Carys Duckworth has joined our UK Sales Team bringing 10 years experience in hotels and hospitality.
Graduating from Leeds Beckett University with a first in Event Management, Carys’s first casual job in hotels was with the Conference and Events team at Leeds Marriott. Eager for more hours she moved across departments and successfully applied for the Marriott Graduate Management Programme. She secured an Operations Management role gaining full service experience and focussed mainly on F&B and C&E. She then moved from Leeds to Huntingdon.
Carys says ”One of my favourite memories of working front of house was my first shift as casual staff. I worked a wedding fair and met a lovely couple, who went on to book. I then worked at their wedding which was a wonderful day. 3 years later, by coincidence, they were travelling through Huntingdon to visit friends for their anniversary, and they recognised me and gave me a hug. I felt honoured that they had remembered me from their special day.”
People Person
Words used to describe Carys are “warm”, “friendly”, “committed”. She “turns strangers into friends”, and builds “long lasting relationships” with customers. She’s expanded her experience outside of hospitality along the way, working at festivals, in property development, fundraising and including a short stint as a primary school teacher. Carys is definitely a “people person”.
In her next career move, Carys stepped into Sales where she thrived. She really enjoyed the meticulous planning required, the relationship building and the competitive nature demanded by such a role.
“Taking the time to get to know my customers and work with them to find the best solutions and services is key. Over the last few years, the hospitality industry has had the toughest of times. I really understand the challenges faced by hotels, when resources are scarce, staff are time-short and customers are still expecting that personal touch and 24/7 access. I’ve been there.”
Employee of the Year
Carys spent several years with Marriott International, and went on to event sales roles at the Mercure Sheffield Parkway where she won Employee of the Year, and back to Marriott hotels in York and Leeds. Her most recent position was Sales Manager at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate.
“I’m excited for this new role at WeddingDates. I can’t wait to show my ex colleagues and peers how this software is a gamechanger, saving time and streamlining processes. With its clever automation it loses none of that personal touch. I’m keen to get started immediately.” Carys says.
Carys joins Alix Matania-Allerton and Ciara Crossan on the Sales team.
