How I Sold It To Steve!

My name is Andrew Crosby, and I am in my second year as Security Manager at Camber Sands.

When I first heard of Parkdean Resorts’ “sell it to Steve” incentive, I remember thinking that it sounded like a really good idea. The ‘Sell it to Steve’ incentive gives the people of Parkdean the opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win 1 of 2 £5000 prizes and see their idea implemented into the business.

One day at work I was thinking about how much paper we used as a business making welcome packs for new starters and thought... surely there must be a better way? The day after that I was dealing with a non-PDR customer at the complex who couldn’t get a entertainment pass at reception as it was closed, and I thought ‘wouldn’t it be better if passes were downloadable to your phone?’ That’s when I realised how better off the business and the planet would be if we went totally digital!

To enter the competition, we had to send in a video which detailed our business idea. A few weeks later and I received an email saying I had been shortlisted and invited to present my idea to Steve in Newcastle! Although nervous I travelled to the head office based in Gosforth and I am so glad I did. I met the other finalists and honestly what an amazing bunch of people with brilliant ideas! I then had to present my idea to Steve and the panel. The room had 5 directors including Steve sat at a long table which you would think was intimidating but wasn’t at all! Everyone was nice and I was instantly put at ease. I gave my presentation and then spent the rest of the day supporting my newfound friends.

All the finalists then went to a restaurant with the directors and other employees who were being celebrated for long service and other awards. It was a classy little place on the 6th floor overlooking the millennium bridge and the food was great, the wine was flowing, and I was chatting with people I never thought I would share a room with let alone a table. Everyone was chatting with everyone regardless of their position within the company, which was such a great feeling, it was truly a night to remember!

Steve stood up after the first course to announce the Sell it to Steve winners, I was genuinely excited to hear who had won and honestly any one of us could of! Being called out as the winner is something I will never forget, and everyone cheered and clapped.

The whole experience from start to finish was brilliant and something I would repeat in a heartbeat. I met some genuinely amazing people, and I was heard by the company I work for… I had an idea that developed into a commitment to make it a reality! Never did I think I would win but heres to never quite knowing what might happen at work!