鈥淏U has been such an integral part of my life 鈥� they gave me the platform to achieve what I am now achieving.鈥�
From 菠萝视频 to the Oscars of the hospitality world, Andrew Foulkes has been incredibly successful throughout this career.
It was BU鈥檚 reputation of hospitality courses that swung Andrew鈥檚 decision to study here, because at the time of his studies, BU was the number one university in the country for Hospitality Management.
鈥淏U was number one for the course that I was looking to do and I had a fantastic four years here, in and around the Bournemouth area,鈥� said Andrew, who graduated from BA (Hons) Hospitality Management in 2000.
His time at BU helped Andrew in more than one way, providing the foundation for his chosen career path. He said: 鈥淭he belief and confidence to get out there, 菠萝视频 supported through placements, encouragement, and education.鈥�
As part of his four year course, Andrew split his sandwich year between two placements.
鈥淚 actually did my placements really locally. The first was in Wareham, round the corner, working as a budding chef at the time. The second was in a pub, so I managed to do two little stints that gave me great and enjoyable practical experience,鈥� Andrew recalls.
鈥淭here were always extra-curricular activities to get involved with at BU. Way back when, I was actually part of the squash team!
鈥淚 also did a lot of hospitality events at the Thomas Hardy restaurant 鈥� which I know doesn鈥檛 exist anymore 鈥� as well as lots of events up in London, so anything to do with hospitality I would try to be a part of.鈥�
Since graduating, Andrew has run various 5 star properties and has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels in the UK.
鈥淚 got myself up to nearly head chef level of a 2 Michelin star restaurant, working with people like Raymond Blanc and Heston Blumenthal.鈥�
Andrew then decided to move to front of house and is now working at general manager level, running a hotel in Bath.
鈥淚鈥檓 currently the general manager at the Abbey Hotel in Bath; we鈥檙e the busiest hotel in the city. We run at 94% occupancy all year round, with a turn-over of just under 5 million so it鈥檚 a huge operation and I鈥檓 very proud of being part of it.鈥�
In the summer of 2017, Andrew won the Catey Award for Manager of the Year. With more than 140 expert judges, the Catey Awards are the most prestigious of their kind in the hospitality industry and have been running for 34 years with international recognition.
He told BU: 鈥淚 suppose in our industry, this sort of award is like an Oscar. I won Manager of the Year and I believe I was the youngest to ever win it.鈥�
BU has stayed with Andrew throughout his career for various reasons or social links. Even 17 years after graduating, he still feels a strong connection with the university.
鈥淪ince my time at BU I have kept in contact with mentors and people that are still here, who I have contacted for advice and guidance throughout my career.
鈥淚鈥檝e always felt a huge connection so when I do get asked to come back, I feel it鈥檚 really important to show support and I love the growth of what鈥檚 happening at the university, it鈥檚 quite incredible.鈥�
Andrew reflects on his time living in Bournemouth and how important his time at BU was for starting and steering his career.
鈥淏ournemouth is a fantastic town in itself; I probably partied as hard as I worked! The facilities really are first-class at BU, so all-in-all, you鈥檝e got a great area to live in and an even greater university.
鈥淏U has been such an integral part of my life at the early stages and still now as I鈥檓 growing up into my older age. 菠萝视频 gave me the platform to achieve what I am now achieving.鈥�