Cynera Rodricks - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 7

2 min

Evergreen Escapes Group appoints new chief executive

🏖 In January 2026, Geoff Cowley becomes CEO of Evergreen Escapes Group to lead its expansion. With over 30 years in the holiday sector, Cowley previously led Awaze UK, serving over three million customers annually. The group is renovating The Manor and Ashbury and plans to add several lodge parks to its portfolio in the coming weeks. Cowley’s leadership aims to build a high-performing holiday destination portfolio.

2 min

Bristol hoteliers ‘cautiously optimistic’ for 2026 despite cost pressures

🏨 Hoteliers in Bristol are "cautiously optimistic" for 2026, despite financial pressures and rising costs. Adam Flint from the Bristol Hoteliers Association noted a strong Q4 in 2025, but a slow start is expected due to economic factors like the April living wage increase. Major events, including the Bristol Light Festival, Six Nations in Cardiff, and Cheltenham Festival, are expected to boost demand. The industry remains hopeful, yet wary of challenges.

2 min

Bedford Universal theme park and resort granted planning permission

🏟 Plans for a Universal-branded theme park and resort in Bedford have received planning permission from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. It will be Europe's first Universal-branded theme park, potentially generating up to £50 billion for the UK economy. The project will create around 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles. Transport improvements include the expansion of Wixams railway station and new slip roads to the A421. Further steps involve a statutory parliamentary review.

2 min

Kensington Hideaway appoints new GM ahead of January reopening

📍 Kensington Hideaway, previously Seraphine Kensington, reopens at the end of January after a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Rohit Bisht, formerly of The Dixon, joins as general manager, overseeing the 59-room hotel’s operations. Part of the JMK Group, the redesigned hotel features a literary theme. Bisht focuses on creating guest experiences and team support. Kenny Russell from JMK Group welcomes him onboard. The soft launch marks the hotel's new chapter.

2 min

Apex Hotels reports 21% rise in annual revenue after acquisitions

🏨 Apex Hotels Ltd reported a 21% revenue increase for the year ending 30 April 2025, fueled by acquisitions and enhanced trading. Operating profit rose by 4% to £13.6m, despite weaker winter trading for recent acquisitions. They acquired The Vineyard Hotel in Berkshire and DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, rebranded as Apex Dunblane Hydro. Investments were made in Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry, and Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. Chairman Ian Springford highlighted pivotal portfolio reshaping and future growth plans.

UK hotel investment falls 15% to £5bn in 2025, Savills finds

💸 UK hotel investment in 2025 reached £5.0bn, a 15% annual decrease, yet still 8% above the 10-year average of £4.7bn, per Savills. In Q4 alone, investment exceeded £2.0bn, 40% more than Q4 2024. Portfolio transactions dropped to £750m from £3.1bn in 2024, while single asset deals rose to 85% of total investments. London led with £3.0bn, a 25% rise from 2024. Regional investments fell to £2.0bn from £3.3bn.

New World Hospitality acquires Birmingham’s BLOC Hotel

🏨 New World Hospitality, led by Vijay Sharmain, has acquired the BLOC Hotel in Birmingham from the Arora Group in an off-market deal. The hotel, located in the Jewellery Quarter, features 105 rooms and was built in 2011. The transaction highlights ongoing interest in UK hotel investments.

Watkin Jones agrees partnership for 294-bedroom hotel in Wimbledon

🏠 Watkin Jones partners with Latium Enterprises to develop a 294-bedroom hotel in central Wimbledon on Worple Road. The project includes an 11-storey hotel with amenities like a gym and café, aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2028, generating around £40 million in revenue. This is the second collaboration between the two, following a January 2025 project in London.

2 min

Dominus acquires Ibex House for 382-bedroom hotel scheme

🏨 Dominus and Cheyne Capital acquire Ibex House in City of London for a 382-bedroom hotel conversion. The Art Deco building, vacant since its office use, will target BREEAM Excellent standards. The project includes a public café, refurbished Peacock pub, and a hospitality academy with The Springboard Charity. Dominus, focusing on repurposing offices, also acquired 5–10 Great Tower Street and 123 Judd Street for hotel developments. Across the UK, they have 3,800 student beds and 1,700 hotel rooms in progress.

2 min

Eden Hotel Collection owner funds Birmingham food hub with £2m donation

🥩 Sir Peter Rigby has donated £2 million to establish The Sir Peter Rigby Coronation Food Hub in Birmingham, tackling food waste and poverty. The hub, operated by FareShare Midlands, will redistribute up to 7 million meals annually across the West Midlands with surplus food from farms, manufacturers, and retailers. It aims to double food redistribution to 3,000 tonnes yearly and support 500 people with training. The initiative follows the King's call to address the UK's 10 billion wasted meals annually.

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