IT'S settling-in time for Stephen Honeybone (pictured), the new general manager for the Hilton Hotel, off the Coldra roundabout, at Newport.

He's been taking stock for about three weeks since taking over from Mark Walker who has moved on to the Cardiff Hilton.

And although it's early days for new ideas Mr Honeybone wants the hotel to become more involved with the local community and was delighted to hear that the hotel's restaurant had won its way through to the final of the South Wales Argus Restaurant of the Year competition.

"Obviously, I have ideas but it is still early days. The hotel has now been up and running for ten years and I want to see it involved more with the local community," he said. At the moment Mr Honeybone is looking for a home for his wife and two sons who are at present in the Isle of Man. The island's Hilton Hotel was one of the oldest in the group and he enjoyed his time there.

So, when he was offered the Newport post he was more than delighted to take it. "This is an hotel you can be proud of. I was a deputy manager of a similar style hotel in Bromsgrove for two years so I understand how they work."

Mr Honeybone started in the hotel industry as a part-time kitchen porter while at college where he was studying management. Successful exams contributed to the start of his career and he literally went round the country from London to Lancs, then to Birmingham and Swindon ending up with his last appointment in the Isle of Man.

Mr Honeybone has commitment to whatever he does, whether work or play, and certainly in the latter case has been known to rigorously test his strength and athletic ability with the triathlon.

Two years ago he entered an event and although he sustained an injury he is eager to get back his lost fitness and lose weight. "My intention to get fit and have another go next April. It's the sort of sport that helps one to train in one's own time. I'm quite committed to having another ago," he said.