Jenny, who grew up in Torbay and attended South Devon College, is one of a handful of young business people who have carved out a career for themselves in the Bay. Prior to starting at RIC when she was 20, she had worked in various hotels and pubs and felt that working in a conference centre would broaden her knowledge and help support her degree in hospitality management.

Having graduated, Jenny was immediately taken on as assistant food and beverage manager. She said: I’ve been very lucky to work with Barry Cole as my manager. He always encourages progression and development and is extremely supportive of all his team. I’ve always been motivated to improve myself and progress and I’ve really enjoyed my career at the Centre.

“So many young professionals flee the area due to lack of opportunities, but I believe it is possible to have a successful career in a seaside resort. I’m proud to have grown up on the English Riviera and still live and work here.”

As part of her development, she has recently completed a two-week scholarship in Switzerland, part of a scheme run by the The Worshipful Company of Innholders. Each year the scholarship is awarded to deserving young managers to assist in their personal development in the hospitality industry while also supporting the trade.

Jeremy Logie, Executive Secretary of the Innholders said: “Jenny Thompson was selected from nearly 40 applicants working in the hospitality industry throughout the UK of whom only 15 were successful. Many of the other candidates manage prestigious hotels and she was only one of two successful people working in conference centres. She attended a two week summer school at Ecole Hôtelière Lausanne, the world renowned hotel school in Switzerland where she studied alongside managers from all corners of the world.”

Jeremy added, “On completion of the Scholarship Jenny has now been invited to join the St Julian Scholars, an elite alumni association of about 100 people who have won Master Innholder Scholarship during the last ten years. They arrange meetings and social events to continue their professional development and keep in touch with one another, building upon the techniques and skills acquired by attending École Hôtelière de Lausanne.”

And Barry Cole praised Jenny and the quality of her work and leadership. He said: “I have been fortunate enough to employ some excellent up and coming young people over my years in hotels and more recently in the conference and leisure sectors. “Jenny has shown herself able to work alongside others, work on her own, lead a team and ultimately succeed in that elusive challenge of working on the business rather than in the business.  The scholarship is not often awarded to young people outside of hotels so it is both an acclaim for Jenny, and the RICC”.

And she said one of the most rewarding aspects of her career is the changes which have taken place at the centre, including the creation of its third largest conference room The Rosetor and the opening of the Bay Brasserie which she was appointed to line manage in 2005, dramatically increasing revenue and customer satisfaction levels.
“With such knowledge of all aspects of the business, Operations Manager was the next progression – a role that previously did not exist. This is a role that enables me to work with all managers to increase efficiency and customer service, whilst driving down costs.

“I was delighted to be chosen by the Master Innholders to take part in the scholarship scheme – the experience as a whole has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. It has made me more determined and eager to stretch myself even further.”