NEWH - Summer 2013 - (Page 22)

Q&A Chatting with Lynn Fisher, president of the UK chapter and sales executive at Sinclaire Ltd. Why did you want to become involved in NEWH? A long time ago the company I worked for encouraged me to become a member of the newly formed UK chapter. They thought I was an outgoing person who could socialize with new people and bring business to the company. From the start of my membership, I realized that as an organization, the people who were and are members gave out inspiration, passion, and friendship. something that gave me back a life. I joined Sinclaire nearly six years ago because Mike Beal, our sales director, is highly respected within our industry in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, and whom I had known and respected for a number of years. Sinclaire gave me the opportunity to use my design skills together with my selling skills. The company is a team—we all work for the same goals and all help each other to attain those goals. What has NEWH done for you? What new products are you introducing? NEWH has raised my profi le within the hospitality industry, opened my eyes to different ways of working, and given me the chance to meet members of our industry who I would never had been able to meet. Because of the position I hold on the executive board, it has enabled me to experience the difference between the UK and the U.S. from a business point of view; our attitudes and directions are similar in many ways but are so far apart in others. My focus towards business is now quite different. The most important thing that NEWH has done for me, though, is the friendship of some wonderful people who work tirelessly and give so much to NEWH, but give even more to each other as friends. New upholstery ranges incorporating the neutral earth color palette that suits the current trends. Our design director Anna O’Doherty takes her inspiration from current trends working with major design practices, but also from elements such as gemstones— opal, amethyst, moonstone, quartz, and lapis lazuli—which work with the gray colors that have been prevalent in all the color forecasts this year. We are also introducing new curtain ranges using satins and sateens to play on the light of the fabric while showing the quality, texture, shape, and design. What are some of the major initiatives you have planned as president this year? It’s the fun, excitement, and the thrill of seeing a project come together after all the late nights, hard work, and frustrations. I can’t think of working in any other industry. Last year, our chapter brought gentlemen in as members, which was something I was determined to make happen. My vice president is Julian Brinton who will be the first gentlemen president of the UK chapter. My main focus this year is to help him have a smooth transition to the presidency next year. We will be holding three events including our Christmas Ball at Chelsea Harbour—it will be the event to be seen at in 2013. Highlights of the year so far? Other than so many of our members having babies, we have had a wonderful year—hotel visits, scholarship gala event, and we are looking forward to the ball. Our membership is increasing and our profi le in the industry is being raised. Unlike the U.S., the UK chapter is only eleven years old so we are still working hard to raise the NEWH profi le, but we are getting there, with a lot of help and hard work from the UK board of directors. How did you end up at Sinclaire? For more years than I care to remember, I have worked in the contract industry in many differing roles. Twelve years ago I decided to change direction from an interior design director to 22 www.newh.org Why hospitality? What do you love about the industry? Which influencers are you paying attention to? From a design point of view, Desalles Flint, Nouse Design, and McVitty Interior Consultants are such creative practices who have progressed through the hard times and come out on top. What else are you currently working on at Sinclaire? Consolidating our share of the hotel market in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East; securing several large hotel projects—Hilton Heathrow Terminal 4, a new Holiday Inn scheme; rolling out refurbishments for a major coffee chain in the UK and Europe; and building on our cruise/shipping business. What’s new and exciting in your hometown? I have moved at the beginning of April so I have a new hometown. It is thrilling finding out what is happening in Farnham in Surrey. It is an old English country town with a castle, history, and lovely people. Luckily my youngest daughter lives 15 minutes away, so glasses of wine or champagne come to mind. ❙❘❚ http://www.newh.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - Summer 2013

NEWH - Summer 2013
Table of Contents
News
Who’s Who
Sustainability: Point of View
Conference Roundup
Q&A: Lynn Fisher
Q&A: Mary Ann Thornam
Have You Seen?
Product Know How
On the Scene
NYLO Dallas South Side
Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
Save the Date
New Members
Partner Pro
Ad Index

NEWH - Summer 2013