Today’s news in brief – 30/10/24
Andrew Foulkes has been appointed CEO of hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, a high-end hotel and working farm with 42 rooms, awarded three Michelin Keys. Foulkes has been integral to the estate since before its 2019 opening, initially serving as hotel manager. With a career beginning at age 14, he gained experience in Michelin-starred kitchens before moving to management at luxury hotels like Gidleigh Park and The Bath Priory. Foulkes expressed excitement about fostering a positive team culture aimed at delivering exceptional guest experiences.
IHG Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has called on the UK government to support the visitor economy, projected to reach £32.5bn in 2024. Their joint report recommends reforming apprenticeship funding and business rates, and reintroducing tax-free shopping for international tourists to enhance UK tourism’s competitiveness. The report emphasises the economic potential of the visitor economy, highlighting the importance of a conducive investment environment. BCC policy director Alex Veitch stressed the need for government action to strengthen the tourism sector post-Brexit and post-pandemic.
The Stay Coastal Hotel, a six-bedroom property in Whitley Bay, North East England, has been listed for sale at £650,000. With direct beach access, it draws both business and leisure guests, earning around £10,000-£12,000 monthly. The hotel features en-suite bedrooms, seven parking spaces, and established vendor relationships for a seamless transition to new ownership. The listing is managed by AJP Property, a local estate agency.
The NI Hospitality School in Ballymena has helped 36 graduates secure full-time hotel employment locally. Established in 2021 through a collaboration of three local hotels and funded initially by The Gallaher Trust, the school aims to address hospitality sector recruitment issues. It has since attracted private sector support and offers specialised training academies, including bar and chef programs. NI Hospitality School chairman Eddie McKeever highlighted the initiative’s role in strengthening Northern Ireland’s hospitality workforce through tailored training, private sector backing, and enhanced career opportunities.
