organising this event through the sharing of knowledge and key customer needs and expectations with our colleagues. We pride ourselves on this level of service which gives our customers peace of mind.

Promote – We have been doing business here for 21 years, and we are part of the Marriott family which has been in hospitality for 85 years. Our core values include our ‘Spirit to Serve’ both associates and customers together with the local community. We promote amazing customer service, fair treatment and career opportunities. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent and experience of all our employees, seeking and embracing difference as a powerful creator of value, achieved by cultivating a welcoming environment.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing business in the next 12 months?

I’m ever the optimist. There’s always challenges that lie ahead and we will continue to look for partnerships and long term relationships. I feel that by doing business together this will in turn benefit our local community.

How do you think ABC, and other networks, can aid business during the next year?

It’s about building relationships and partnerships, being creative in a time when things are uncertain. This support is crucial to those looking to start new businesses in the coming years. ABC will be a key supporter in promoting local connections between these companies.

What plans do you have for your business in the next 12 months?

Our vision is to double Marriott’s presence in Europe by 2015 and be recognised as the preferred hotel management company. Achieiving growth, fostering innovation and leveraging core values will strengthen our position as employer of choice and allow us to drive profit, market share, brand preference and customer loyalty.

Locally we will be planning to invest £500,000 in our Leisure Club at the hotel.

What is set to be the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity this year?

The biggest opportunity is the upcoming London 2012 Olympics. This once in a lifetime event will help to raise the profile of this region to the rest of the world, showcasing what we have to offer in the North East. This will in turn drive future visitors and potential new businesses to the area.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .