Robert Timms, 26, has just been appointed as the new Manager of the Merewood Country House Hotel near Windermere. 

He lives in Staveley near Kendal.

What school did you go to?

Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire

What was your favourite subject?

IT.

What qualifications did you leave with?

2 A-Levels B&C (IT & LEISURE)

2 AS- Levels A&D (APPLIED BUSINESS &BUSINESS STUDIES)

Did you go onto further/higher education - if so, where and what to study?

Bournemouth University – Hospitality Business Development

What was the best advice/learning you got at school or college?

Get what you can out of it and listen to your teacher.

What was your ambition before you got your first job?

I wanted to be a famous sports person, either football or cricket.

Did you have a role model you looked up to and why?

My father. He worked hard for me and my brother and sisters to have the best childhood, but still made time for the family. 

Plus he managed to retire early so if I can match that then bonus.

What jobs had your family done in the past?

My father was an accountant and my mother was a school secretary. 

One sister is a primary school teacher and my other other sister and brother both work in sales. 

What was your first job?

Working in the stores of a healthcare company – the same company my father worked for.

What has been your career path between your first job and the one you do today? 

After starting university I left the healthcare company and took the jump into hotels. 

My first university placement was at Merewood’s sister establishment, Cragwood Country House Hotel. 

After university I joined the team at Cragwood full-time and was promoted to wedding co-ordinator. 

I moved from Cragwood to be restaurant manager at Lakeside Hotel before being invited back to the Lake District Country House Hotel Group as manager of Merewood, I now oversee every aspect of the day-to-day operations at our 20 bedroom hotel.

What's the best thing about your job?

Meeting different people everyday

What one thing would you change about your job if you could? 

Nothing – I love it.

What advice would you give someone starting out today?

Never give up and believe in yourself.