We are thrilled to announce that Charlotte Barker and Alice Houghton from Longbow Venues have been recognised at the 2024 East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards!

The Enterprising Women Awards are organised by East Midlands Chamber. The final was held at Winstanley House, Leicestershire, and celebrated exceptional women in business across the region.

Charlotte Barker, General Manager of The Maynard, received the Female Employee of the Year award.

Charlotte has played a key role in driving The Maynard’s success over the last few years. Under her leadership, The Maynard saw significant increases in turnover, gross profit, and operational profit in 2023, despite challenging market conditions.

Her innovative approach to training, particularly with Gen-Z employees, and her leadership in fostering a growth mindset within her team have been instrumental to The Maynard’s continued success. Charlotte’s focus on decentralised command and team development has created a highly motivated and efficient workforce, making her an invaluable part of Longbow Venues.

Alice Houghton, General Manager of The George Hathersage, took home the Emerging Leader Award. Since joining in 2021, Alice has been at the forefront of revitalising The George, helping it flourish through tough times, including the aftermath of flooding which saw The George close for 8 months.

Alice’s leadership style combines infectious enthusiasm with a focus on developing her team. Alice’s determination, energy, and resilience have set her apart as a rising star in hospitality, and her leadership has been crucial to The George’s ongoing success.

Alice Houghton Featured in ‘The Big Interview’

Alice was also interviewed for ‘The Big Interview’ feature in the East Midlands Chamber Business Network magazine. Alice talks about her career development, including her leadership during challenging times and reflects on the importance of women in leadership roles in hospitality and encourages more women to pursue careers in the industry.

Read more, including exclusive interviews with Alice and managing director of Longbow Venues, Rob Hattersley, in the East Midlands Chamber Business Network magazine here.