SUCCESS in grooming efficient staff means The Royal York Hotel and Events Centre has for years been ahead of the game when it comes to customer service.

The 167-bedroomed hotel has reaped the rewards, not least winning the Progress Through People title in The Press Business Awards 2008.

Now that tradition goes on with a vengeance, and the four-star establishment set in three acres of garden next to York Railway Station is pitching for both the Tourism And Hospitality Business Of The Year and the best Employer And Education Link.

It is hardly surprising given the efforts made to offer students the chance to learn best practice in the hotel industry.

This year, Gayle Enion-Farrington, the hotel’s human resources manager has played an integral part in the development of a new Hospitality Diploma from an employer perspective.

From September, the hotel is co-operating with York College and local schools in order to train people for the industry.

This year the hotel has also offered a week’s work experience in its restaurant and kitchen to students of Yorkshire Coast College.

It also works with graduates through the North Yorkshire Business Enterprise Partnership and with work experience students with Trident, local colleges, universities and Future Prospects to offer first had insight into a new and different career.

There is also huge emphasis on recruiting “talent with trainability”, individuals who can embrace the hotel’s culture and passion to serve, All new employees are invited to stay at the hotel and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of their detailed induction course.

The high standard is the reason why the hotel managed to achieve in 2009 the same high occupancy as in its record financial year in 2008 – in spite of the economic downturn.

It is also the reason why the number of employees remained at 170 throughout.