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Heather Sandlin

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  • 2 min

Historic Muswell Manor brought to market for £1.8m

🏡 Muswell Manor, a Grade II-listed building on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, is for sale at £1,800,000. It features a five-star B&B, a 16th-century bar, and a 47-unit caravan park. Notable for its aviation history, it was the site of the World’s First Aero Club in 1909, involving early aviators like the Wright Brothers. Owners Sharon and Terry Munns are retiring after nearly 30 years. The sale is managed by Markus Grun from Christie and Co.
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Grantley Hall appoints executive housekeeper

💼 Jakub Joubert is now the executive housekeeper at Grantley Hall, a five-star hotel in North Yorkshire. With three years as executive head housekeeper at The Londoner, Jakub's career includes roles managing an ultra-high-net-worth private residence in Saudi Arabia and preparing Palm Heights Hotels in the Cayman Islands post-Covid. Lewis Hunter, Grantley Hall's operations director, praised his international luxury hospitality experience and leadership.
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Brightstar Hospitality opens Garner hotel in Birmingham

🏨 Brightstar Hospitality launched a 51-bedroom Garner hotel in Acocks Green, Birmingham. Formerly Bridge House Hotel, it underwent extensive refurbishment. Located 15 minutes from the city center, it’s 5.5 miles from the airport and 7 miles from NEC. The hotel offers a bar, restaurant, and meeting space for 100 delegates. Brightstar operates 23 UK hotels, with more developments planned. CEO Nikhil Gupta emphasizes Garner’s modern aesthetic and warm hospitality.
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  • 2 min

PSTN Switch Off: A critical wake up call for hotel lift safety

📡 On 31 January 2027, the UK will retire the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), posing risks to hotel operations, particularly lift emergency communications as per BS EN 81-28. A recent report shows 70% of businesses reliant on PSTN lack migration plans. Cellular systems, like AVIRE’s DCP Evo, offer compliance, cost savings, and reliability through remote monitoring and battery backup. Hotels must audit lifts, upgrade to digital solutions, and plan transitions to avoid compliance issues and ensure guest safety.
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  • 6 min

How Red Carnation’s CEO empowers teams through a people-first culture

🏨 In 1998, Jonathan Raggett moved to London to manage The Rubens at the Palace, a three-and-a-half-star hotel that underwent a £15 million refurbishment. He joined Red Carnation Hotels, which expanded to 17 global locations, including the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Botswana, and Switzerland. Raggett, who has completed 10 marathons and cycled the Tour de France route in 2022, emphasizes training, leadership, and a path to management by age 40.
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  • 6 min

Obvlo’s CEO on how tech can enable personalised local experiences for guests

🏨 In 2020, amid the pandemic, Obvlo emerged from a viral Google Sheet listing open restaurants. Founder Callum McPherson pivoted from a commercial property marketplace to an AI platform for personalized travel recommendations. Initially serving local takeaways, Obvlo now partners with hotels like Hilton and Marriott, offering updated, curated content. The AI-driven platform scans trusted sources and delivers guides through multiple channels, balancing 90% automation with a human touch to enhance hospitality experiences worldwide.
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  • 2 min

RedCat sales rise 6.7% in Q1 as accommodation boosts business 

🏠 RedCat Hospitality in Q1: Accommodation sales soared to £9.5m, with a 9.4% like-for-like increase at Coaching Inn Group. Overall sales rose by 6.7% to £32.7m, despite challenges. Capital investments, including a £3m refurbishment of the Castle of Brecon Hotel in Powys, resulted in a 94% sales boost. Other locations like The Bull in Barton Mills and The Crown Inn in Leicestershire saw a 20.3% sales increase. CEO Richard Lewis highlights strategic growth investments.
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  • 2 min

The Medlock appoints first GM ahead of opening

🏨 Richard Pearson, with 19+ years in hospitality, is appointed as the first general manager of The Medlock, a 401-room hotel in Manchester, opening in 2026. Located in Manchester City's entertainment destination, it offers access to Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live. Operated by Valor Hospitality, it caters to corporate and MICE demand with event spaces. Recruitment for the senior team is underway, focusing on local community involvement. The Medlock contributes to Radisson Blu's portfolio of 1,580 hotels globally.
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  • 2 min

Hotel Polurrian launches holiday rental home

🏠 Polurrian on the Lizard, Cornwall expands with Trevean, a four-bedroom luxury rental at Mullion Cove. This property features a private heated pool, hot tub, and views of Mullion Island. Guests enjoy an electric buggy for accessing Polurrian's facilities. Renovated by owner Andrew Long and team, Trevean boasts a modern kitchen, expansive living space, three en suite bedrooms, and a master suite with a terrace. Long aims to share Cornwall's charm with future generations.
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