It's International Women's Day!

What better opportunity to highlight just a few of the many amazing women and role models we have in our business…

Koula joined the Oakman Group nearly 2 years ago as Finance Director, and was recently nominated for the Women to Watch in the Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Index (WiHTL), at the end of 2021. A huge achievement and a real testament to Koula, driving the way as a role model for both the company and the industry.

We also have some fantastic females within our kitchen teams, and one story that really stood out to us ahead of International Women’s Day, was from Toni...  

Toni initially applied for a housekeeping role at The Farmers Arms in May 2021, but when she found out that there was an exciting role available in the kitchen team she jumped at the opportunity to become a commis pastry chef. She hasn’t looked back since! This opportunity ignited a passion for baking and her knowledge has developed massively during a very successful first 10 months with the team at The Farmers.

Over to our front of house teams, and a brilliant representation of just one of the fabulous women leading the way with excellent customer service and showcasing the real diversity and opportunities available to those working in hospitality.

Phoebe joined the Oakman Group at The Kings Arms, Berkhamsted back in 2014 in the housekeeping team when she was just 16 years of age. She has worked hard since the get go and moved up through the different roles within the business, from housekeeping to front of house, also picking up shifts on the bar.

Throughout this Phoebe balanced university demands whilst studying for her Psychology Degree at the same time, travelling back and forth on weekends and holidays to work at the KA. Her flexibility and dedication to the business has been phenomenal, and we are lucky enough to now have her as a Trainee Assistant Manager at The Kings Arms.

Over to Marketing, and a real shining example of progression in the company, movement between departments, and dedication to the business. Hannah began her Oakman journey almost 13 years ago working full-time on the bar at The Akeman, Tring having graduated from university.

When Hannah moved to working in London, she continued working weekend at The Akeman alongside her role in PR, however in 2014 she visualised how she could help within the Marketing team of the company. Joining as a Marketing Assistant, Hannah’s role has become niche as the business has grown specialising in the Digital Marketing side of the team. Alongside this role, Oakman have provided Hannah with the opportunity to obtain a formal qualification in Digital Marketing through the Degree Apprenticeship Scheme.

Growth and development are crucial for a successful team and when people take it upon themselves to build their skillset, they surpass all expectations!  

Amy started as a general manager of The Anchor when The Oakman Group took it on and was quickly offered the opportunity to move to The King’s Head as a Deputy General Manager.  

After just 4 months in her new role, Oakman saw Amy’s great potential and promoted her to General Manager in 2018. Amy was excelling in her internal training and extracurricular activities for the site, taking on the position of Secretary in the Ongar Town Festival – the biggest annual event and even aided in the town’s other community projects.

Amy applied for the Area Manager role and was promoted in October 2021, working as an Area Manager ever since, Amy explained how she has always been offered a platform to grow.  

As a business we are incredibly proud to highlight all of these women and their journeys.  

These are just a handful of the stories we would have loved to share, and we would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to every member of our Oakman family.