Today’s news in brief – 13/11/23
Daniel Thwaites Group reported a £60.3m turnover for H1, a 4% increase, despite a drop in operating profit from £9.9m to £8.8m attributed to property disposals. The profit from disposals decreased from £1.3m in 2022 to £200k. Operating profit before disposals remained flat at £8.6m, but net debt rose from £61.1m to £70.6m. The hotels and spas segment saw a 2% YoY sales increase and a 5% profit rise. Despite a 1% drop in beer volumes in pubs and inns due to adverse weather, Thwaites reported a strong September start, with inns performing well over the summer. Richard Bailey expressed optimism despite upcoming government changes.
The All Seasons Boutique Hotel, a five-star luxury bed and breakfast in Filey, Yorkshire, is on the market. The property, offering 14 individually styled en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant, two guest lounges, a residents bar, and a large catering kitchen, was purchased by John and Jo Dalby in 2021. The decision to sell is attributed to other business opportunities that have arisen. The hotel director at Christie and Co, Mark Worley, sees this as a fantastic opportunity for a buyer to take over a popular coastal hotel with potential for growth, given Filey’s attractions and the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast.
New Holgate, a boutique townhouse hotel in York, has opened after a £2 million-pound refurbishment. Acquired by York businessman Nick Bradley in late 2022, the hotel comprises 12 individually designed bedrooms across four floors. The interior, designed by Studio Two Interiors, blends history with modern sophistication, incorporating nods to York’s industrial heritage. Sustainability is a focal point, with the restoration of original features and measures to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint. New Holgate also features an intimate boardroom, on-site electric vehicle chargers, and a private car park for 12 vehicles.
Annie Brown, with almost 20 years of hospitality experience, has been appointed as the general manager of The Municipal Hotel Liverpool, part of MGallery, Accor Group’s luxury boutique-hotel brand. Brown, known for her work at Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter, is also the first chair of Manchester’s new Accommodation Business Improvement District. The hotel, situated in a Grade II listed heritage building, opened in May and features 179 luxurious rooms with design references to its French and Italian influences. Brown expresses excitement about leading such a historical property and aims to create memorable experiences for guests.
