Katie Marriott – General Manager, Jamaica Inn

“This apprenticeship has been a rewarding and transformative experience. It has pushed me to think differently”

Why an apprenticeship?

Katie’s career has taken her through a variety of management roles across retail and hospitality, giving her valuable experience in operations, people management, and customer service. While she felt confident in her ability to run day-to-day operations, she recognised the need to build her knowledge in strategic leadership to truly thrive as a senior manager.

The programme combines academic learning with practical application. It covers strategic management, financial planning, innovation, and leading change — alongside reflective practice, which has allowed Katie to evaluate her own leadership style and test new approaches with her team.

Benefitting my business

For Katie, the apprenticeship has been about far more than personal development – it is already creating tangible results for Jamaica Inn.

She has introduced improved financial forecasting methods, giving the business greater resilience and the ability to respond to market challenges. She has championed staff development initiatives, boosting morale and engagement. She has also implemented new customer experience strategies, strengthening the Inn’s reputation with guests.

“I’ve developed confidence in areas such as business analysis, coaching and mentoring, and change management. I’m learning how to balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic planning — and that’s making a real difference to the business.”

The result is a more engaged team, more efficient operations, and a business that is better positioned for sustainable growth. Katie believes the apprenticeship has empowered her to think more strategically while still keeping people at the heart of her leadership.

“It’s given me the tools to tackle complex challenges, make evidence-based decisions, and keep the business moving forward without losing sight of the people who make it all possible.”

The HIT Training Difference

Katie highlights the support and expertise she has received from HIT Training as a major factor in her success.

“My trainer has been supportive and encouraging throughout, helping me to challenge my thinking and apply learning directly to my role. The guidance has been invaluable.”

What Katie has valued most is the personalised approach. The training has been flexible enough to fit around her demanding role as General Manager, while still providing the right level of challenge to stretch her leadership skills. The combination of structured learning, one-to-one guidance, and real-world application has made the apprenticeship both practical and impactful.

“The balance between academic learning and workplace application has been key. HIT Training makes sure you’re not just learning theory, but actually using it in your role to create change.”

Katie also emphasises the ongoing encouragement from her trainer, who provided not only expertise but also the confidence to step outside her comfort zone and explore new ways of leading.

“HIT Training has given me the tools, the guidance, and the confidence to grow as a senior leader. I’ve been able to develop at my own pace, while still making a real difference to my team and business.”

Looking ahead, Katie feels well-equipped to continue driving the success of Jamaica Inn while stepping further into senior strategic leadership. She also hopes to mentor others, passing on the knowledge and skills she has gained through HIT’s support.