Nestled in the heart of Brighton's iconic seafront, The Grand Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and history. Its opulent interiors and panoramic sea views have captivated guests for generations. Amidst this backdrop of timeless elegance, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Andrew Mosley, the General Manager, for an afternoon tea that was as enlightening as it was delightful. Surrounded by the sumptuous settings and attended to by the most meticulous staff, we delved into Andrew's journey into the world of hospitality, his vision for The Grand, and his commitment as one of our esteemed male allies.
Q1: How did you end up at the Grand?
I've aspired to manage a hotel since I was fourteen years old. Growing up, my family would often vacation in Cornwall, where my father treated us to a fancy meal at a local hotel each year. It wasn’t just the food or the drink that I looked forward to but the whole atmosphere of the place that captivated me. During one of these visits, some friends from my hometown walked in; they had been surfing and were working at the hotel for the summer. That encounter sparked my curiosity about the hospitality industry. I followed up on that interest and sought advice on how to pursue this career. After studying hard, I graduated from university in 1987 and started working my way up in the industry. By 1993, I had earned my first role as a general manager.
Q2: What is your favourite part of the job?
The people and the variety; truly, no two days are the same. My team come first, and then our customers. People drawn to the service industry typically have a positive outlook and enjoy taking care of others, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience. This creates an amazing team dynamic, and here at The Grand, our team is second to none. There are so many moving parts in running a hotel, and when everything comes together, it’s a beautiful, synergistic sight. My typical day spans from morning to early evening filled with being around the hotel, attending meetings. However, with the variety of events we host—weddings, celebrations, conferences, and interviews—my days can look quite different.
Q3. Does your family like The Grand?
Everyone who knows me loves The Grand! I joke sometimes that I might even have one or two friends who are only my friends because I work here. Recently, my niece and brother came here before her graduation, and they were both thrilled. My partner, Julie, is always in awe every time she visits; she can't believe we're here. My daughters love it too, and what’s truly wonderful about the management here is the encouragement we get to look after our staff and their loved ones, whether it’s offering a drink or an upgrade. It’s about making everyone feel valued and special.
Q4. What is your Brighton Connection?
I first came to Brighton for a conference in 2003, and it was my very first time in the city. Over the past 15 years, I've built up a substantial business community here. I'm a trustee of the Rocking Horse charity and work with Visit Brighton, the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, and the Brighton and Hove Hoteliers Association. My involvement in these organisations not only deepens my ties to the city but also allows me to contribute to its vibrant community and ongoing development.
Q5: How many women work at The Grand, and how do you ensure they have equal opportunities?
At The Grand, we firmly believe in equal opportunities and pay equity for all our staff. Our commitment is reflected in our Gender Pay Gap report, which is freely available for anyone interested. So I went and had a look….
Strong Female Representation: Women are not only well-represented across all pay quartiles but dominate the upper quartile with 63.2% representation, showcasing significant career advancement opportunities for women at the hotel
Nearly Equal Pay: On average, women at The Grand earn just 0.21% less than men whilst the national average gender pay gap for full-time employees in the UK was 8.3%
Women Earn More on Median: In an interesting twist, the median earnings show women earning 2.60% more than men. This indicates that more women at The Grand are in higher-paying roles compared to their male colleagues.
Q6: Do you work with any local businesses?
The Grand Hotel collaborates extensively with local businesses, preferring to support community-based suppliers whenever feasible. They source products like Ridgeview wine and Brighton Gin, embracing local craftsmanship and industry. However, due to the scale of their operations, smaller startups and craft businesses often can't meet the hotel's large demands—for instance, the hotel requires about 20,000 pens annually, a volume that might be too high for a small supplier. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures that guests at The Grand experience a taste of the region's finest offerings.
Q7: Are there any upcoming events at The Grand that would be of interest to the Co-Women? Yes!
The Snowman™ at The Grand (Saturday, 7th December 2024): Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with this charity gala supporting a local children’s hospice. The evening promises fabulous entertainment, fine dining, and a live auction among other fundraising activities. It’s a heartwarming occasion that ties into the themes of childhood wonder and philanthropy.
Sussex Business Awards 2024 (Thursday, 5th December 2024): Recognized as the largest and most prestigious business event in Sussex, these awards highlight and celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship within the region. It's an excellent opportunity for networking and showcasing business achievements.
Tourism South-East Awards (10 December 2024): The Beautiful South Tourism Awards celebrate top performers in the tourism industry across South East England. These awards focus on businesses that significantly enhance the visitor experience and contribute positively to the local economy.
Barrow Club: An exclusive, invitation-only networking group that holds monthly lunches. It aims to connect business professionals who are interested in expanding their networks and growing their businesses in a relaxed environment.
Q8: Lastly, any future plans for you at the Grand?
Keep going! I still love it. There are a few changes on the horizon but you will have to wait and see...
As we wrap up our interview with Andrew Mosley, it’s clear that he remains as enthusiastic as ever about his role at The Grand Hotel. With some exciting plans on the horizon, the hotel continues to shine as a beacon of hospitality excellence in Brighton. A highlight of The Grand’s busy calendar is the Co-Women Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony, where we’ll come together to celebrate the incredible contributions our members make to the community. This glamorous evening will be opened by Andrew and promises a night of elegance, sequins, and festive celebration.
In partnership with Team Domenica, it’s an opportunity for women to recognise each other’s achievements and celebrate in style. For the first time, tickets will be available to non-members, making this a must-attend event for any woman looking to celebrate, connect, and be inspired. So dig out your favourite party clothes and join us for a night of joy and recognition, as we toast to an amazing year together!
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