Charlotte Huxtable has been promoted to the position of Business Development Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre.

The hotel says the move highlights the benefits of investing in people as it works to identify the next generation of talent in the hospitality sector.

Charlotte was previously Conference & Events Sales Office Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton, which is managed by Focus Hotels Management Ltd.

Through Focus Hotels and the hotel leadership team, she has worked on a very-bespoke eight-month development programme to enhance her skills ready to enter the world of business development, resulting in her promotion.

Imran Ali, General Manager of the hotel, said: “Charlotte showed keen interest in her development and has a keen sense of detail in everything she does.

“She is an excellent communicator and people person, which is best suited to what she will be doing in her new role.

“We identify the next generation of talent through our quarterly and annual reviews with all our team members and Charlotte is a great example of why we invest in our people.”

Charlotte was bitten by the hospitality bug when she did a week’s work experience at a hotel at the age of 15, and then got her first job at the same hotel, as a waitress in its restaurant.

After completing a degree in events management, she worked as events sales co-ordinator for the likes of De Vere, Village Hotels and Holiday Inn.

She said: “I have now worked in Bristol for nine years, where my career has progressed from strength to strength, within several major international brands and now with Hilton Hotels.

“The opportunity for career development brought me to the DoubleTree by Hilton, taking on my first Conference & Events Sales Office Manager role, and now I will be driving business for all areas of the hotel, improving its visibility and links with the community.

“I really enjoy getting to engage with different clients across various industries and am looking forward to the opportunity to nurture existing client relationships at the hotel while having the challenge of seeking new business to develop.”

She added: “My interest and confidence to pursue this new role has grown tremendously during my time at the DoubleTree, where both Imran and Focus Hotels have been valuable mentors and driving forces, encouraging my development.

“Over the years, I have wondered what I would do if I chose to leave hospitality and, honestly, I can’t think of another industry that would provide me with such variety in my work – no two days are the same!

“I personally love the fact that this industry is team-driven; you cannot do the job alone, but the industry provides you with skills that are transferable world-wide.”

Sarah Monk, Commercial Director for Focus Hotels said: “Focus Hotels strives to identify and support all opportunities for career development across all our hotels.

“With Charlotte’s focus and determination to progress, she will no doubt succeed in her new role at DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre.”