learnpurple Acorn Award: Jon Reed
Learning and development coordinator, Jon Reed, has received a prestigious Acorn Award.
One of only ’30 under 30’ awards awarded to young, high achievers nationwide by Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine, Jon’s Acorn recognises his significant achievements since joining the company just 18 months ago. These achievements range from increasing sales of learnpurple’s 90-minute masterclasses by over 200%; to securing business from over 50 new client companies; to managing a variety of high profile projects.
A recent example of Jon’s use of initiative was when introduced and managed the Addmore Management programme. This allowed SMEs in London to access £1000 of government funding for the development of a key director. Despite the tight timescales involved, Jon was able to slash through the ‘red tape’ and secured funding for more than 20 hospitality companies.
Learnpurple have a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility and on spreading best practice. In support of this, Jon works as an ambassador to Springboard UK and on other similar projects. Also on behalf of Springboard, he recently delivered a series of six large UK-wide presentations to the education sector promoting the hospitality industry.
Prior to joining learnpurple in November 2004, Jon worked in food and beverage management with Marriot at Waltham Abbey, Sprowston Manor and Courtyard by Marriot (Reading) hotels. He holds a BA (Hons) in Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree from Anglia University and was the 2004 Acorn Scholarship winner. Jon recently qualified as an NLP Practitioner.
On winning the award Jon enthused “It is great to be recognised as an achiever in the industry and I look forward to using this accolade as a springboard to support my development and the growth of learnpurple.
I have aspired to win an Acorn award since I first I heard about the Acorns as a student. To have received one whilst still under 25 is a massive honour!”
Learnpurple managing director, Jane Sunley, commented “We are delighted that Jon’s talents have been recognised in this way. When I first met Jon he told me his ambition was to learn as much as he could to benefit the capabilities of others within the industry. Jon has fully embraced the learning opportunities here and has made full use of them to improve himself, our business and the community at large – a very equitable arrangement for all of us”.
The Acorn Awards are presented to individuals under the age of 30 who have already proved their talents, but who are predicted to go on to even greater things. Not only are they high-achievers in their own right, but they have also proved their willingness to share their skills with others through mentoring schemes. They recognise highly skilled individuals in the hospitality industry who are committed to raising standards and are acting as outstanding role models. Sponsored by UBF Foodsolutions, the Acorn Awards have so far been presented to some 480 young people, who represent excellence in the Hospitality Industry.
2006 Acorn Award winner Jon Reed
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