Value Added Partner Stories
11th November 2024
Author EditorPosted on Categories Business
This month, the spotlight falls on Tottington Manor Hotel and TERRA Restaurant. We talk to Helen Pomery.
Tell us your story
I am a Director at Tottington Manor Hotel and TERRA Restaurant near Henfield, West Sussex and love every minute of it. With a strong background in sales, events and marketing, I really feel like I am in the place I belong. I love people; I get huge pleasure from pleasing others and leading our incredible team to be better, work smarter and deliver more to keep us ahead in the wonderful world of hospitality.
What has been your biggest business challenge to date?
Without doubt our biggest business challenge was being brave enough to take over a venue at the end of lockdown, where most hospitality businesses were predicted to fail and make us a success by re-inventing our image, re-creating our menus and creating a genuine hospitable environment that guests want to visit.
What has been your greatest or proudest business achievement to date?
My proudest achievement was the re-branding of our TERRA Restaurant. We already had a great reputation for food, so the project was a risk, but the re-brand has taken our identity and re-branded us in the 21st century as a destination Sussex restaurant.
What type of clients do you currently work with and who are you looking to meet?
We work in B2B for our corporate meetings and hotel accommodation, and we work in B2C with our restaurant, bar and events. We attract guests who appreciate quality, service, great wine and, most of all, a very welcoming and relaxing environment.
Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know?
Aged 30 I was listed in the Who’s Who Guide of British Entrepreneurs..whoop whoop! On a more social level I love a good G & T, I’m a bit of a foodie and I love a bit of karaoke at any good party.
How do you define success?
For me a successful day is a perfect day and I absolutely know how wrong that sounds and how absolutely unachievable that is BUT, for me, it’s true. I’m looking for every customer to be delighted, every team member to smile; no problems only solutions. So success, for me, comes in small chunks at a time – take the wins when we get them, learn from the challenges and look forward to tomorrow. I think I need a coach or a couch!