Tim Green is the newest addition to our Team, we ask him all those important questions....

 

How long have you worked for A Space in the City?

November 2013

What background do you have in the industry?

Over 6 years with a similar company specialising in lettings and property management. Also completed the NFoPP qualification in Residential Lettings and Property Management around 4 years ago.

What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?

Being part of a hard-working, close-knit team and “dirty Friday’s”

So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?

My introduction at the casino with the rationed meals and the male gigolo!

Do you have a favourite apartment and why?

Our executive 2 bedroom apartment in Ocean Reach, south facing with a balcony and spectacular views!

What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?

Beans on toast, makes the toast go soggy! Must have brown sauce as well though

How do you spend your time outside of work.... Keep it clean!!

At our new-build project. We are currently building our own home which we hope to finish by the end of winter!

Very important question, What’s your ideal sandwich?

A nice multi-grain or seeded loaf, cheese and some form of chutney or sauce, tried spicy beetroot recently that was nice.

Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?

Superman because he can fly! Shooting a web would be weird and Batman is just tough, he doesn’t actually have any powers!

Cardiff Bay Picture Competition

As part of the Waterfront Partners we were asked be on the judging panel of the 'Cardiff Bay Picture Competition' earlier this month.

After spending a morning debating which of the 140 entries were worthy of winner and running up statuses' (and enjoying coffee and cake!) we all agreed on one very worthy winner, one second place, and three runners up.

We all had a fab morning, and were thrilled with the amount of beautiful entries showcasing our picturesque Cardiff Bay.

The winners will be announced shortly on the Visit Cardiff Bay website.

Staff Social: Go Karting

 

Staff Social: Go Karting

Every quarter we get out of the office and do something fun…. and nearly always something competitive!

In April we donned our helmets and gloves in a Stig-like-fashion and hit the indoor Go-Karting track in Cardiff Bay. The instructors told us that the first few laps were ‘practise’ and to take it easy! Not sure how many of us listened to this advice as we tried to ram each other off the tracks. As expected the male members of the team were the most competitive- with the much sort after bronze, silver and gold medals clearly insight.

Our winners: Matthew Hutcheon (Finance Manager) wins Gold, Mark (Housekeeper) wins Silver, and Matthew Hayward (Operations Manager) wins Bronze.

Keep watch for our next quarters Staff Social… we need to get the boys off the winning podium!

Richard Godfrey our MD.....

1. How long have you worked for A Space in the City?
7.5 years

2. What background do you have in the industry?
Before A Space in the City, I was responsible for setting up the serviced apartment division of another property management company but before that, none really. My degree is in engineering (manufacturing) so I am a long way from ‘home’!

3. What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?
I obviously get plenty of variety in my role and manage projects which means spending time with various members of the team.

4. So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?
No matter how much I play it down when we have celebrities stay with us by saying that I’m not really fussed so longer as they pay their bill and look after their apartment, I must admit that it is exciting to have someone famous stay.

In terms of a specific moment, I would have to say the first time I was at the Fast Growth 50 Awards. I had no idea but the compare asked for the leaders of all 50 to stand, one by one, calling out their names and then the audience of peers and dignitaries gave those standing a round of applause for their contribution to the country’s economic development. I found it a little embarrassing at the time but looking back quite a proud moment.

5. Do you have a favourite apartment and why?
I’m not allowed to have favourites but if I HAD to choose, probably one of the 2-beds that overlook the WMC at our Quayside development in Mermaid Quay. Or, the 3-bed we have at Century Wharf with a pool table on a mezzanine over the living area. Or, our apartments at City Wharf with 45ft lounges. To be honest ….. I love each and every one of them!!

6. What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?
Ouch, tough one! I do love cheese on toast and often make a round after watching that Cathedral City advert with beautifully bubbling cheese on toast. However, I have been known to resort to a can of Heinz and 4 slices of toast when I need a big lunch if I know the day is going to be a long one.

7. How do you spend your time outside of work ?
With my girls. I have two daughters (Mali is 4 and Gracie is 19 months) so they are my focus outside of work, along with my fabulous wife, Julie. After them, I try to get a little exercise in and see friends. I have been trying to spare some time to get into photography for the past 2 years but yet to do so properly. One day, one day!

8. Very important question, what’s your ideal sandwich?
I am partial to a club sandwich. However, my Dad is somewhat famous (in our family) for his simple, yet highly effective ham sarnies

9. Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?
Superman since he is the only one who can fly unaided (and thus over unlimited distances!). Although Batman is a millionaire by day …. Hmmmmm?!?!


Thanks Richard..... to find out more about the team visit our website.

Interview with Stacey Laye, Guest Services Manager....

1. How long have you worked for A Space in the City?
2 and a half years

2. What background do you have in the industry?
I have previously worked in The Vale of Glamorgan Hotel and The Village Hotel.

3. What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?
My favourite thing about working here is how much you learn- everyone has such a wide variety of knowledge that is always shared with each other.

4. So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?
My promotion from Reservations Agent to Guest Services Manager was a pretty good highlight! Also love all of our staff socials- Everyone is so competitive when we go on days out! Last one was our Go Karting trip- the boys are vicious!!

5. Do you have a favourite apartment and why?
I love the décor in our Quayside apartments, but also love the size and outdoor space in most of our Century Wharf apartments! No- I cant have a favourite!!

6. What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?
Cheese! Cant get enough of it!

7. How do you spend your time outside of work.
All the girlies things… shopping, hair, nails! I make sure I get a sun holiday every year… Don’t know what I’d do without one!

8. Very important question, What’s your ideal sandwich?
Ham and turkey, bit of salad and mayonnaise. (Subway!)

9. Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?
Superman so I could fly!!




Thanks Stacey, to find out about the rest of the team visit our website.

Kathryn Hancock our Lettings Manager....

1. How long have you worked for A Space in the City?
I have worked for Executive Lettings for 2 years and 5 months

2. What background do you have in the industry?
I have worked in Lettings for a sum of 8 year’s, my first job in lettings was a Negotiator but have progressed through experience to land my dream job as a Lettings Manager

3. What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?
I enjoy the feeling of satisfaction knowing I am providing an excellent service to all of Executive Lettings clients who remain loyal as a result.

4. So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?
My greatest moment has to be coming up against 4 other local lettings agents for a rental property and winning the sole agency instruction. Very satisfying moment to know our agency who pride themselves on Customer Service and satisfaction beat the competition, but even more rewarding the landlord in question is still with us 2 years on

5. How do you spend your time outside of work.... Keep it clean!!
All my time outside work is spent enjoying quality time with my children, family and friends. Outside of this love exploring different restaurant and not necessarily in my home time

6. Very important question, What’s your ideal sandwich?
Chicken, bacon, lettuce, onions smothered in mayo

7. If you were invisible for the day what would you do?
Spy on my children in school to make sure they are listening and doing their work

8. Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?
Batman: I would love to get dressed up and roam the town in my fast cars and cruising the town eliminating all the crooks and bad people in this world

9. Do you have a favourite apartment and why?
Love one of our 2 bedroom apartments in Century Wharf, it shouts elegance, style and class which are all things I look for in my own when decorating

10. What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?
Beans: I love smoothing them with vinegar and brown sauce to add to the flavour, yummy!!

Thanks Kath- To find out about the whole team visit our website.

Next up in our staff interviews is Finance Manager Matthew Hutcheon...

How long have you worked for A Space in the City?
1 year from 12th March 12

What background do you have in the industry?
I have a finance background but nothing regarding the serviced apartment industry

What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?
The staff and being involved in several aspects of the business

So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?
Seeing Richard at Go Ape…funny ain’t the word. He wouldn’t make a good roofer

Do you have a favourite apartment and why?
Being in finance lucky to see any light let alone apartments

What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?
Beans on toast with Cheese it’s a win win

How do you spend your time outside of work?
Playing rugby and various other sports like holding my partners shopping bags

Very important question, What’s your ideal sandwich?
Easy… Ham, Cheese with a slight dressing of Mayo (Tesco Meal Deal)

Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?
Super-bat-spider man combine all three get all the benefits

Thanks Matt! Check out our About Us page for more info on the team!

   Next up in our staff interviews is Liz St.John our Head of Reservations

.   -  How long have you worked for A Space in the City?

Since December 2012

2.    What background do you have in the industry?

27 years in hospitality – starting in a restaurant, then a bar, conference centre before going into hotels and for the last 8 years as hotel management.

3.    What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?

Travelling to the Bay every day – I can’t wait till the summer, to walk along the Quay

4.    So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?

The carrot cake for Matthew Hayward’s birthday

5.    Do you have a favourite apartment and why?

One of the two beds in Century Wharf – the colour scheme matches our logo – so easy to choose for marketing!

6.    What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?

Cheese on toast! – (so I can watch it bubble and transform its colour-like magic!)

7.    How do you spend your time outside of work.... Keep it clean!!

Taking my motorbike and tent to a beautiful riverbank campsite, with no phone signal.  – I’ve also been known for going down the rapids on a lilo (in the summer obviously)

8.    Very important question, What’s your ideal sandwich?

White bread, tangy strong cheese with mayonnaise and celery

9.    Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?

Superman – because he flies independently (without strings or fancy web) and I still dream of flying (with one arm out – just like Christopher Reeves)

Thanks Liz! Check out our About Us page for more info on the team!

Waterfront Partners

A Space in the City are proud to have recently joined the Waterfront Partners.

Waterfront Partners-In the beginning…

The Waterfront Partners’ Group, originally called the Inner Harbour Partners Group (IHPG), was set up in 1994 by the Cardiff Bay Development Corporation. It enabled all the leisure operators in the locality of the development to have access to information in one main forum, and smaller businesses to have a stronger voice through the group. The success of the Waterfront Partners has continued to grow and over the years it has become a well respected and established partnership.

Who are we now?

The Waterfront Partners are a non profit making organisation and in 2010 there were 34 members all representing a unique cross section of the community including local government, charity run outlets, developers and privately run businesses.

All members pay a yearly fee to be part of the group and the monies made are invested into events and marketing activities for Cardiff Bay.

The meetings are held once a month in a different Waterfront Partner venue and structured in a way that allows each partner to talk to the group, update on projects, and creates a forum to make links and share ideas.

Find out more here

Interviews with the team.

 

First up we have Matthew Hayward our Operations Manager

1. How long have you worked for A Space in the City?
3 years

2. What background do you have in the industry?
I joined the company having spent 9 years at various management levels at the Halifax

3. What is your favourite thing about working for A Space in the City?
The variety day to day and knowing that we can make a customer’s day that little bit better by bringing a smile to their face by delivering excellent customer service and providing a quality product.

4. So during the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what’s been your favourite moment?
Seeing the managing director stuck up a tree at Go Ape Margampark in Swansea!

5. Do you have a favourite apartment and why?
210 Lyon in Cardiff, a really lovely 1 bedroom apartment with a larger balcony and views across the bay. In Swansea I would have to say Meridian Tower, another 1 bed apartment but with views of the marina from the living room which itself has stunning floor to ceiling one way windows.

6. What do you prefer beans on toast or cheese on toast and why?
Beans on toast !healthier option with more energy J

7. How do you spend your time outside of work.... Keep it clean!!
With my family, as I work so hard during the week I try to make as most of my free time about my two little boys and my wife. If I’m really lucky then a trip to watch a football game or a drink or two in my local country pub.

8. Very important question, What’s your ideal sandwich?
Ooooooh……. Bread, butter, ham, salt and vinegar crisps

9. Who would you rather be, Spiderman, Superman or Batman? And why?
Well, Batman is just a (cool) hard as nails vigilante with no real superpowers apart from to talk in a really low gravely voice if you’ve watched the recent films! Spiderman and Superman both have real superpowers, however as I don’t like Spiders it would be Superman because 1) he can fly in outer space !so I’d go and visit other planets and see if aliens really exist (other than superman of course.) plus he can see through walls, freeze stuff with his breath, shoot red hot lasers from his eyes and is pretty much indestructible. So it would have to be Superman as you can do anything you wanted, good or bad.

Thanks Matt! Check out our About Us page for more info on the team!

Paul Evans – Guest Services Manager - Swansea

Paul Evans has recently started as a Guest Services manager, looking after our Swansea portfolio and greeting our guests into Wales’ second largest city.

Paul has recently discovered some hidden talents in the form of cooking and rambling. Paul sources locally produced ingredients from wild herbs found during rambling or from farmers markets or specialist shops. Paul and his partner have been renovating their old rambling house for some time however the views over the Brecon Beacons more than make up for the time taken to do this.

Paul has vast experience in the travel sector having previous job with travel agents, hotel, airline and sales management roles. On his extensive career Paul says he has “travelled extensively throughout the world, especially Asia and the Americas both through my work and taking holidays. But I was forced to make a choice either moving permanently to London and continuing a travel career or trying something different. And then the opportunity to work with A Space In The City came along and helped me make up my mind. I have decided to put my suitcase away for a while and enjoy my home town of Swansea”

When asked how Paul has found his start with us he replied that it has been “a real learning curve. I have never been on the hosting side of the hospitality market before, always the sales side so it has been challenging but great fun. Realising that you personally have to ensure delivery of guest expectations 24 hours a day is the hardest part – but having some great feedback since I started is keeping me smiling. Also knowing that I have a fantastic support team in our Cardiff HQ gives you that extra boost of confidence”
Paul has already made a great impact and we look forward to what the future will bring.

Find out about the rest of the team..

A Space in the City wins the ‘High Commendation” award at the Swansea Bay Tourism Awards 2012

The Swansea Bay Tourism Awards celebrate the achievements of some of the finest tourism, leisure and hospitality business in the Swansea Bay area.

A Space in the City Swansea was nominated in the category of “Best Self-Catering Accommodation” in the biennial Swansea Bay Tourism Awards. We were up against 6 other self-catering accommodation providers and were one of 2 companies who received the Highly Commended Award for our dedication to providing high quality self-catering accommodation for our customers.

The evening, hosted by Badger from The Wave radio station, was a huge success with all involved enjoying a 3 course meal and dancing until midnight.

With this being the first time we have entered these awards we are extremely pleased with our award, however we hope to come away with first prize in 2014!!

Welcome to our new Finance Manager- Matthew Hutcheon

Matthew Hutcheon – Finance Manager

We are delighted to announce a new addition to the A Space in the City team Firstly Matthew Hutcheon, Matthew has been with us since April where he has taken on the role of Finance Manager. Matt grew up in Ystrad Mynach and studied accountancy at Cardiff University; he is currently in the process of completing his ACCA exams which will lead the way to Matt becoming a fully qualified accountant.

Matt has a huge passion for sport with his main game being Welsh favourite Rugby, he plays scrum half for Bargoed RFC who currently compete in the Welsh Championship – we couldn’t resist adding the below picture of Matt completing our cyclethon for Sports Relief earlier this year!

Speaking of his first few months, Matt admits he has “been very busy” yet has found the role to be “challenging yet enjoyable”. Matt brings a great deal of experience to the team, Matt joined us from Peacocks Head Office in Cardiff where he took on various accounting roles including Assistant Management Accountant and Assistant Financial Accountant. Matt has settled well into the close knit office team and we all wish him the best of luck in his new role.

A Space in the City plan major Swansea focus

We are planning a major focus on Swansea in the coming months; we plan to increase the size and quality of our portfolio – read more about it here.


The Cardiff based company is the largest serviced apartment provider in Wales and offers a portfolio of luxury apartments in both Cardiff and Swansea.
The company will upgrade its 2-bedroom apartments in Excelsior on Princess Way and purchase new property options in the SA1 development.
This comes as Paul Evans joins the company as a business development manager to spearhead the project.
Paul has an extensive background in the tourism and hospitality industry, including a position managing the Asia and South America hotel product for one of Britains’ largest travel companies.
Paul is looking forward to increasing the profile of A Space In The City within the Swansea Bay region by developing relationships within the Swansea Bay business community and actively participating in local groups and events.
Paul said: "The potential for alternative accommodation providers in Swansea is huge. With the combination of the new university campus development on Fabian Way, successful tourism marketing campaigns and people looking for something different, the option of a short stay serviced apartment is increasingly attractive. A luxury serviced apartment can not only offer more space and comfort than most hotel rooms, but also reinforces the concept of Swansea as a modern and dynamic city with premium and flexible accommodation options for all visitors needs."
If you would like to contact Paul he is available on 07816 315461 or email p.evans@aspaceinthecity.co.uk