A HOTEL manager who rose to the top job just six years after working as a waiter is on a mission to recruit others into the hospitality industry.

At just 32, Adam Wardale rose quickly through the ranks to run the Middletons Hotel in York.

He has now taken the reins as chairman of the Hospitality Association York (HAY) just weeks after being named an ‘unsung hero’ finalist at the National VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Adam said it was an honor to be elected chairman of York’s hotel body, which has more than 20 members, ranging from small independents to the Grand, York’s only five-star hotel.

Adam Wardale, third from right, took over as chairman of HAY

With over 2,000 bed and breakfasts and just over 1,500 staff, HAY is represented on various York bodies, such as the Tourism Advisory Council, Chamber of Commerce, Indie York and the York BID.

Adam succeeds Martin Bradnam, who has resigned, along with Sarah Czarnecki, from the Grays Court Hotel, as vice-president of the non-profit organization.

He is confident HAY can “do a lot for the future” after two very difficult years of Covid-related closures and restrictions.

“I think York has done extremely well as a city to deal with that. Last summer we had an exceptional summer. I really think we’ll have that again. I think the staycation market will always be there, and the last two years have shown that there are some really exciting places to visit in the UK – and York is one of them.”

But there are still challenges ahead, Adam added.

As the staffing crisis has improved, hoteliers are now grappling with rising food and utility costs, especially smaller independent businesses.

“There are damaging figures. The reduction in VAT must be reviewed.”

Adam says hospitality is not well represented in government, which is damaging the sector.

“There was talk of a hospitality minister. That didn’t happen,” he said.

“We need to work to have better representation and champion hospitality as a career.”

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At the last HAY meeting, members highlighted issues they want to focus on, such as how to improve people’s perspective on hospitality as a career option, including working with schools , colleges and universities to promote diversity of opportunity.

Adam, who was general manager of the Middletons Hotel, owned by Daniel Thwaites, for nearly four years, believes his own career path highlights the potential for progress.

“I started at Daniel Thwaites only 10 years ago as a waiter in a hotel in Leeds. I worked in various roles in different departments. I then took on a group role looking after the food and drinks, and I went from server to general manager in six years.

“I think there is incredible career progression in hospitality and I’m proof that you can go through a career pretty quickly. I think six years from team member to general manager is an achievement. I am proud of it.”

VisitEngland’s Unsung Heroes category, a new award for 2022, recognizes someone who excels in their role and deserves applause for their hard work and commitment to the tourism industry.

Adam was nominated for consideration after winning the Unsung Hero award at the Visit York Tourism Awards in March.

The winner will be announced on June 8.