Women in Food – Amy Newman
As part of Compass Group, the largest contract foodservice company in the world, The Venues Collection are proud to champion and celebrate all women in the food industry and to change the culture toward gender equality by empowering women and shining a spotlight on the incredible work that women are doing in the industry.
In this latest blog, we speak to Amy Newman to find out more about her and why she is a ‘Woman in Food Ambassador’ for The Venues Collection.
Name: Amy Newman
Job Title: Sales Office Manager
Venue: Alexandra House, part of The Venues Collection
1. Why are you an ambassador for Women in Food?
I wanted to be an ambassador for Women in Food because I want to inspire the younger generations and mentor them. I have been inspired by a lot of female colleagues and managers, and now I am older I want to coach younger females in this industry and be a great role model for them.
2. What quality would you say women have that helps them be successful in the hospitality industry?
As you work up the ladder within the hospitality industry there is a perception it is more male dominated. I believe successful women are not intimidated by this and see themselves as just as capable as their male counterparts.
3. What is your relation to food in your job role?
As part of my job role, I try to ensure what the client wants matches to what we can facilitate. Everybody is different and they may want something slightly bespoke. I liaise between the client and our chefs and find that happy balance. It’s also great that our company recognises the risks posed to the planet from climate change and that the consequences of this change are being felt by people all around the world, that’s why, they’ve created our ‘Meetings for Change’ Day Delegate package. Which means my customers can enjoy ethically source food, British ingredients, and plant forward menus – something as a woman in food, I am really passionate about.
4. How did your career start at your venue/The Venues Collection?
I started my career in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was very challenging but eye opening. I have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, so you think you have seen it all – until a global pandemic!
5. What is your favourite part of your job?
I love the variety and no two days are the same. I try to plan as much as a I can, but things are constantly changing. You never know what is going to happen, so it keeps the job interesting and me on my toes.
6. What do you know now that you wish you could have told your younger self when you were starting out?
Don’t focus too much on the mistakes you make. You are still learning and there is so many different things to understand and its normal to not always get things right the first time, it’s human nature and you can’t change it. Just learn from it and move on.
7. What motivates you day to day and why?
Happy customers motivate me. I spend time creating a relationship with a client and making sure their event or stay is successful, so its brilliant when the outcomes is positive.
Secondly, achieving targets motivates me because when we hit a big target, it gives me a buzz to know I’ve done by job properly and job satisfaction.
8. Who is someone that inspires you and why?
Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection. She is very down to earth and passionate about this industry and comes across positively. She is very understanding and appreciative of her staff and will personally thank us for our hard work. She leads by example which is important and has helped us a lot, especially during these very unusual and challenging times through the pandemic.
9. If you could have one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta! You can all different types of pasta so I would never get bored.
10. What is your favourite beverage?
Glass of red wine on a Friday night.
11. What is your favourite thing on your venue’s menu right now?
Butternut squash gnocchi – it’s plant forward and tastes amazing!
12. What one piece of advice would you give to a woman just starting out in the hospitality industry?
Be brave and believe in yourself. You will make mistakes, but you need to learn from them, and you will succeed. If you put enough effort into believing in yourself, great opportunities will come your way and you will achieve everything you put your mind to.
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