Ruby Haines is a director at Habitat First Group, a development company that aims to have a positive impact on nature and the environment. Since joining the family business in 2007, Ruby has been instrumental in making the business accessible and sustainable. In 2008, Ruby setup Habitat Escapes, the group’s holiday rental business, which now sees over 20,000 people visit the group’s estates, Silverlake in Dorset and Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds, each year. Ruby has also set up Habitat Zero, the group’s pledge to become a carbon neutral business by 2030, and under her watch the estates are transferring to electric vehicles, plastic free produce and eco-friendly products. Ruby lives in Berkshire with her husband, two young sons and two dogs and would spend all of her free time skiing if she could!

What would be your advice to a woman who is looking to start a career in hospitality?

“I joined my father in our family business 13 years ago and spent five years creating and building up Habitat Escapes, Habitat First Group’s holiday letting business. My advice is to be prepared for long hours! It’s a 24/7 business with customers who have high expectations and I’ve learnt that being kind takes you a long way’’.