Theresa Snell was just a receptionist in Dublin when she first started working for the Jurys Inn chain ten years ago but now she has worked her way up and is the new general manager of Jury’s Inn on King Street, one of the largest hotels in Derby.
Theresa, who is just 35 years old, took over from Andrew McLoughlin who has gone to manage another Jurys Inn in Scotland.
Theresa has links to Derby as her boyfriend has connections to the town and she is good friends with the former general manager Rachel Strange.
“I’d helped to oversee the launch of a new Jurys Inn hotel in Sheffield the year before and I met up with Rachel to share my experience with her,” said Theresa.
“She’s now in Birmingham and we’re still good friends.
“I remember thinking at the time how good the Derby hotel looked.
“The finish is superb and seeing it today it still looks fresh and modern.”
Theresa has visited Derby a few times and has seen the renaissance of the city centre.
She said: “The investment the city has seen is impressive and I’m sure it was a big factor in the decision to open a hotel here. Of course, the shopping is great with Westfield, but I love the Cathedral Quarter.
“I like seeking out the small independent shops as I’m sure many of our visitors do.”
Derby’s recent changes has showcased the city’s leisure facilities, but Theresa has said that the majority of the hotel’s business comes from corporate clients.
She said: “Derby is very much a business city and this is reflected in our bookings, particularly during the week.
“Derby has a number of key companies, like Rolls-Royce, who are doing very well – and when they do well, so does their local supply chain.”
Theresa is planning on staying in Derby for the long term after working in several different Jurys Inns over the years.
She said: “Because I already have ties here, I will be looking to settle down. I’m running a great hotel with a great team of staff in a great city.”