AN Essex University graduate has been appointed general manager of a leading hotel chain less than six months after graduating.

Maria Tolhurst, 32, from Colchester, reached the top spot at the Premier Inn in Ipswich after completing her hospitality degree at the Essex University Edge Hotel School.

In her role, Maria will be responsible for all aspects of running the hotel, from strategic planning and overseeing the guest experience to managing staff.

She said: "The hotel industry is a fantastic place to work.

“No day is ever the same and you can make a real difference to people’s lives. I’m delighted to be working for one of the country’s most recognised hotel brands and look forward to further enhancing the overall experience for guests who stay with us.

“My hospitality degree at the Edge Hotel School gave me a real understanding of the different aspects of managing a hotel combined with practical, hands on experience which was a huge benefit when I entered the profession.

"For anyone looking for an exciting journey full of opportunity, I would highly recommend the hotel industry.”

Leading up to her role, Maria was selected for the Premier Inn Operations graduate scheme where she completed a comprehensive training programme.

Catherine Braybrook, head of learning and development at Premier Inn, said: “We invest millions in ensuring our in employee training programmes are best-in-class to make sure team members like Maria get off to the best possible start with their career with us and of course, to best support them in giving a world-class welcome to the millions of guests who choose to stay with us each year.

“There are many rewarding career opportunities with Premier Inn, from hotel management roles where no two days are the same, to our newly-launched digital apprenticeships.

"It is always wonderful to see people get promoted and we’re really pleased Maria is choosing to progress her career with us.”

The Edge Hotel School at Essex University in Wivenhoe runs degree programmes in hospitality and events management.

For more information, visit www.edgehotelschool.ac.uk.