A Milton Keynes man has won a prestigious national award for the role he played in the fight against COVID-19.
Simon Thatcher is General Manager of Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre in Milton Keynes, he has won the Meetings Industry Association’s ‘Extraordinary Performance Award’ 2020.
The MIA awards recognise and celebrate the inspiring individuals in the business meetings and events industry who continually go the extra mile and play a pivotal role in making their organisation successful.
Simon won the award for the part he played in February 2020 when Kents Hill Park became the first UK events venue to be employed in the fight against COVID-19. The Centre was used by the Government to quarantine 150 British citizens and their families who were flown from Wuhan City, China back to the UK. All of whom tested negative for the Coronavirus but nether the less, Simon and his team worked in partnership with Government agencies during this time establishing many of the COVID secure practices now seen in venues across UK venues.
The judges said: “Throughout a very difficult year, Simon has been quick thinking, accommodating and adaptable to changing circumstances and challenges. He led his team through a very challenging period and was enthusiastic and proactive. He has been a team player and worked well with the multiple agencies, suppliers and internal teams. Simon was a key player in ensuring the business didn’t just deliver, but excelled at providing a safe, professional yet human centric environment for guests.”
Kents Hill Park is part of The Venues Collection, Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of the Collection, said: “I take great pride in the part Simon played at this difficult time. He was quick thinking, accommodating and adaptable to changing circumstances and challenges. He led his team through a very challenging period and was enthusiastic and proactive. He was a team player and worked well with the multiple agencies and suppliers and of course the team. Simon was a key part in in ensuring that we didn’t just deliver, we excelled at providing a safe, professional yet human centric environment for our guests.”
© MKFM News 2020
