One of the unique perks of working for M&B is being able to take advantage of our You & Who referral scheme, where employees can recommend a friend, family member or ex colleague to one of our Management level jobs and earn £1000 tax free if they get the job!

We spoke to both Hannah, General Manager of the Sovereigns in Woking, who recommended good friend Rebecca, for the role of General Manager at the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Horsell…

Hannah:

Q: What was the driving factor of making a recommendation to Mitchells & Butlers?

Rebecca has previously thrived in the hospitality industry but left to get a better work life balance. However, since moving to Mitchells and Butler my husband and I have had a fantastic work life balance which proves it is possible to have your cake and eat it too.

Q: Was Rebecca a family member, ex colleague or a friend?

Rebecca was an ex-colleague, but we formed a friendship, and she was actually my bridesmaid at my wedding.

Q: Rebecca’s background from managing hostels isn’t a traditional route through to a General Manager position in a pub, how did you know  she would be great at it?

Rebecca had previously managed big hotels where I would run the restaurant alongside her. She was always keen to muck in should I find myself short staffed or if we had a mad rush. She also had Food & Beverage experience in the past, so the Innkeepers Lodge and Ember Inns combo seemed like a no brainer to me.

Q: What factors of working at M&B did you focus on/talk about with Rebecca?

Benefits and rewards were definitely a big topic as the value of the live-in accommodation to someone who currently rented a room in London is massive. Once again, the work life balance I have managed to have since joining the company, and it also helps that my GM colleagues and new Area Manager are amazing, it was an easy sell.

Q: You’ve earnt yourself £1,000 on top of making a difference and helping to grow and build our organisation – What have you spent your extra cash on?

A mini break for our little family, we might even invite Rebecca!

Rebecca:

Q: After speaking with Hannah, what was the driving factor behind you applying to your role with Mitchells & Butlers?

I was looking for the right role and didn’t want to leave my current role for the sake of it. As soon as Hannah phoned me and told me about the vacancy for the pub and the hotel, I knew it was the right role. Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen the successes Hannah has had working for M&B and how much she genuinely loves working for the company and running her pub. She didn’t even have to sell the role to me to apply, I applied the same day as knew it would be the right move for me. Plus working together again was a massive bonus!

Q: How different do you find managing a pub to managing a hostel?

There’s actually a lot of similarities that I really enjoy, how friendly our teams are, getting to know your regular guests and the challenge of working in the hospitality industry.

Q: How has working for Mitchells & Butlers lived up to your expectations based on what Hannah told you about us?

It’s lived up in every way, the managers I’ve been training with have been so supportive and welcoming and just ready to help however they can. It’s only been a short time, but I feel like a part of the team.

Q: Tell us what you love about your role?

The opportunity to build up the business and develop a new team. I’m able to put my stamp on it and work with the other managers. The people are the best bit!

Q: Would you recommend working for M&B to a friend, ex colleague or a family member?

Completely. The role and company culture are the biggest pulling points. Yes, hospitality is challenging right now for all of us, but this is the right company to be in!

Find out more about the fantastic benefits of working for M&B, including our You & Who referral scheme here.