Philip Bolson owns “Mr B Hospitality”, a business that simply exists to help Yorkshire Hospitality be
brilliant. The business was set up in 2020 after 30 years in the sector where he has worked with and
learnt from some of the best. He works with various businesses across the region in an advisory,
coaching, mentoring, and more hands-on management capacity.
Over the 30 + years Philip has worked in both General and Regional management roles with
businesses such as Whitbread and Travelodge, through to being the General Manager of the 5 Star
Grand Hotel in York. At the Grand he oversaw a multi-million development including the addition of
100 bedrooms, the development of the Grand cookery school, and the Rise Restaurant.
Philip also sits on the York & North York Chamber Leadership Group advising on Hospitality, a
subject of which he is a passionate active advocate across the Region – both the businesses and
those who work in them.
Susie Brindley has worked for over 30 years at a senior level within the visitor economy, and has delivered hospitality, tourism and culture initiatives across the North of England and is Master Trainer for Welcome to Excellence.
She is the Managing Director of Willow Business Support, a company she has been running since 2006. Susie is also a champion of service excellence and an experienced judge and professional Mystery Shopper of hospitality, catering and visitor attractions.
Susie is committed to supporting the hospitality industry and works with many businesses as a coach and trainer. She is also a passionate Yorkshire woman, very proud of her roots and heritage.
Local chef Stephanie is a Yorkshire farmer's daughter, with a varied food background, and now runs her own food consultancy business “All Things Food” which proudly is in its 12th year.
She previously worked at The Dorchester Hotel for world famous Chef Anton Mosimann, which saw her cooking for the Queen at the Royal State Banquet. Steph has also worked in St Moritz, Munich, Sydney, the Hayman Islands and Chicago. In 2000 she worked at Rudding Park, as the Executive Chef, for a number of years.
Stephanie is a recognised figure on the Yorkshire food scene and has many accolades to her credit, including an Oliver Award and appearances on BBC2’s Great British Menu and BBC1’s Chefs Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is. Steph has also been a professional’s guest on the BBC Radio Leeds breakfast show many times.
Steph enjoys helping support Young Chefs coming into the industry and encouraging the next generation of years into this great career, and is a passionate ambassador for Yorkshire produce.
Wayne has extensive experience in driving hotels to achieve great results with a consistent focus on the guest, the investor, and the team. With tangible results achieved across a range of Hotels including destination conference venues, airport hotels, city centre properties and 5 star golf and leisure resorts. Chairman of the Leeds, Hotels and Venues Association, board Member of the Institute of Hospitality North Region, and Managing Director of Cedar Courts Hotel who own and operate 500 bedrooms across Yorkshire.
Akosua Akobeng has had a varied and successful career in marketing which has included work in sectors such as charity, education, hospitality and beauty. Today, she is Head of Guest Marketing, leading the marketing team at UKcaravans4hire. Staying on top of industry trends, Akosua, has successfully orchestrated the company's rebrand and inspires and guides the marketing team making creative, data-driven decisions to propel the brand's growth to achieve lasting success, enhance the company's visibility and drive campaigns that resonate with the audience.
