Hospitality has always been my passion. Since completing my degree in Hotel and Catering Management at Sheffield Hallam University, I’ve been fortunate to build a career doing what I love. I started out as a receptionist before progressing into management roles within independent hotels, before spending 13 fantastic years at University of Leicester, where I specialised in selling student accommodation as conference and event space.

In 2015, I swapped the Midlands for the South West, taking on sales leadership roles at the Holiday Inn Taunton and Mercure Bridgwater Hotel, where I was proud to be part of the opening team.

Today, I am Commercial Director, responsible for revenue, sales and marketing for both the ibis Bridgwater and Holiday Inn Express Bridgwater. Both hotels operate under an in-house management model and are proudly franchised by Accor and IHG Hotels & Resorts respectively.

Outside of work, running remains my biggest passion. I’m an ultrarunner, tackling distances beyond the marathon, and I have several 50km and 100km events planned this year as I build towards my goal of completing a 100-mile race in May 2027. When I’m not training, I spend as much time as possible exploring the Somerset countryside with my two dogs — including one rescue — who bring equal amounts of love, entertainment and chaos to daily life.

I bring to the board specialist knowledge of the hospitality market, along with a passion for connecting local businesses and supporting the growth of the visitor economy. I’m particularly interested in tourism, events, customer trends and the opportunities they create for the wider Sedgemoor area. I’m looking forward to contributing ideas, energy and enthusiasm — and probably a few running stories along the way.