Best operations managers in the country named

Paul Wishart of Greene King Pub Partners has been named Business Development Manager of the Year for tenanted estates, with Neil McKie of Stonegate taking the prize for Area Manager of the Year for managed businesses.

The winners were announced on Monday in a ceremony at the Hilton Kensington hotel following an exhaustive mentoring process and a rigorous weekend-long masterclass testing the finalists’ enthusiasm, dynamism and business acumen.

The judges said they were particularly impressed by the winners’ professionalism and passion for licensed retail.

Nick Bish, founder of the ALMR Operations Managers Awards said: “Each year, the awards process seeks to uncover, acknowledge and celebrate those individuals at the cutting edge of licensed hospitality. These men and women are the driving force behind the dynamic and thriving pubs and bars across the country.

“Congratulations to Neil and Paul. Their enthusiasm and dedication has shone through and they are very worthy winners and a great asset to UK licensed hospitality.”

ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The ops awards is one of the ALMR’s greatest assets and we are incredibly proud to be able to highlight the fantastic work being carried out by talented operations managers throughout the country.”