United Kingdom Hospitality Industry generates 19 Billion pounds a year and has 2.5 million people working within the UK Industry. With much diversified trades within the industry from food to leisure, there is no doubt that its contribution is recognized by the stake –holders, UK government, regulators and the public. British Hospitality Association has nation trade union representing association of hotel, restaurant and caterers over 50000 establishments. On 29th June British Hospitality Association (BHA) held its Annual Luncheon 2010 at Grosvenor House, Park lane, London with all their members, organizations within the Hospitality industry and presentation of BHA awards. For Hospitality Apprentice of the Year 2010, Ramesh Budhathoki, a son of Retired Gurkha Officer from Queen’s Gurkha Signals at Sofitel London Heathrow was among the 3 national finalists and awarded an “Apprentice of the Year 2010”. Hospitality Apprentice Award is organized by the Hospitality Skill Alliance in association with EDI (Awarding Body), in partnership with the British Institute of Inn Keeping, the Institute of Hospitality and the Learning and Skill Council. Supporting the award are the British Hospitality Association, the National Skills Academy of Hospitality and Millennium and Copthorne Hotels.

The award competition was held at Copthorne Birmingham on 13th & 14th June and was residential competition of individual, group and team activity. The award was presented by Chairman Mr. Bob Cotton OBE in front of 1200 delegates from all over the UK at the Grosvenor House, Park lane, London in recognition of practical skills, competence and achievement within different areas of hospitality. Ramesh Budhathoki has been working at Sofitel London Heathrow, an award winning five star luxury 605 bedrooms Hotel which is directly connected to Terminal 5 via Link Bridge since pre-opening in May 2008, hotel boosts conferencing hall accommodating up to 1700 people, 45 meeting room, 7.2 surround theatre and state of the art Spa facilities. Hotel also comprises with french fine dining restaurant Brassiere Roux, a theatre style kitchen Vivre restaurant, Icelandic theme Sphere Bar and Library bar that serves most signature and finest cocktails around the world.

Hotel has lots of contemporary design from indoor Zen garden, superior polished granite all around and water feature, over all designed by KCA group same as Burj Al Arab, the only seven star hotels in the world. Ramesh is a Security officer and is responsible for Fire, Risk Management, Health & Safety and Security. He says his job aim at Sofitel is “To improve the quality of comfort and security of our guest and staff by reducing crime, opportunity to commit crime and fear of crime” and “To design and implement a loss prevention procedures aimed at minimizing the opportunity of crime to be committed to the detriment of the Hotel and to optimize profitability”.

A former Graduate in Recording Art (Sound Engineering) from Middlesex University came to the UK in 2004 as a student and currently studying Security and Risk Management Degree at Leicester University to enhance his career within security industry also mentioned, as more security risks are under covered in our everyday lives, threats that are pertinent to public and the hospitality sector need to be on constant review. With increasing terrorist threats against the USA, countries in the Middle East and Europe it has become mandatory to review strategies, adopt new technology to eliminate weak spots within our defenses to minimize disruption to our society. Ramesh is also youngest member to have joined the Institute of Hotel Security Management (I.H.S.M) introduced by Security & Health & Safety manager Ian Williamson from Sofitel London Heathrow, an organization that was established by Hotel management and security professionals working closely with law enforcement bodies in the UK. Hotel security managers and security professional share information within Hotels around London and criminal undermined activity act to stop being victimize. “Knowledge of current law and legislation, working together with law enforcement and governing bodies with professional approach is vital in this competitive industry and to improve my ability to learn whilst working in a full time capacity, a position that needs constant dedication and motivation has help me achieve a professional academic qualification while working full time at Sofitel London Heathrow” Says Ramesh.

As “Hospitality Apprentice of the Year 2010”, Ramesh Budhathoki, National Skills Academy for Hospitality has sponsored a fantastic Disney Bursary to the winner. The Disney Institute in Florida will have 3.5 day training as well as receiving free flights, accommodation and park access. The Bursary will take place in the autumn of 2010 and the Nation Skill academy for hospitality will allow this experience to develop even further within the industry. The Institute of Hospitality is also offering a year free Affiliate membership to the institute.
-Lieutenant (Retd) Kulbahadur Burathoki
Queen’s Gurkha Signals
Hong Kong