Local MP Ben Howlett met with ecstatic Steve Kenward and Jonathan Langan from Molloys and the Lamb and Lion at the House of Commons last week as part of a celebratory reception.
Steve and Jonathan were invited by owners Stonegate Pub Company to attend the reception, in honour of being two of the first 100 managers to complete their award winning management-training ‘Accelerator’ programme.
To mark the 100th graduate milestone, 50 MPs joined Stonegate’s senior executives at the prestigious setting to congratulate Steve, Jonathan and other General Managers on their achievements.
The special guests were given a VIP tour of the House of Commons with MPs before the main event, hosted on the Terrace by Gavin Shuker MP.
Shining examples of how commitment in personal development can change people’s lives, the group have fast become some of the company’s most promising managers.
Launched in 2013, the Accelerator programme enables high-potential Deputy Managers to be ready to rise to the challenge of managing their own pub. Already, 104 graduates have progressed to General Manager, with a further five in Head Office roles.
Chief Executive Simon Longbottom and Chairman Ian Payne addressed guests, highlighting how their own careers and that of Commercial Director Suzanne Baker, had began in entry level pub roles.
Simon added: “People are at the heart of everything we do. We are firmly committed to the principle that our people should be able to progress from the bar to the boardroom.
“We are delighted to able to recognise the achievements of our Accelerator graduates; reaching our 100th milestone is a really proud moment for Stonegate.
“It is also a fantastic opportunity to reinforce to MPs the vital role that our company and the wider pub and bar sector play in providing jobs and careers, with arguably the most realistic prospect of going from the bottom rung right to the very top.”
Jon Perkins, Success Coach for Stonegate, and developer of the Accelerator programme, said: “The programme develops both personal and business skills. Its uniqueness is in identifying personal motivators that inspire the skill and the will to succeed.”
