For years, Simon Hamby built his career in hospitality. Working in hotels and restaurants, he developed a passion for exceptional service, creating memorable experiences and helping people feel welcomed, valued and cared for.
What he wasn't expecting was to find those same principles at Bayards Court.
"When I walked through the door, I thought 'wow'. It's more like a five-star hotel than a residential care home. I had such a good feeling about it. It felt right."
After years of working unsociable shifts and long hours, Simon was ready for something different. He wanted a role where he could continue doing what he loved while enjoying a better quality of life and making a more meaningful impact.
The Concierge role at Vivant Care offered exactly that.
"This is my first job working in a care home, even though it's still very much a hospitality role. I wanted to do something new. It's a different environment, but it still feels familiar because it's all about people."
Creating exceptional experiences every day
As Concierge, Simon is often one of the first people residents and their families meet.
Whether welcoming new residents, arranging appointments, organising transport, serving refreshments or simply taking time to chat, his role is built around anticipating needs and creating an experience that feels effortless.
For Simon, the biggest difference from traditional hospitality is the opportunity to build genuine relationships.
"In restaurants and hotels, people come and go. Here, you really get to know people. I enjoy listening and I'm fascinated by people's stories. Getting to chat with residents and learn about their lives is something I'm really excited about."
Those everyday conversations are what make the role so rewarding.
"I just like seeing people happy. I always like to go the extra mile and make sure people have everything they need. If they're happy, then I know I've done my job, and that makes me proud."
The art of anticipating what matters
While this is Simon's first role in a care setting, the skills that made him successful in hospitality have transferred seamlessly.
Listening carefully. Building rapport. Communicating effectively. Staying organised. Working as part of a team while using initiative to solve problems.
Most importantly, understanding what people need before they ask.
"I've always been a good listener. Being a good communicator is very important in this role. You need to be organised, be a team player and also work on your own initiative."
That mindset perfectly reflects Vivant Care's commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences.
"To me, extraordinary means going that extra mile. It's doing something before someone asks and anticipating what they need."
Bring your hospitality career somewhere extraordinary
At Vivant Care, we're bringing together the very best of hospitality and care to create an experience unlike any other.
If you've worked in hotels, restaurants, customer service or guest experience, your skills could help shape meaningful moments for residents every day.
As Simon discovered, you don't need previous experience in care to build a rewarding career where exceptional service, genuine connection and personal fulfilment come together.
"Go for it. If you're a caring person, it's a very rewarding job."
Ready to bring your hospitality expertise somewhere it can make a real difference? Explore opportunities with Vivant Care and help create extraordinary experiences every day.
