ON today’s International Women’s Day, a Highland hospitality group is calling for workplaces to do more to support women into hospitality management positions.
Cru Holdings, which operates seven bars and restaurants in Inverness and Nairn, now has three female general managers and three assistant managers across its venues – with intentions to continue to even the playing field when new positions become available.
Evelina Bzezinskaja, general manager of popular Inverness cocktail bar Bar One, said: “Everybody knows that it’s harder for women to climb up the ladder of success. While lots of women work in hospitality, it tends to be men that occupy the higher-up positions – and I think often women aren’t given the same encouragement and training required to help them progress in their careers.”
Laura McLean, general manager of Prime Steak & Seafood in Inverness, added: “Every day, women in hospitality can face misogynistic comments. Many of these are relatively minor – being called darling, love or sweetheart – but after a whole day they can really add up.
“As a manager, there are also times when we’re not taken seriously by customers, too. They ask to speak to whoever is in charge and act shocked when greeted by a woman.”
Cru Holdings is committed to providing equal opportunities to everyone with a passion for hospitality. The team sees this every day, with opportunities for progression and training offered to all staff – and recognition of fantastic service through company-wide awards. The group also works hard to ensure that women feel safe in the workplace, and are given the same opportunities as their male peers.
Ms McLean continued: “I joined Cru Holdings around 10 years ago as a bartender. Over that time I’ve been given lots of opportunities to progress in my career – as a supervisor, assistant manager and now as a general manager. And I’ve certainly noticed in the industry as a whole, the number of female managers has increased over the last decade.
“Cru Holdings is a fantastic company to work for. If you work hard you will go far, regardless of your gender. I have always had the same opportunities as my male peers, and been rewarded for my efforts. It’s a lesson that all companies in the hospitality industry should learn.”
Ms Bzezinskaja has had similar experiences within the business. She said: “I started at Cru Holdings six years ago as a shy waitress with little experience but I have always had encouragement from the team here. I have been rewarded at our annual staff awards ceremony, and this has been an encouraging sign that anyone can achieve success within the business.
“It’s not always easy to be in a managerial position as a woman as some people don’t take you seriously or don’t appreciate a woman in charge. But really it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what gender you are – I want my team to achieve every success possible, and we are all working together towards the same goals.
“To all women in the hospitality industry, I say to stay strong and to use all the support, guidance and help offered to you from people around you and mentors to progress in your career.”
Scott Murray, director of Cru Holdings, added: “People from all walks of life visit us in our venues to enjoy great drinks, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. So it’s important to us that we have a diverse range of viewpoints and experiences in our managerial teams to ensure we are always striving for excellence.
“This means offering women the same opportunities as men at all levels, ensuring that everyone with a passion for working in the hospitality industry has their interest nurtured and developed.”
Cru Holdings is the Highlands’ leading hospitality group, with a portfolio of seven bars and restaurants in Inverness and Nairn: Prime, Bar One, Scotch & Rye, The Classroom, The Wee Bar, The White House, and The Keg. For more information, visit www.cruhq.com.
