Lana de Savary, owner of the Cary Arms, Babbacombe Bay, is pleased to announce Steve Poyner, sous chef, has been awarded the title of Employee of the Year 2013. Runner-up was Michelle Carey, marketing & sales manager.
The accolades were presented by South Devon College’s, principal, Stephen Criddle and Carolyn Custerson, chief executive, from English Riviera Tourism. As the Employee of the year, Steve has been given a fabulous all-expenses week’s holiday to Grenada to the sister property - Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club. Runner-up Michelle receives an all-expenses weekend at the other sister property - the Old Swan & Minster Mill, in the Cotswolds.
Lana de Savary, wife of international entrepreneur and philanthropist Peter de Savary, set up the incentive scheme two years ago, as a combination of reward, recognition and feedback. Commenting she said: “We want staff to know that we are recognising they are doing a good job and feeling valued as a result, so they know how they are performing and what good things will happen to them if they raise their game. Without the hard work and drive of the staff, the Cary Arms and its sister properties wouldn’t be the success they continue to be. I’m thrilled for Steve and Michelle, both have worked incredibly hard over the last year. It is a great accomplishment and brilliant recognition for the two of them.”
A former student, Steve left South Devon College with a NVQ2 Food Cookery qualification and joined the Cary Arms in 2009, initially as commis chef. After a year, a move to the sister property - the Old Swan & Minster Mill in the Cotswolds and a promotion to chef de partie, saw him stay for two years, until the offer of a further promotion to sous chef enticed him back to Devon and the Cary Arms. Commenting, Steve said “I’m really grateful to Mr and Mrs de Savary for the opportunity and encouragement I’ve been given to help develop my career.”
Stephen Criddle, Principal of South Devon College said “It is brilliant to see a young chef with Steve’s passion and commitment succeeding so well. We are delighted that Steve has built on his excellent training with South Devon College to really develop his career with a high quality local employer. The Cary Arms is a great supporter of local talent and I hope that other young people will be encouraged by Steve’s example and success”.
Michelle has been with the Cary for just over a year. Her first full-time job in the UK, Michelle joined the Cary after a year’s gap year in Australia, where the experience allowed her to put her marketing degree to good use, working in events and promotional roles.
