The operations director of a leading North East leisure company has been shortlisted for one of the UK’s most prestigious business awards.
The Institute of Directors has a Royal Charter to “support, represent and set standards for business leaders nationwide” and annually honours those it sees as at the forefront of business leadership.
And it has now announced that Atul Malhotra, Operations Director of the leisure arm of Newcastle-based The Malhotra Group plc, is a finalist in the IOD North East and Yorkshire Director of the Year competition.
Mr Malhotra has been recognised in the family business category for helping Malhotra Group become a market leader in hospitality in the region.
The company, which is currently creating a range of exciting projects in the city along with relaunching Gosforth’s former Three Mile Inn as the Great North Hotel this autumn, also runs The Grey Street Hotel, The Northumbria Hotel at Jesmond and a number of bars.
Atul was also responsible for the development of the highly acclaimed Leila Lily’s, an award-winning rosette restaurant and bar, next to the Grey Street Hotel.
The venue recently received an international FESPA design award for its unique interiors.
“I am extremely honoured and humbled to be in the running for such a prestigious award,” he said.
“The Institute of Directors is such an important organisation and extremely well respected, so to be named a finalist against what will have been incredible competition is amazing.
“The success of our company however is really down to our hardworking and dedicated staff, so this is really more of a tribute to them.”
Along with running the leisure portfolio for the group, Atul is a keen supporter of local charities including The Prince’s Trust and cancer patient care charity, Daft As A Brush and is a committee member of Darras Hall estates.
A spokesperson for the awards said that the quality of the entries was very high,
“so making the shortlist is a great achievement.”
“2020 will go down as a year of unprecedented challenge and change with directors like you drawing on all of their talent and resilience to support staff, collaborate and innovate,” they said.
The winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony being held on 4 November.
