A Business centre manager "who finds a solution for everything" has been singled out for a top national award.

Joanne Leadley, of The Principal Royal York Hotel, was treated to a VIP weekend in Manchester and presented with her Quality Wins award at a glittering ceremony in the city's Principal Palace Hotel.

The award was in appreciation of Joanne's commitment to guest care and she collected the coveted accolade in front of 500 of her peers from the hotel group.

Joanne's award was presented for her attitude to work and for continually finding time to solve any problems.

Principal Hotels has invested more than £76,000 each year in the Quality Awards initiative since it was introduced in 1995. As well as recognising hotels, individual members of staff are rewarded for outstanding performance.

Tony Troy, managing director of the Principal Hotel Group, said: "While certain people picked up awards on the night, the whole weekend was a tribute to everyone who has gone that extra mile in guest care. Joanne's commitment and initiative is an example to all our staff."

Meanwhile, following planning permission, the hotel is to develop high-tech conference facilities for 375 delegates, representing a £2.5 million investment, in addition to £1 million leisure facilities for up to 10,000 members.

Full year pre tax profit was up 23.4 per cent to £19.21 million on £67 million turnover.

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