The Kate Tidy interview

We chat to Kate Tidy, Recruitment Manager at Annesley Gandon, to discuss the park industry, her role in it, and what she likes to do when not working.

Hi Kate, it was great to meet you at Stoneleigh. How did you come about working for Annesley Gandon?

I have always worked within Leisure and hospitality, operationally and also from a support function. I enjoyed a wonderful time as Group Resourcing Manager at Bourne, however was made redundant at the back of 2020. I saw Jim was looking for a recruitment manager to join his agency, I have been on the wonderful Annesley Gandon Journey since January 2021.

Of all the things with your role, what is your favourite thing you like to do?

I am so lucky to have an amazing role, I love working with both Clients and Candidates, I love people and am extremely passionate about our sector, being able to help operators regardless of size have the best talent to offer amazing experiences. I also really enjoy looking at brands recruitment strategy and help make improvements to attract and also retain talent within organisations.,

What do you think we have in store for the industry in the next 24 months and what are your plans?

I believe we are in for an interesting 24 months, there is so much talent in our sector that will be looking to really strive forward in their careers, we are also seeing operators looking forward to protect and also build their talent pools. There are some amazing operators that are disrupting the current trends are really becoming employers.of choice. Now really is the time to think outside the box and be people focussed, offering the best benefits and working environments.

If you weren’t in the industry, what would you be doing?

I would love to have my own coffee shop/ florist, offering amazing customer service, locally sourced food, coffee…maybe wine and also amazing music, I might also have a small boutique offering unique statements pieces. Not sure I have a solid business plan…but it would be fun!!!

What do you like to do when not working? Any hobbies?

I am the proud Mum to my beautiful babies, Rhea and Fred, so they are my main focus as I support them into adulthood, I spend hours on the side of a football pitch, however when I do have “me” time I love working out, I have been known to do the occasional half marathon and pretty good at badminton. I can also be found enjoying myself with my friends be that on a tranquil beach walk or a good old night out. Life is for living.

Which clients would you love to help?

We have a varied client base, we are very lucky, it is all about relationships and if we are the natural point of contact for all our clients and candidates, as long as we add value, support and can work collaboratively with businesses we are helping who need us. I love working with growing operators who are really pushing the envelope on the products and services offered.

Who in our series would you like to be seen interviewed?

I have really enjoyed watching emerging businesses enter the market, there are some brilliant operators bringing a fresh lens on what we offer our guests. Lakeshore Leisure and Lovat Parks have really gained my attention, I would love to hear how they are going to continue to grow and bring a new voice to the sector. I also really enjoy watching the tech space, so Elite Dynamics and a real favourite of mine is TLJ locks and how they can really revolutionise not only the guest experience but operational excellence.

To read the David Goldsmith from Shorefield Holidays, click here.