A BUSINESS THAT says it thinks with its head and its heart, Red Carnation Hotels is renowned in the travel industry for the many stars after its hotels' names and for treating staff like family. It boils down, as the president and founder of the group, Bea Tollman, says, to encouraging individuality, allowing for weaknesses and trying to create as many opportunities for success as possible. She is the power behind an empire that has 17 hotels in four continents and employs 887 people in the UK. Its London properties include the Milestone, near Kensington Palace. Tollman believes in her employees even when others wouldn't and, in turn, her team have faith in her (a 90% positive score). Many are recruited through Springboard, a charity for people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, who struggle to find work. The group makes the most of everyone's abilities (71% and a No 1 ranking). Anyone who wants additional training in order to progress is granted it and the business employs extra people so staff can be released from duty as and when. Red Carnation Hotels runs more than 80 courses, several of which result in nationally recognised qualifications, and all of which are found to be of great personal benefit (86%, another top ranking). Promotions are made almost wholly from within the group. The company supports a host of charities and staff think it is built on sound moral values (88%). www.redcarnationhotels.com
