Local resident Stephen Mileham has been marked out as one of the UK hospitality industry's rising stars at this year's Acorn Awards.

Stephen, who is director of sales and marketing at the Crowne Plaza Marlow hotel, was identified as one of the thirty brightest prospects under the age of 30 in the hospitality trade.

Raised in the Buckinghamshire area, Stephen has worked in the sector for more than 10 years, starting out as a hotel porter. He has been with Redefine BDL Hotels - who manage Crowne Plaza Marlow - for six years and has held other senior roles in the company, before taking up his current position in September last year.

Commenting on his award, Stephen said: "I am thrilled to have won an Acorn Award. I enjoy and take great satisfaction from my day-to-day work, but to receive recognition from my colleagues and peers in the industry is the icing on the cake.

"One aspect of the job I have enjoyed during my ten years in the trade has been meeting different people, understanding their needs and working out how we can best meet those needs. As my career progresses, I hope this is an ethos which I can maintain and pass onto the next generation."

The awards, run by Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine, are designed to acknowledge the flair and reward the good work of those currently working in hotels, restaurants and catering companies, with nominations coming from their peers and colleagues.

Rob Ledson, group director of sales at Redefine BDL Hotels, said: "I had no doubt in nominating Stephen for the Acorn Award and I'm pleased to see him win one of the prestigious prizes.

"At Redefine BDL Hotels, we place a great emphasis on identifying and nurturing talent from a young age. The fact Stephen has won this award at the age of 27 proves that he has a bright future ahead of him and is one to watch for the future."

For further information, contact:

Lucy Smith or Craig MacLellan

0131 470 3400

lucy.smith@porternovelli.co.uk�or craig.maclellan@porternovelli.co.uk