The UK’s former Restaurant Manager of the Year has given tips to people in the industry to help them to improve what they do.

Peter Avis, who grew up in a council estate in Liverpool, began his career as a dishwasher at the age of 16 and rose quickly through the ranks.

He has worked directly with the Virgin Group boss Sir Richard Branson, including managing the London Roof Gardens, home of the Babylon Restaurant.

In 2009 Peter was named UK Restaurant Manager of the Year Award and received a Catey Award for Manager of the Year in 2014.

Recently he has been involved in the re-opening of Necker Island following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Visit Isle of Man, the government’s tourism promotion arm, invited Mr Avis to speak to people who run hotels and restaurants.

passionate

Rob Callister MHK, political member with responsibility for tourism, said: ’Peter is passionate about his profession and the hospitality industry and views it as a manager’s responsibility to instil the same enthusiasm within a team and strongly believes that anyone can pursue a successful career in the industry.

’This is an extremely important message for the industry as we look to tackle the skills shortage within the sector.’

Rom Kesa, general manager of the Mannin Hotel on Broadway, Douglas, said: ’We at the Mannin Hotel are big fans of Sir Richard Branson`s business ethos and especially his Virgin Hotels chain.

’After hearing there will be one of his key members of management team delivering a speech right here on our doorstep, we were quick to sign up. Peter’s talk was inspirational and gave us a great morale boost, what a fantastic way to promote the hospitality industry on the island.’

Hospitality and catering students and lecturers from UCM also attended the talk.