Hearts in Hospitality

‘Heart and Soul’

About our Winner

Allison Miller MIH is the Operations Manager for BaxterStorey at the City of Glasgow College, overseeing both the Riverside and City Centre campuses. Her team describes her as a “hands-on manager” who leads with encouragement, by example, and always from the front.

Allison’s dedication to her team and her role was recognised when she was nominated by Jo Flood, Internal Communications Manager at BaxterStorey. She was awarded the IoH Hearts in Hospitality award in 2024.

Hands-on leader

Allison is known for encouraging her team to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. She actively supports her team members in joining initiatives such as Chef Academy or Service Academy to foster personal and professional growth.

Jo Flood commended Allison for her leadership during challenging times, particularly navigating her team through the pandemic, two company restructures, and the monumental month-long COP26 event in 2022, one of BaxterStorey’s most significant milestones.

Whether at her laptop closing the books, planning client presentations, or in the kitchen helping her team clean fryers and empty bins, Allison is always willing to get stuck in. If anyone faces transportation challenges, she’s the first to step in and drive her team to ensure no one is left behind.

Her “no-nonsense” approach, coupled with her “heart of gold” (as described by her head chef), is why she was shortlisted for the Manager of the Year Award 2024.

Allison’s commitment extends beyond her role. She recently coordinated student field trips to local suppliers, helping them understand BaxterStorey’s decentralised supply chain.

Additionally, she has facilitated pop-up days with suppliers, including organising a charity Christmas carol event to support Ukrainian refugees at a local school in Greenock, Scotland. During the event, the chefs worked with the children to teach them how to make homemade mince pies and hot chocolate.

Allison’s unwavering dedication to her role and the people she works with makes her a well-deserved recipient of the IoH Hearts in Hospitality award.

As a result of her experience and commitment, Allison has been awarded one year’s membership of the Institute and has been graded at Member-level (MIH).