How to Be a Successful Business Woman: Meet Alison, Our Owner | International Women’s Day

This week, we’re looking at what it takes to become a successful business woman.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re introducing you to Alison, our owner here at Balmer Lawn Hotel.

Alison is a strong, inspirational and successful business woman. Here, she’s sharing her incredible journey, along with some helpful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

Meet Alison, Our Owner

To celebrate Alison as a successful business woman, we spoke to her about her accomplishments in both her professional and personal life.

As well as owning Balmer Lawn Hotel, Alison has several other strings to her bow. She is one of the business directors for the Solent LEP board, a member of the Solent LEP Search, employment and remuneration committee, director of Go New Forest, a Community Interest Company, a committee member of Brockenhurst Business Association and a trustee for the New Forest Trust.

Alison is also married with 3 children, helps care for her elderly parents and loves to walk the family dogs in the New Forest in her free time.

Successful Business Woman: Alison’s Journey In Hospitality

Alison began her journey in the hospitality industry after graduating from university. She said, “I graduated with an honour’s degree in business studies. I then joined The National Freight Consortium as a graduate management trainee.

“My early career involved working on some high-profile contracts. These included Harris Queensway and Argos and ICL. I then went on to run the prestigious BMW parts delivery contract from BMW’s UK head office in Bracknell. Whilst running the contract, we introduced the first overnight car parts delivery operation in the UK.”

Alison met her husband, Chris, in 1992, and they soon acquired their first business – The Rose and Crown Hotel in Tring. 

She said, “I ran the business as proprietor/manager for three years. In 1997, we then took on Balmer Lawn Hotel, making Brockenhurst and the New Forest our home with three children.

“We restored Balmer Lawn Hotel, achieved four Silver Stars status, and now have a team of over 90 staff.”

Challenges Alison Has Overcome As A Female In A Leadership Role

Over the years, there have been many challenges that Alison has had to overcome. She said, “One of the first challenges I faced was being a young female manager. I was managing over 50 experienced haulage drivers on the BMW parts contract.

“Getting respect from the drivers was a challenge. I remember when we introduced a new fleet of HGV Tractor units with new Techtronic gearboxes. A rather surly driver insisted that the new gearboxes were a backward move as they did not work. Not being an HGV driver myself, it was difficult to convince him that it was a positive move.

“He didn’t believe that the tractor units (Mercedes) were a significant improvement on the old tractors – his retort was, “well you try it!” So, I did – and it turns out being a female with a gentler touch made it easier to drive – he never complained again!”

“Another memorable challenge was when we bought our first hotel in Tring. I only had a 2-day handover with the then general manager. I then had to run a busy, 27-room hotel, public bar and award-winning restaurant, with no previous experience or training.

“I learnt that good business practices and principles are transferable across most industries and sectors. Common sense and sound business integrity applied to any business sector is a great starting point for a successful business.”

Successful Business Woman: Celebrating Inspirational Women

“My greatest inspirations are my Mum and my two daughters.

“If I had to choose three other inspirational women to have dinner with, though, it would be Michelle Obama, Angela Harnett and Kate Nicholls. I’d love to ask Michelle Obama what she would have done differently had she been the 44th president of the United States instead of her husband. She’s a lady that I really admire.

“Angela Hartnett is not only an amazing chef; she’s also been inspirational in changing work practices in the kitchen workplace. Her approach to work patterns – such as the four-day week – has revolutionised shift patterns. It’s proven that having flexible working practices can help businesses achieve better productivity, and have a more motivated workforce. I’d like to hear her thoughts on how to encourage and attract more women to become chefs.

“Kate Nicholls is the chief executive of our trade body UKHospitality; during the pandemic, she was a constant pillar of strength for our industry. She sent clear, coherent messages to the government on the importance of our industry to society and the economy – I would like to thank her!”

Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“The most important piece of advice I’ve had was a quote from Benjamin Franklin: ‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.’ It’s good advice for all of us!

“For any woman wanting to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in business, I would say, most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities. It’s also important to be prepared to listen and reevaluate. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind, but so much wrong with being dogmatic!

“Having an open mind and the ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes – whether customers, work colleagues, employees or employers – is a great skill.”

Opportunities For Women In Business

As we recognise our own strong business woman, Alison, we’re also looking at opportunities for females in business. Alison said, “I’ve seen a massive change in opportunities for women in business.

“When I first introduced the overnight delivery service for BMW, there was a large press launch which took place in a Gentlemen’s Club in Pall Mall, London.

“Despite being responsible for the operation, I was not allowed through the front door. I had to enter the club via a side door as it was a men’s only club. I’m pleased to say this just wouldn’t or couldn’t happen now.

“In hospitality, we’re working to offer equal opportunity for all, but sadly more needs to be done. There are still areas that are predominantly male or female; we must break down these stereotypes.

“One area I am passionate about is that of women chefs. It was a sorry reflection to see the latest Michelin Guide 2022. Two female-led restaurants were awarded three Michelin stars in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2021. These were Core by Clare Smyth and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.

“This year, despite 19 new one-star restaurants, five new two stars and a new three-star, not a single new star or award was given to a female chef. This can’t be right.

“Gender roles are changing but there is more to do. As I mentioned before, we should be seeing more female chefs – and more male housekeepers! I do feel, though, that the hospitality industry is already on the right path to taking women in leadership more seriously.

“The female leaders in the industry need to continue to nurture and foster strong leadership roles for women. This is especially important for the next generation of leaders to come. Placing women in high-level leadership positions needs to become more than a standard; it needs to be a strong intent.

“Mentoring would be a positive move to help female leaders in hospitality achieve their potential. It would be an honour to have inspired even one female to do more and go further.”

We’d like to thank Alison for sharing her incredible journey as a successful business woman. If you’d like to know more about our career opportunities here at Balmer Lawn Hotel, please contact us.

Alternatively, why not read our previous blog where we shared Andrew’s journey to Balmer Lawn Hotel?