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