Today’s news in brief – 7/2/25
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has announced that Manchester’s renowned five-star Lowry Hotel has joined its Leng’s Collection. Located on the banks of the River Irwell, the hotel features 165 luxurious rooms, a restaurant, a spa, and event spaces. MHR’s Leng’s Collection aims to highlight the unique character of each property. The Lowry Hotel’s general manager, Vicky Marshman, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing MHR’s global reach and expertise. Christophe Cialdella, VP of operations at MHR, praised the hotel’s individuality and strong local connection, noting that it aligns perfectly with the Leng’s Collection’s values.
Imperial London Hotels has received official endorsement from the Institute of Hospitality for its Step Up and Step Up Plus career development programmes. The group, which owns seven hotels in Bloomsbury, London, offers these programmes as part of its “Grow your Career” initiative, providing employees with leadership skills and professional development opportunities. The programmes, designed for full-time staff aiming for managerial roles, cover key areas such as self-management, team leadership, guest relations, and business operations. Learning and development manager Lisa Dearing highlighted the endorsement’s significance in validating the company’s commitment to hospitality education. Institute of Hospitality CEO Robert Richardson praised the initiative for supporting career progression in the sector.
The Stafford Collection has promoted John McLean to managing director, following his appointment as general manager in May 2024. He now oversees the group’s portfolio, which includes The Stafford London, Northcote, and Norma. With over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality, McLean has held leadership roles at prestigious hotels, including The Cadogan and Brown’s Hotel. The Stafford Collection’s board commended his vision and expertise, while McLean expressed gratitude, reflecting on his career journey that began at The Stafford London 30 years ago. He looks forward to leading the collection into a promising future.
