TGtS Meets...Alix Young

Alix Young left a successful career in journalism to take over the family business. Now a fully fledged hotelier in her own right - Alix discusses her transition from radio producer to hotel manager.

Who has had the greatest impact on you as a business leader?

It would have to be a lady called Pam Lawton, she was MD of the radio station I worked at in Norfolk called KLFM. It was that job where I really ‘grew up’ and realised that being a leader is a lot more than just telling people what to do! From her I learnt that respect is a huge part of being a leader and that’s something you have to earn from your team.

What are your professional goals?

Who knows! If you’d asked me three years ago when I worked in radio it would have been something terribly grand in the world of journalism. Now, working back in the family business, it’s completely changed. I’d really like to take The Pear Tree forward, we’ve been around for 27 years and I want to make sure that we’re still around in another 27 years! Up until now I hadn’t realised the complications of being the second generation in a business – you have to keep the heart of the business the same while making sure it’s relevant to a whole new generation too.  There’s a big responsibility on your shoulders not to mess it up!

Where is your favourite place to eat in Swindon?

Apart from The Pear Tree?! It has to be Los Gatos or Egg-e-licious in Old Town. Both totally different places offering different experiences, but the food and service in both are great. When I have friends or colleagues visiting these are the places I want to show off.

What do you think attracts business people to Swindon?

We always say that during the week we’re 5 miles from Swindon and the M4 yet at the weekend we’re on the southern tip of the Cotswolds. The other thing that makes Swindon great is the expectations around it. People don’t expect it to be very good and so when they get here they’re pleasantly surprised! It’s got everything you need – great access from road & rail, good shopping, an ever improving food scene, a bit of history and some great green spaces (Lydiard Park being an often-forgotten gem). 

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give someone going into a leadership position? 

Listen. When I first started as a ‘manager’ my boss Pam gave me a sticky note that said ‘two ears, one mouth’ and it lived on my computer screen for ages. Something I learned as a radio journalist is how important it is to listen and actually hear what people are saying. So many of us listen while actually just thinking about what we’re going to say in return. If you really listen, your team will tell you everything you need to know about getting the best out of them.

How do you like to spend your time off?

What time off?! I work in hospitality which is a 24/7 business but I do get the odd day off and I love the fact it’s mid-week so everywhere is fairly quiet! I love food and cooking so if I’m not working I’m generally pottering about in my kitchen making something, or just relaxing in front of the TV watching a cookery show. My two cats normally keep me company but my husband always seems to find something better to do when Masterchef comes on!

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

We’ve had some very fun people staying or eating here over the years but a hotelier is always discreet! I got very excited when the author Peter James popped in last month as I’m addicted to his books. I generally don’t have many famous people, instead I have very useful people… if you want an amazing suite in Dubai I know someone who can help or if you need a last minute room at a top London hotel I know who to speak to!

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

There’ve been quite a few but debating against Eton when I’d just started 6^th form at Marlborough College was pretty amazing. While I was in radio I helped the station win two Sony radio awards which was absolutely massive and since I’ve been at the hotel we’ve won the Good Hotel Guide’s Best Country Hotel cesar award for 2015. I’m in the middle of something pretty amazing too, I’ve been really lucky to be awarded with a St Julian Scholarship by the Master Innholders and they’re sending me on a two week residential leadership course at Cranfield in March which should be incredible (if very hard work!).

Describe Swindon in 3 Words... 

You’ll be surprised

If you started your career again is there anything you’d do differently?

No. I’ve had a crazy career path from radio journalism to media relations at the police and ending up in hotels but everywhere I’ve been has taught me something really useful. Working in a family business is very hands on and you realize how important all the knowledge you’ve picked up along the way really is.