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Cynera Rodricks

130 posts
Modern white curved pedestrian bridge over a river with brick buildings and a church tower in the background.
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hull Appoints Ross Blezard as General Manager Ahead of New 300m² Event Space Launch

🏨 Ross Blezard joins DoubleTree by Hilton Hull as general manager, bringing over 25 years of experience. The Hull city-centre hotel, part of Leaf Hospitality, is developing The Horizon Suite, a 300m² event space for up to 1,000 guests, set to open later this year. Blezard, previously at De Vere Latimer Estate, will oversee operations, guest experiences, and commercial performance, supporting the hotel’s growth.
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Doxford Group in Northumberland Promotes Mark Gubbins to Managing Director Amid Regional Expansion Efforts

🏨 Northumberland-based Doxford Group promoted Mark Gubbins to managing director and Darren McErlain to finance director. Gubbins, previously finance director, now oversees day-to-day operations following a growth phase, including recognition for The Tempus venue. McErlain, with the company since 2022, will manage financial strategies and investments. Owner Richard Shell highlighted their leadership as part of Doxford's long-term succession strategy. The appointments aim to support the group's regional expansion and future plans.
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Aimbridge Hospitality Launches Global Sales Office to Unify Regional Operations and Enhance Multinational Client Support

📈 Aimbridge Hospitality has launched a Global Sales Office to unify its sales teams across the US, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa under a single corporate structure. This move, introduced in 2024, integrates Salesforce for global client relationships and streamlines account management. This aligns with past strategies like the 2022 operational restructuring into six divisions and the 2023 formation of a global growth leadership team, aiming to enhance revenue and support hotel owners internationally.
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Annie Brown Appointed Chair of Liverpool's Accommodation BID as City Implements £2 Overnight Visitor Levy

🏨 Annie Brown and Mark Tasker have been appointed as chair and deputy chair of Liverpool's Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID). In June 2025, Liverpool introduced a £2 overnight visitor levy, projected to generate £9.2 million over two years. The levy funds destination marketing and major events. Liverpool’s ABID aims for a £4.3 million investment over five years to bolster the hospitality sector, with the city being the first in the UK to propose such a district.
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The Arundell Hotel in Devon Listed for Sale at £2.5m After Renovation and Investment Upgrades

🏨 The Arundell, a country hotel in Lifton, Devon, is on sale for £2.5 million. Owned by Simon Village and Arabella Monro, the property features 21 en-suite bedrooms, a two-bedroom cottage, and a four-bedroom staff flat. It offers a gastro pub, café, and historic event space. The hotel has access to over 22 miles of private fishing and a fly-fishing school. An EV charging hub with 16 Tesla chargers served over 26,000 vehicles in 2025. Christie and Co are managing the sale.
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Capella Hotel Group Appoints Feisal Jaffer as Chief Development Officer to Double Hospitality Footprint by 2030

🏨 Capella Hotel Group appoints Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer to expand its global portfolio by 2030. Jaffer, previously with Pontiac Land Group (2014-2019) and Hilton, will oversee the growth of Capella and Patina brands. Upcoming openings include Capella Nanjing in 2023, followed by Riyadh and Florence. Jaffer aims to enhance the group's hospitality real estate and investment partnerships, marking a strategic return at a pivotal time for the group.
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Elysium Collection to Open First 56-Bedroom Hotel in Cornwall Autumn 2026, Plans Expansion in UK Historic Sites

🏨 Elysium Collection is debuting its hotel brand in Cornwall, UK, with the opening of Elysium St Mawes in autumn 2026. This 56-bedroom hotel is transforming the former Ship and Castle Hotel. Future sites in Surrey and the Lake District are planned for 2027, focusing on restored historic buildings. Architectural studio 3DReid leads the design, using British materials. Executive chef Stephane Delourme will manage food operations, and Templespa partners to provide wellbeing facilities.
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Dalhousie Castle Completes £6m Restoration, Adding New Dining Facilities and Preserving Historic Features

🏰 Dalhousie Castle completed a £6m refurbishment in July 2026, after starting in October 2024. Located in Scotland, the project upgraded 35 guestrooms and public areas using local suppliers. The 13th-century castle, owned by the Ramsay family for over 800 years, added the Alexander Bar, Ramsay Restaurant, and Dungeon Restaurant with an eight-course menu. The initiative aims to enhance its status as a luxury destination, according to General Manager Philip Egan.
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PPHE Hotel Group's Acquisition by Fattal Fails as Major Shareholder Euro Plaza Opposes £22 Per Share Offer

💸 Fattal Hotel Group's proposed acquisition of PPHE Hotel Group for £22 per share fell through due to opposition from Euro Plaza Holdings, which owns 33% of PPHE. This was part of a strategic review started in November 2025. PPHE founders Eli Papouchado and Boris Ivesha, controlling 44% of voting rights, were exploring options. A separate proposal emerged on May 31, 2026, but remains under review. The board aims to conclude the process swiftly, with no guarantee of an offer.
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SevenStay Opens 44-Unit Serviced Apartment Development in Liverpool, Targeting Corporate Mid-Term Stays

🏨 SevenStay Group opened a 44-unit serviced apartment development at 60 Old Hall Street in Liverpool, targeting corporate mid-term stays. The refurbished building, vacant for six years, offers accommodations for one to three months, featuring kitchens, dining areas, Wi-Fi, and private balconies on select floors. Guests have access to concierge services, a virtual front desk, and an upcoming on-site gym. This launch expands SevenStay’s existing portfolio in Liverpool, which includes properties on Bold Street and Fleet Street. Andy Shields highlights the hassle-free living experience for professionals.
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