scheme which recognises excellence in customer service delivery. The
award specifically acknowledged the high standard of service offered
by Queen Margaret University’s library, accommodation, conference &
events and sports & leisure services.
The Customer Ser vice E xcellence Standard focuses on
organisations that deliver customer services which are efficient,
effective and empower the consumer. Particularly, it values
organisations which always place costumers at the heart of the
service provision. ❒
Sir Rocco Forte provides an insight into
his business empire
I
NTERNATIONAL HOTELIER SIR Rocco Forte, founder
of Rocco Forte Hotels, recently gave a speech to
first year Event Management students about
his experience of working in the luxury hospitality
industry.
Sir Rocco, who was awarded an honorary degree from
QMU in 2002, spoke to a packed audience of QMU Event
Management students and industry professionals.
In his presentation ‘Creating world class luxur y
experiences for every guest’ Sir Rocco gave a very open
and honest account of some of the biggest challenges he
has faced as a hospitality business leader. This included
losing his entire empire in global recessions, building a
new business, online travel agents and the issue of cut
pricing, and the challenges of dealing with the Trip Advisor
rating system and negative commentary. In addition, Sir
Rocco discussed the importance of attracting the best
staff to help strengthen his business.
The event ended with a speech from Boyen Moshelov
from Sophia, Bulgaria. Boyen is a third year QMU Event
Management student who works at the Balmoral Hotel in
Edinburgh - part of the Rocco Forte Hotels group. Boyen
spoke about his experience of working at the Balmoral
and how Sir Rocco creates a unique atmosphere were
staff feel more like family members than employees.
T h e e ve n t , w h i c h w a s o r g a n i s e d b y Q M U ’s
Int e r n ati o n a l C e ntre fo r th e S tu d y of Pl a n n e d
Events, can be viewed on You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIzXsFRBs9g ❒
Community
Engagement
Sir Jackie Stewart motors in for University
dyslexia event
F
ORMER WORLD CHAMPION Formula One racing driver, Sir
Jackie Stewart OBE, made a rare appearance in Scotland
in November when he spoke at QMU about his personal
experiences of living with dyslexia.
The fascinating public event helped raise awareness of dyslexia and
the issues associated with improving access to higher education by
increasing understanding of the condition amongst the audience of
over 200 people.
‘An Audience with Sir Jackie Stewart’, offered guests the opportunity
to ask the former World Champion direct questions about how he
deals with dyslexia.
Sir Jackie left school at 15 years of age, but his dyslexia was not
diagnosed until much later. He found his personal voice in sport;
first as an Olympic-class shot, then as a three-time World Champion
motor racing driver. He is a long standing campaigner for better
support for people affected by dyslexia and is Vice-President of the
Scottish International Education Trust. As well as being awarded an
OBE in 1972 and knighted in 2001, he holds eight honorary doctorates
from US, Scottish and English universities. ❒
The Kelpies maquettes stabled at QMU
F
OR THE FIRST TIME, the set of maquettes that were used to
launch the The Kelpies in New York are on display in the UK
at an outdoor public space. The equine art works are being
‘stabled’ over the winter months at QMU.
The maquettes were the models for the award-winning 30 metre
high horses’ heads known as The Kelpies. Together with Kelpies
Marina, they form the dramatic gateway to the new section of canal
in the Falkirk District linking the Forth and Clyde.
Hand crafted by Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott, the three metre high
maquette sculptures are positioned in University Square.
QMU has a special connection with The Kelpies. Working in
partnership with the project partners, the University’s Media Practice
Lecturer, Walid Salhab, produced the dynamic stop-motion/time-
lapse film charting the creation of The Kelpies. His film has been
shared on social media all over the world and has received nearly 93k
hits on the Helix website alone. Walid was the only filmmaker to have
unlimited access to the full four month build phase of the momentous
structures, and his mesmerising work helped launch The Kelpies in
New York and in Scotland.
Sir Rocco Forte
To celebrate the arrival of the maquettes at University Square, pupils
from the Prestonlodge High School Pipe Band played at the launch
following the installation of the sculptures.
To watch Walid Salhab’s film of the creation of The Kelpies visit:
http://vimeo.com/90747645 ❒
QMYOU / Community Engagement
5