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Heather Sandlin

84 posts

Hotel Indigo Coventry Appoints Madan Rathore as Manager and Hugo Correia as Head Chef at 101-Room Venue

📍 Madan Rathore appointed as hotel manager and Hugo Correia as head chef at Hotel Indigo Coventry, a 101-bedroom venue. Rathore joined in April with 20+ years in hospitality, formerly GM at Ramada Encore, Leicester. Correia returns after prior roles, including Weston Hall Hotel head chef. Hotel Indigo opened in January 2024 at Friargate, Coventry, following a multi-million-pound development. Samantha Dunion, the cluster GM, highlights their expertise and leadership in enhancing guest experiences.
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  • 2 min

Wyboston Lakes Resort Achieves B Corp Certification with 92.4 Rating, Recognized for Strong ESG Performance

🏠 Wyboston Lakes Resort, 40 minutes from London, achieved B Corp Certification, becoming one of the few UK organizations verified for social and environmental standards by B Lab. The assessment took over a year, requiring 80 points; Wyboston scored 92.4. CEO Steve Jones praised the team's commitment to ethical business practices, emphasizing investment in staff, reduced environmental impact, and community contributions. This certification underscores their longstanding dedication to responsible business.
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Seaview Hotel on Isle of Wight Listed for Sale at £3 Million After 23 Years of Ownership

🏨 The Seaview Hotel on the Isle of Wight, with 24 rooms and a two-bedroom cottage, is listed for sale at £3 million. Situated in Seaview village, it includes the Aquitania restaurant, Bistro dining room, coffee lounge, and Pump Bar. The hotel has been under its current ownership for 23 years. Nick Earee of Fleurets South is managing the sale, having sold it to the current owners in 2003.
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The Great Southern Killarney Rebrands as 'Splendour, Untamed' After Renovations and Achieving Five-Star Status

📰 The Great Southern Killarney, originally opened in 1854, has rebranded under 'Splendour, Untamed' after extensive renovations and earning a five-star rating. Located in Killarney, Ireland, it now features upgrades in guestrooms, dining areas, and event facilities. New offerings include guided tours in Killarney National Park and a new restaurant, Arbour. This transformation aligns with a broader luxury hotel trend, as seen with The Montenotte in July 2023 and Culloden Estate's £600,000 upgrade.
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Nicholas Davies Appointed General Manager at St. Pancras London Amid Rebranding to Autograph Collection Hotels

🏨 Nicholas Davies is the new general manager of St. Pancras London as of June 3, 2025, following its rebranding under Autograph Collection Hotels. Davies, with over 30 years in hospitality, previously managed The Marylebone Hotel and held positions at The Langham and Rocco Forte Hotels. His leadership is expected to enhance the hotel’s legacy and market positioning. The rebrand and prior refurbishment aim to improve guest experiences while preserving the hotel’s rich history and architecture in King’s Cross.
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UK Hotels Turn to Automation to Combat High Staff Turnover and Cost-Efficiency Burnout Amid Rising Guest Demands

🏨 UK hotel sector faces staffing instability with turnover rates between 30%-52% annually. Automation is crucial for managing 300 employees, requiring 20 HR staff. 42% of hospitality workers quit within 30 days, and 57% cite under-resourcing as a key challenge. 76% of managers report burnout; junior workers view it as inevitable. Automation in scheduling, payroll, and onboarding is vital for operational efficiency and employee well-being, ensuring personalised guest experiences amidst economic challenges.
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The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon Listed for Sale at £6 Million, Offers 45 Rooms and Restaurant

🏨 The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon is listed at £6m. It features 45 en-suite bedrooms, a two-AA Rosette Brasserie, and generates about £3m in turnover. Located opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which drew 350,000 visitors in 2024/2025, it's just 7 miles from the M40 and 25 miles from Birmingham Airport. Refurbished in May 2022, the hotel offers potential for further investment. Stratford sees 2.7 million annual visitors, enhancing its market appeal.
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  • 2 min

Safestay Sells Glasgow Charing Cross Hostel for £5.1 Million, Strengthening Balance Sheet for Growth

🏨 Safestay is selling its Glasgow Charing Cross hostel for £5.1 million to an independent investor. The transaction needs lender approval and should complete by August 28, 2026. The hostel, purchased in October 2019 for £3.2 million, generated £1.5 million revenue and £0.4 million profit in 2025. The sale follows the Edinburgh hostel's £5.4 million sale and a £3.1 million Brighton sale-and-leaseback, aligning with Safestay's strategy to enhance shareholder value.
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  • 3 min

Salary Exchange EV Schemes Gain Popularity for Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits Among Employers and Employees

🚗 Salary exchange, or salary sacrifice, allows employees to lease an electric vehicle (EV) by sacrificing part of their salary. Employees save on income tax and national insurance and benefit from reduced Benefit-in-Kind tax. Leases range from six months to four years. Employers save on national insurance contributions and boost employee engagement. Employees enjoy lower motoring costs, no upfront fees, and the latest EVs, while reducing their carbon footprint. Compliance and reputation benefits are key for employers.
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  • 1 min

Clermont Hotel Group Partners with RADA Business to Train 1,700 Staff in Performance Skills Using Acting Techniques

🎭 Clermont Hotel Group has partnered with RADA Business to provide performance training to 1,700 staff members. The Summer Skills Fest, employing acting techniques like RADA’s ‘body, breath and voice’ framework, includes three presentation skills workshops. Over 50 front-of-house staff at Gordon Ramsay's Hell’s Kitchen in the Cumberland hotel (opened in April) have already benefited. This initiative aims to transform hospitality into an experiential service, enhancing customer interactions.
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