Alex O’Reilly from Oceana in Watford has been named general manager of the year in Luminar Group’s first awards since its clubs were rescued from administration.
The company, which employs more than 2,000 people at 55 clubs across the UK, also named Tom Meill from Liquid in Uxbridge, north-west London, as deputy manager of the year.
They were among 15 people recognised in the awards that were run as part of Luminar Group’s annual conference in Northampton. Alex is pictured right being presented with his award by chief executive Peter Marks.
Marks praised staff for their role in helping the company to deliver “a credible first-year performance” after the clubs were saved from administration in a £45million deal at the end of 2011.
Other awards included regional director of the year which went to Ged Gorrie who looks after the south.
Marks said: “It’s a great opportunity to recognise the shining stars that have helped Luminar to confound its critics and deliver a credible first-year performance. This is a professional, well-run business and our team have a real passion for delivering great experiences to over seven million clubbers every year.
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but they are all winners as we’ve had a great 12 months with some strong results, both on a financial level and in terms of up-skilling our teams. We now have a positive platform to build on as we move into the next phase of our journey.”
Alex said: “It’s great to be recognised by your peers, but it’s even better to be seen to be delivering a great clubbing experience for our customers. This award is definitely a team effort and together we have worked really hard to ensure that we are the late-night venue of choice in Watford.
“We have also focused on building relations and partnerships with the police, councillors and local residents to minimise disruption and bring vibrancy and essential employment to our town.”
Oceana, which opened in the Hertfordshire town in 2008 in the former site of Destiny, has three club rooms, a VIP bar and a main stage.
Guest speakers at Luminar Group’s conference included Jonathan Smith, a partner at licensed trade legal specialist Poppleston Allen, who talked through the key licensing issues impacting the business, and Kate Nicholls, strategic affairs director for the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, who highlighted the many positive factors for the growing late-night sector.
