Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 3

2 min

Zoe Jenkins Appointed Chair of Master Innholders, Bringing Over 40 Years of Hospitality Experience to Role

🏨 Zoe Jenkins was appointed as chair of Master Innholders on 10 September 2026, succeeding James B Clarke MI. She has more than 40 years of experience, beginning at The Dorchester in 1981. Jenkins has managed Coworth Park since 2010. Francisco Macedo FIH IS MI became vice chair, bringing over 25 years of experience. Under Jenkins, Master Innholders will focus on initiatives like the Innholder Graduates Programme and scholarships.

2 min

RBH Hospitality Management Expands Leadership Team Amid Portfolio Growth, Adds New Properties in Liverpool and Newcastle

🏨 Stuart Houston became Chief Operational Finance Officer at RBH after 11 years. Claire Barrowclough, with RBH since 2018, is now Operations Director. Kim Pedlar and Lesley Divers received promotions in sales and revenue roles. RBH manages Cameron House and expanded with new properties in Liverpool, Newcastle, and London. RBH's workforce averages eight years of service, with executive committee members at nearly 17 years, solidifying its position in the UK hotel management sector.

3 min

UKHospitality Warns Proposed Holiday Tax Could Cost Holidaymakers £1.6bn and Threaten 33,000 Jobs

🛑 UKHospitality warns the UK government's proposed holiday tax could raise costs by £1.6bn and risk 33,000 jobs. The tax, announced in the last Budget, gives Mayoral Strategic Authorities power to levy short-term accommodations in England. Oxford Economics suggests a 5% levy might reduce UK GDP by £2.2bn and tourism spending by £1.8bn by 2030. A poll reveals 56% oppose the tax. UK's accommodation VAT is 20%, compared to 6-13% in other European nations.

2 min

Refurbished 83-Room Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford Listed for Sale Following Significant Investments

📍 2018, Hereford: The Green Dragon Hotel, with over 900 years of history, was acquired by Herefordshire investors. It underwent substantial refurbishment, maintaining historic character, to enhance its 83-room accommodations and facilities. Now for sale, the hotel remains operational, with no disruptions expected for stakeholders. Marketed by Graham and Sibbald with Christie and Co, the sale is strategic after achieving its revitalization goals, positioning it for new ownership to further develop the business.

2 min

Hamlet Hotels Acquires 60-Bedroom Best Western Thurrock Hotel in Essex, Plans Investment in Guest Experience

🏨 Hamlet Hotels has acquired the 60-bedroom Best Western Thurrock Hotel in Aveley, Essex. Located near the M25 and Dartford Crossing, the hotel features Scholars Restaurant with over 100 covers, eight meeting rooms, and spaces for 200-300 delegates. Hamlet Hotels will enhance meetings, events, food, and weddings. This acquisition aligns with their UK expansion plans, aiming to elevate guest experiences and make the hotel a premier local destination.

2 min

Barclays Report: August Travel Spending Rises 3.1%, Marking First Growth in Airline Spend Since 2025

💸 Spending on hotels, resorts, and accommodation rose by 3.3% in August after a five-month decline. The Barclays Consumer Spend report showed a 3.1% increase in overall travel spending, with travel agents and airlines seeing a 4.4% and 3.5% rise, respectively. Hospitality and leisure spending also grew by 3.3%. Card spending hit a 13-month high, up 2.1%, yet remained below the 3.1% inflation rate. Consumer financial confidence improved, despite 84% expressing concerns over rising prices.

2 min

Starboard Hotels and LaSalle Acquire Seven Accor Hotels in the UK, Expanding Portfolio to 28 Properties

🏨 Starboard Hotels, in partnership with LaSalle Investment Management, acquired seven Accor hotels in the UK from Ares Real Estate Funds and EQ Group. The acquisition includes 913 rooms, boosting Starboard's UK portfolio to 28 properties and over 3,000 rooms. Key locations include Birmingham, Sheffield, Luton, Southampton, and London. This marks Starboard's first private equity joint venture and EQ Group’s exit from an 18-asset UK portfolio. The deal was brokered by JLL and Christie and Co.

2 min

London Hotelier Sentenced for £450,000 Bounce Back Loan Fraud During Covid-19 Pandemic; Full Amount Repaid

💸 Richard Courtenay, 62, was sentenced on September 3, 2026, at Southwark Crown Court in London. He fraudulently secured £450,000 through nine Bounce Back Loans between May and June 2020, declaring false turnovers for five companies. The loans were misused, including for crypto purchases. Courtenay pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering, received a three-year suspended prison sentence and was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days. He repaid the full amount post-investigation.

1 min

Castlebridge Hospitality Appoints Janet Roberts as Director of People and Culture Amid UK Portfolio Expansion

📚 Janet Roberts joins Castlebridge Hospitality Management as Director of People and Culture, bringing over 40 years of diverse hospitality experience. Previously with Cycas Hospitality, she will lead strategies in learning and development, employee engagement, and diversity. Castlebridge, expanding its UK portfolio, manages properties like Hotel Indigo in Bath and Chester. Craig Patterson, Managing Director, highlights her expertise in enhancing company culture. Roberts is enthusiastic about contributing to Castlebridge’s growth and people-first values.

2 min

Whitbread and 32 Hotels Named for Underpaying Workers Below National Minimum Wage, Owing £4,193 to 342 Employees

💰 Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, was identified by the government among 658 employers underpaying workers below the National Minimum Wage, affecting 342 employees with a total shortfall of £4,193. Across all businesses, £4 million was repaid to over 27,000 workers, with £7 million in penalties issued. This marks the first naming round since the Fair Work Agency's inception in April 2026. Since 2011, more than £100 million in penalties has been imposed, with £66 million repaid to 650,000 workers.

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