1st October 2003

Last week Elaine Jones an employee from the Travelodge Reservation Centre in Dudley was recognised nationally as an example to her profession.

Elaine Jones, 49, from Dudley, was one of four finalists for the Customer Services Newcomer of the Year Award at the prestigious National Customer Service Awards being held at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Shortlisted for the award with just three other professionals from across the customer service industry, Elaine has been with Travelodge for two and a half years. In that time her outstanding performance and dedication has been recognised by her peers and the senior team at Travelodge who believe that she deserves this industry-wide recognition.

Alistair McMillan, director of reservations at Travelodge, said: “We are very proud of Elaine’s achievements since she joined us. Her superb customer-service skills and commitment to our customers is an example to all and we are delighted that she is one of the four finalists. To have reached this stage is also important to us as a company, as it shows we have the skills and standards within the Travelodge team that enables us to be represented as standard bearers for the customer service industry.”

Elaine added today: “I am so pleased to have been nominated for this award. Although I did not win and haven’t been in the industry for long, I really enjoy working with customers to ensure they have the best possible experience with Travelodge.“

The application process to be on the shortlist for an award is stringent. Initially, the nominee’s senior team submit an application form, with successful applicants then interviewed by a National Customer Service Awards panel comprising individuals at the highest levels of the industry.

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For further information or photography, please contact the Travelodge press office at Cohn & Wolfe Tel: 020 7331 5400

Notes to Editor

· Travelodge has currently 237 locations throughout the UK. These are conveniently located in most major UK cities, on all major motorways and ‘A’ roads.
· Travelodge offers an online booking service at www.travelodge.co.uk and also via telephone on 08700 850 950.
· Competitively priced, Travelodge room rates start from just £30.00, per room, per night and sleep up to four people.
· In 2003 Compass Group plc, owners of Travelodge since 2000, sold the company to Permira Investment Fund Managers. Permira has ambitious plans for Travelodge and is confident that it has an exciting future as the UK’s leading hotel brand.