The Chapters Team
Steven Bell, Owner
Prior to buying Chapters Hotel in March 2005, Steven and his father, Les Bell, owned the North East convenience chain Bells Stores.
Steven is a widely experienced retailer having worked from the shop floor to the controlling role within one of the country’s biggest independent convenience retail businesses, which they subsequently sold to Sainsburys Plc in 2004.
He was the youngest National Chairman of the Association of Convenience Stores (1990 – 2000).
As well as Chapters Hotel, he operates a shopfitting business called Newman Scott, which has been running for 15 years with brands such as Austin Reed, Chelsea Football Club, Hugo Boss and Rockcliffe Hall Golf Club to name a few. Click here to view website
Steven also owns a designer clothing company, The House, with his brother Peter. They have three stores, one in Yarm, Northallerton and Harrogate.
email: stevenanddawn@chaptershotel.co.uk
Christopher Neal, General Manager
Chris is our General Manager and his history with Chapters goes back to when Steven and Dawn bought the hotel.
Chris is a familiar and welcoming figure to our regular guests who enjoy having a catch up with the latest developments here in the hotel. His fantastic Customer Service Skills shine through with all customers and is highlighted with all the positive feedback received about him.
Chris has undertaken a vast number of courses in order to improve his skills for the role. The courses include NVQ Level 2 in Team Leadership & Business Improvement Techniques, WSET Wine Course at Intermediate level, Fire Warden and First Aid training. He also has a Personal Licence Holder for the Hotel.
Chris is involved in all aspects of the running of Chapters, and keeps his finger firmly on the pulse.
email: chris@chaptershotel.co.uk
Sean Wilkinson, Head Chef
Joined us in September 2008 and has over 20 years experience as a Chef on the continent and in the UK. He is known for his individual cooking style and attention to detail.
He has the unique ability to par flavours, textures and temperatures. He serves modern British and Continental cuisine sometimes with a Molecular twist.
Sean Wilkinson was recently a finalist in Yorkshire Life Chef of the Year 2009. He was the winner of UK’s Best Dessert 2007 Restaurant magazine . He has appeared on TV in UK TV food for Tana Ramsey and cooked 6 dishes on TV for Paul O Grady Show.
Sean has many qualifications in Professional Cookery & Pastry (City & Guilds 7061/2 and Pastry 711) and has recently undertook a Fire Training Course for the Hotel. For his passion of Chemical Food, Sean has been trained on all areas of using Liquid Nitrogen.
email: sean@chaptershotel.co.uk
Tonio Camilleri, Front Desk & Accounts Manager
Tonio organises and maintains the accounts for the hotel. His knowledge of business spans decades, with him owning his own store in his home country in Malta.
Tonio enjoys the finer things in life especially Wine – his love of Wine shone through when he undertook the WSET Wine Course, achieving a merit! Tonio also holds a Personal Licence for the Hotel and has had Fire Warden Training.
email: tonio@chaptershotel.co.uk
Rachel Power, Marketing & Events and HR
Rachel has worked for Steven for over 10 years, moving over from Bells Stores to Chapters Hotel.
Rachel’s eye for detail and efficient time management for events ensures all the Marketing & Functions are word perfect. Rachel’s education is to degree level and she has also undertaken a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Management at IGD.
email: rachel@chaptershotel.co.uk
Duty Management Team ~ Zak Talkington, Ben Cotts, Christopher Lill & Adam Busuttil
The Front of House Duty team is a young but very experience squad. Having worked at Chapters for over two years together, the team work together to maintain the excellent customer service for the Restaurant and Brasserie.
Zak Talkington is extremely diligent when it comes to Training & Development of the new starters. His excellent customer service skills also make him a popular person with the clients, young and old!
Zak also covers the running of the restaurant when the General Manager is on his day off. Zak’s qualifications include WSET Wine Course at intermediate level and the Spirits Course at Introductory level, NVQ level 2 in Team leadership and Business Improvement Techniques, he has had Fire Warden training and also holds a Personal Licence for the Hotel.
Ben Cotts looks after the bar and takes charge of the wine & spirits list, his knowledge and enthusiasm for Alcohol shines through and gains him excellent comments from all the guests..
He also manages all other forms of liquid refreshments for the hotel, especially the cocktails, which he enjoys concocting on an evening for the guests.
Ben’s qualifications include a 1st in Business Management Degree from University of Teesside, WSET Wine Course at intermediate level, NVQ level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques, he has had Fire Warden training and also holds a Personal Licence for the Hotel.
Chris Lill is an extremely hard working character and will put his mind to all tasks including the “dirty” jobs. His attention to detail oozes confidence with the General Manager, as he knows if Chris has completed the task, then it has been done!!
His excellent leadership skills come to the forefront when required.
Chris’ qualifications include NVQ level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques, WSET Wine Course at Intermediate level and he has had Fire Warden & First Aid training. Chris also holds a Personal Licence for the Hotel.
Adam Busuttil also works with the restaurant staff, ensuring training and development is achieved to the highest standard which is expected of the team.
Adam’s qualifications include numerous NVQ courses levels 1 and 2, which he has obtained through his retail career prior to working at Chapters, WSET Wine Course at intermediate level and he has had Fire Warden training. Adam also holds a Personal Licence for the Hotel
email: ben@chaptershotel.co.uk ; clill@chaptershotel.co.uk ; zak@chaptershotel.co.uk ; adam@chaptershotel.co.uk
Jane Robinson & Diane Busuttil, reception
Jane & Diane have worked for Chapters since Steven & Dawn took over in 2005.
Their friendly & experienced nature puts guests at rest when making reservations for the hotel or restaurant. Both of the receptionists have undertaken Computer training and Jane has completed a NVQ level 1 & Level 2 in Customer Service. They have also had Fire Warden Training
Jane also manages and organises the team of Chambermaids and has responsibility for overseeing the cleanliness of the bedrooms & public areas. In many ways, this is the least glamorous, but most important, job in the hotel and Jane marshals a team of hard-working staff to service the rooms everyday. All the staff have been trained on the Fire Warden Course.
email: enquiries@chaptershotel.co.uk
