East Midlands devolution takes step closer to reality
The proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has moved one step closer to reality after key legislation was approved in Westminster.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been granted Royal Assent after completing its passage through Parliament, paving the way for the creation of the EMCCA and the region’s very-first Mayoral elections next May.
Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council will now decide whether to move forward with devolution plans, with decisions expected before the end of the year.
The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from £1.14 billion of funding to invest in local projects related to transport, education and skills, housing, the environment and economic development.
Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “This is a key milestone on the road to agreeing plans to bring in £38 million a year for the East Midlands and move major decision-making to the people who best know our communities, rather than Westminster.
“It’s about improving the lives of people across our region by bringing more and better jobs, opportunities for training, better transport and housing, improving the local economy and accelerating our route to Net Zero. But that’s just the start. If this deal is agreed, we’re determined to build on it over time as other areas have done, bringing further benefits for our residents in the future.”
Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is truly a milestone moment in the quest for devolved powers for our region. Now we know this is definitely happening, and we’ve secured more powers, local control, funding and independence from central government to affect real change in the East Midlands. That’s fantastic news.
“In truth though, it just confirms the start of the journey. The end game is delivering outcomes like better transport, quality jobs and new training opportunities for local people.”
Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Devolution will bring much-needed funding to Derby and the wider region, especially with so many of our residents experiencing the cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s also important that more decisions affecting the region are made by locally elected representatives, so I welcome the news that plans for an East Midlands Combined County Authority are taking another step forward.”
David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is positive news and allows us to move forward with devolution plans which will make a significant difference to people, both in our city and the wider region.
“More investment and the power to make local decisions on how money is spent would lead to better jobs, housing and training opportunities. Our region has been underfunded for too long and I will work to make sure we get our fair share of funding and maximise its potential.”
The powers and funding will be held by the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority, for which there will be an elected mayor from May 2024, and is presently being steered by the elected leaders from the two city and two county councils which signed the deal.
Representatives from District and Borough Councils, alongside wider partners from business and other sectors, will further support the organisation’s development and governance.
Devolution plans for the East Midlands are similar to those already in place across other mayoral regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.
More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.
Earlier this month, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor, who would be in place from May 2024.
Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.
Further investment to boost local projects across the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.
PwC appoints new regional leader for the Midlands
PwC partner David Morris has been appointed as regional leader for the Midlands region, overseeing the Birmingham, East Midlands and Milton Keynes practices.
David succeeds Matthew Hammond, who is taking on new roles after a decade as a regional leader.
Matthew initially led PwC’s West region for two years and has spent the last eight years leading PwC across the Midlands, whilst also being Senior Partner for the Firm’s Birmingham office.
During that time, PwC’s Midlands practice has almost doubled in size, with investment in over 1,000 new roles and 44 new Partners over the last eight years. In addition Matt has successfully led PwC’s Midlands firm through the opportunities and challenges presented by Brexit and the pandemic, while achieving rapid growth.
Matthew will continue to be based in Birmingham. He will add to his extensive multi-sectoral client portfolio, continue to lead PwC’s Strategic International Markets group, and has been appointed to Chair PwC’s Financial Crime business. Matthew has a number of external roles and he will continue to Chair the West Midlands Growth Company.
Matthew Hammond said: “It’s been an honour to lead the Midlands firm for the last eight years, during which we have delivered record growth through investments in our people and Partners, to serve the whole of the Midlands market.
“Congratulations to David on this appointment. This is a critical period for the region’s economy, and we have the strongest pipeline to deliver against as our clients seek increasing collaboration to meet their growth aspirations.
“I am confident that the breadth of industries across the region and the cross-sector insights and experiences this creates will enable Midlands businesses to capitalise on new and emerging technologies to feed the next stage of growth.
“I am very proud of what our people and Partners have achieved over the last eight years. Amongst them the ongoing work on Inclusion & Diversity, equipping the next generations with digital skills to create their opportunities, supporting our colleagues through the unprecedented times of the pandemic, creating the best workplace at One Chamberlain Square, and our work with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are just some of them.
“I will continue to be based in Birmingham leading a portfolio of International clients and our Strategic International Markets business, and taking a role in our Financial Crime business also which I am looking forward to. Importantly my local work as Chair of the West Midlands Growth Company and as co-founder of Birmingham Digital Futures will continue.”
With over 20 years with the firm, David brings a wealth of experience, most recently having led the Health Services Sector for more than four years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his time with PwC, David has led the support for some of the most high-profile change programmes in the public sector, advising boards, regulators and central Government as well as being on the board of a number of large teaching hospitals.
Speaking about his new role, David Morris, said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role as Midlands leader. Having been born and raised in the Midlands, with a career journey that has taken me around the globe, it’s a full circle moment to be stepping into this role to help shape the future of the Midlands firm.
“The region has so much to offer, from being quite literally a place of 1000 trades to the incredible talent and quality educational institutions we have on our doorstep. Having joined the firm in 2004 as a senior associate, I’ve seen first hand the career journey that PwC can offer and it’s a priority of mine to champion, nurture and develop the next generation.
“I take on this role during a time where some businesses are facing economic challenges as we head towards the end of 2023. That said, there are some real game-changing opportunities too, particularly around productivity, technology and ESG, and I’m keen to see how we can help businesses continue to promote this region as the place to be.
“Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to Matt and the fantastic work he has done over the last decade as our regional market leader; his efforts means he hands over a firm ready to take advantage of the opportunities presented.”
Welcoming the appointment, Carl Sizer, PwC’s Head of Regions, said: “I’m delighted that David will be our new regional market leader for the Midlands. His expertise and experience in the firm will provide a unique perspective to the role, with a keen focus on supporting talent as well as our clients.
“I’d also like to thank Matt Hammond for his dedication to the Midlands for the last eight years. His time in the role has led the region from strength to strength and I’m excited to see what heights the Midlands can reach next.”
Van Elle acquires piling specialist in £3.8m deal
Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire ground engineering contractor, has agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Rock and Alluvium, a piling specialist, for a total consideration of up to £3.8m on a cash-free, debt-free basis, subject to completion accounts.
Based in Leatherhead, Rock and Alluvium was established in 1963, joined Galliford Try in 1989, and has built a strong reputation primarily serving the residential and commercial sectors in London and the South East.
The business operates a well invested fleet of 11 piling rigs which complements Van Elle’s existing capital investment programme, has a highly trained workforce and an experienced management team.
Rock and Alluvium represents a strategic and complementary acquisition for the Group and will be integrated within Van Elle’s General Piling Division. It provides the Group with an established presence in the South East, a region with good mid-term growth prospects which is currently under-served by Van Elle.
The company has also entered into a five-year trading agreement with Galliford Try under which Van Elle will provide piling and geotechnical services. It is anticipated the trading agreement will generate revenues in excess of £10m per annum.
Mark Cutler, Chief Executive of Van Elle, said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Rock and Alluvium and our Trading Agreement with Galliford Try, which I am confident will deliver positive benefits for both parties.
“This deal accelerates our expansion into London and the South East, by bringing a highly regarded business and team into the Group with a proven track record, a strong order book and a well invested fleet.
“This follows the acquisition of ScrewFast Foundations in 2021. The Board has been very disciplined in reviewing acquisition opportunities in the intervening period to ensure they will support the delivery of our growth strategy. I believe that Rock and Alluvium will prove to be an excellent addition to the Group.
“I look forward to welcoming the management team and all Rock and Alluvium employees to Van Elle.”
For the year ended 30 June 2023, Rock and Alluvium generated revenues of £15.5m and a draft operating loss of £0.2m. The assets subject to the acquisition had a net asset value of approximately £3.7m as at 30 June 2023.
The acquisition is expected to complete in mid-November 2023.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council present £400,000 boost for rural businesses
Rural businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for grants to help them to become greener.
A new scheme aimed at boosting the rural economy has been launched by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and will run until March 2025.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to £400,000 of funds from the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Those eligible for the grant include businesses and local organisations that invest in green technologies, as well as those that increase productivity; protect and improve local historic buildings, venues and cultural offerings; provide diversification outside of agriculture and develop local tourism attractions.
Applications are especially encouraged from those who would like to install low and zero carbon-generating technologies, or measures to improve energy efficiency.
There are a range of grants available, with funds from £7,500 to £22,500. The grants also have an intervention rate of 75%, meaning businesses and organisations need only find a minimum 25% of the total eligible project costs to apply.
With a pool of £100,000 available in Year 1 (2023/24) and £300,000 in Year 2 (2024/25), the council is expecting high interest and applications will be treated on a first-come first-served basis.
The fund is open to applications for Year 1 and 2, although applications for Year 2 must be projects that will not commence prior to 1st April 2024.
Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council, Councillor Martin Cartwright said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these grants to support our rural communities and businesses, helping them to thrive especially given the challenging and difficult circumstances over the recent years.
“Due to the amount on offer, we are expecting these grants to be very competitive, so please apply straight away if you think you’ll be eligible. Our thanks to the Rural England Prosperity Fund for helping to make this possible. Good luck with your applications.”
The closing date for the first round of funding is midday on Wednesday 29 November 2023.
New future for Newark Castle takes step forward
Newark Castle is taking another step towards opening its gates as a new and improved visitor attraction. At next Tuesday’s Cabinet Meeting, Newark and Sherwood District Council Members will vote on the approval of a delivery funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Heritage Fund previously awarded a development stage grant in March 2022, adding to £3million of funding from Newark’s Towns Fund deal and a capital contribution.
The project will see the original Romanesque Gatehouse, named by Historic England as the most complete example of such a structure in England, reinstated as the spectacular entrance to the Castle. This will lead to five gallery spaces which follow the Castle’s story through time and bring its Medieval history to life through fascinating, fun and interactive interpretation including models, real and replica tactile objects and furniture, embroideries, trails and play, designed by Nissen Richards Studio.
There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook the town and the Castle’s newly enhanced gardens. These have been a focus of the project which also aims to enhance and protect the natural environment and green space within this historic site, establishing more biodiversity and enhancing accessibility through landscape development.
Expert ecologists have been consulted to create a planting scheme which is more wildlife friendly, creating habitats and feeding places for insects, bees and birds, and incorporating bat and moth friendly lighting and bat roosts. There will also be plenty of opportunities for local volunteer gardeners and groups like Flower Pod to get involved.
The gardens were developed in the Victorian era with a commitment to provide a public space for everyone to enjoy. However, this did not account for modern accessibility and the plans will see routes updated for wheelchair users, people with low mobility and those with prams or pushchairs to be able to enjoy them equally as well as increased benches and seating.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It was important to us that local people were consulted during this process and we have listened, ensuring that HE Milner’s beloved flowerbed remains and that wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility are able to enjoy the full extent of the gardens.
“This of course means that changes must be made but our landscape architect at Urban Edge Architecture has worked very hard to create new paths which comply to accessibility legislation and which disturb as few trees as possible. I’m delighted that this work will also see an increase in the biodiversity of this important green space as well as driving visitor numbers to boost our local economy and, hopefully, bolstering our residents’ pride in this very special local asset.”
It’s anticipated that, once works are completed, the Castle will attract almost 17,000 visitors from outside of the district, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth as a destination attraction.
Residents and local communities will also be supported through free participation activities, co-creation and opportunities to promote improved wellbeing. The development incorporates a new facility beneath the gatehouse bridge which will be used for both learning visits and for community groups and outreach, providing an extra space in the centre of town for residents to come together.
The town’s early evening economy will be supported too with plans to improve the lighting in the grounds to enable a safe ‘after dark’ experience.
Designs, which remain conceptual and are subject to further development, have been released to give residents an idea of what to expect from this transformative project. These will form part of the application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the next stage will be waiting for approval of this, expected in early spring.
Smoke control specialist acquired by Mansfield firm
Mansfield-headquartered TIS has acquired NSP (Nationwide Specialist Projects Limited), a smoke control and ventilation specialist providing greater levels of safety in high-rise buildings.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone in TIS’ ambitious growth strategy and enables it to continue delivering its promise of bringing new, smarter, impactful technology solutions to customers that help to improve safety, reduce costs and streamline operations.
The combined expertise of TIS and NSP will bring to the market the industry’s first technology-agnostic, fully integrated, automated fire detection, alert and smoke control system for customers. The acquisition has been supported by Key Capital Partners (KCP) who themselves acquired a significant minority share in TIS in 2021.
The 20-strong NSP team will continue to operate from its Kidderminster headquarters, expanding TIS’ West Midlands presence. TIS’ offices in Mansfield, Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds and Uxbridge expands NSP’s reach to a national level.
James Twigg, CEO at TIS, said: “This acquisition is a decisive step forward for TIS, leveraging our recent growth capital to realise our broader vision of bringing processes and innovations that improve the way the world is protected as it lives and works.
“The deal strengthens our core capabilities and provides opportunities to enter other high-growth sectors such as residential developments. Together with NSP, we’re bridging an important gap in fire safety and smoke control.
“Our engagement with NSP was born out of a desire to provide access to valued resources that perfectly complement our own. The NSP management team brings significant industry knowledge and commercial expertise to TIS.
“Culturally it feels like a perfect fit with both businesses demonstrating a passion for delivering premium service. We are excited to welcome NSP into the TIS family and for our current customers to have access to even more systems under our unique offering of services and solutions.”
Lee Hewings, Managing Director at NSP, said: “NSP’s journey to this point has been about forging valuable collaborations and I am excited about the immediate opportunities our partnership with TIS will bring, enabling us to offer our innovative smoke control services, expertise and knowledge to a much larger audience.
“There are many similarities commercially and culturally between the way TIS and NSP operate, and I believe TIS’ flexible, innovative approach to the design, installation and maintenance of integrated life safety and security systems will complement us well, bringing significant additional value to our customers.”
James Hall, managing partner of Key Capital, said: “The acquisition of NSP by TIS brings together two market-leading businesses and creates a group with real critical mass and a strongly differentiated proposition.
“We are excited by the group’s future and the TIS board is looking forward to working with Lee and his highly-skilled team to build something really special.”
Six-month turnaround sees developer sell Newark industrial unit
Midlands property developer Rotherhill has sold Brunel House, located within Brunel Drive Industrial Estate in Newark, following its acquisition of the unit in March 2023.
Purchased by a local creative event production company, the property is based in Newark’s principal industrial area and comprises a building of 27,500 sq ft with an additional extensive mezzanine, set upon a total site area of 2.65 acres.
Rotherhill purchased the property from Vodafone which operated it as a call centre facility. The building was originally constructed in 1989 as an industrial facility for Fleur de Lys Automobiles to manufacture vehicles.
Ed Jeffrey of Rotherhill says: “This property is in an excellent location within an established industrial estate and benefits from strong transport links.
“Understanding the local market and demand for good quality second-hand industrial space with extensive hardstanding / yard areas, we saw the opportunity to return the property to its originally intended, industrial, use.
“We are pleased to have sold the property to a successful Newark based business. The building will facilitate their growth and future job creation.”
Will Torr of heb acted on behalf of Rotherhill in the acquisition of the property and marketed the building alongside joint agent Anthony Barrowcliffe from FHP.
Will Torr of heb said: “The acquisition strategy centred on repositioning the well-known call centre and re-offering to the market a detached warehouse with high quality offices, mezzanine, and substantial yard. Subsequently, we received a large amount of interest and were pleased to see the building sell to an expanding local owner occupier.”
Anthony Barrowcliffe from FHP added: “I am delighted that after high levels of interest we could find the right buyer for this building. This new facility will support a local business’s growth and secure their future.”
Prime Minister urged to ‘switch on’ East Midlands by naming the date for electrification of final section of Midland Mainline
Rishi Sunak has been urged to ‘switch on’ the East Midlands rail network as fast as possible by accelerating work to electrify the region’s main link to London.
The Midland Mainline carries 3.75 million passenger journeys a year between Chesterfield, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and London, but trains still have to travel on diesel power for part of the journey – impacting emissions, reliability and the time it takes to travel.
While the Midland Mainline section between London and Bedford was switched to electric power in the 1980s, the final section into the heart of the East Midlands still hasn’t been upgraded 40 years on.
Now, the region’s local authorities have come together under the banner of Transport for East Midlands to call on government to name the date when work will start on a project that has been planned for years and was highlighted as a transport priority two years ago in government’s Integrated Rail Plan.
Sir Peter Soulsby, the elected Mayor of Leicester who also chairs Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM), said: “In the wake of the decision to cancel HS2, our message to the Government is simple and unequivocal – name the date for Midland Mainline electrification, sign the project off and switch on the East Midlands rail network.
“If we’re not proceeding with high-speed rail then we must upgrade our existing infrastructure as a matter of urgency. Midland Mainline will be able to offer a better service for more people on upgraded trains if the final stretch into the East Midlands is at last electrified.”
Sir Peter added: “We need to change Westminster’s attitude towards transport investment in the East Midlands. We receive too little, it takes too long, and the huge potential of our businesses and communities is not being fulfilled. This has to change if we’re to power up our future.”
As it stands, 80% of the environmental benefits of travelling by train instead of car can be lost due to the emissions from locomotives moving under diesel power. Diesel trains are also noisier, and impact air quality along the line and in stations.
Transport for East Midlands has set out the case for Midland Mainline electrification in a new report called ‘The Future is Electric’. Produced by expert transport analysts, the report shows that:
· Midland Mainline adds £450m a year to the economy
· Passenger numbers on the line have more than doubled since the 1990s
· Midland Mainline’s catchment is more densely populated than either West Coast or East Coast mainlines
· But while they are fully electrified, Midland Mainline is not
· Fully electric trains will be cheaper to operate, faster and more reliable
· Midland Mainline’s diesel operations emit 48,000 tonnes of CO2 a year
· Experience shows an electrification programme will benefit local jobs and businesses first.
Electrification of the final section of the Midland Mainline would also become part of a much wider electrically-powered rail corridor, joining up with government’s Network North plan for electrification of the Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield, the line between Leeds and Sheffield, and enhancements between Nottingham and Newark.
Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This isn’t just about the Midland Mainline finally receiving the investment it needs. It also makes strategic sense to upgrade the line so that it becomes part of a regional and national electrified rail network.”
Older person’s scheme reaches milestone
An older person’s scheme in Clifton has reached a significant milestone, with the first bricks for the 50 new apartments laid.
These homes are part of the redevelopment of the old South Nottingham College off Farnborough Road in Clifton. The three-storey building, which has been named Farnborough Court, will have a mix of one and two-bed apartments, each fitted with a wet room for people aged 55 and over.
Whilst the homes are self-contained, the scheme includes shared facilities, such as lounges, a kitchen and gardens. On-site staff will be on hand to provide additional support, and the building and surrounding areas will be fully accessible with facilities for storing mobility scooters.
Allan Fisher, director of development at NCHA, said: “It was great to visit site and see the build progressing so well. It feels good to be providing these bespoke apartments, giving older people a greater choice in where they want to live.”
There’s a special focus to make these new homes energy efficient. This will both reduce their carbon footprint and help reduce energy costs for the new residents. The homes will be completely gas-free, and fitted with PV solar panels. The walls, floors and ceilings are filled with thick insulation and the windows are argon filled to keep the warm air in.
NCHA are working with Nottingham City Council, Homes England and Geda Construction to deliver the development which is due to be completed by winter 2024.
Councillor Jay Hayes, Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “The council welcomes this new affordable development for older people in Clifton. New homes of all types and tenures contribute towards local people being able to live in safe, warm and affordable homes, built to a high standard, in vibrant local neighbourhoods where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
Businessman reveals £5m vision to transform landmark Oakham hotel
Rutland-based businessman Ryck Turner has unveiled his £5 million plan to create the quintessential English country inn located in the heart of Oakham.
The 54-year-old entrepreneur, who lives in Whissendine, bought the Whipper-In hotel and a number of neighbouring buildings in Market Place in the town for over £3 million last year.
Now he aims to spend a further £2 million extending, refurbishing and reshaping the inn.
Ryck’s grand design for the 17th Century Grade II listed building, which used to be called The George Hotel, includes creating a new restaurant to replace the current dining room, with the kitchen being doubled in size. The new dining room, which will face out onto the Market Place, will have a guests-only cocktail bar and an exclusive private dining room and lounge on the floor above.
He also plans to convert the coach house at the back of the property into a unit with bedrooms, a 15-seater private cinema, a gym and spa featuring a treatment salon, a sauna and a jacuzzi.
The masterplan for the new hotel, which is to be renamed The George Inn, will see the business run 18 bedrooms.
As well as the Whipper-In, Ryck also acquired the building which housed the Rutland Chinese Restaurant, the building currently occupied by Curtis bakery and the building where the Cancer Research UK shop is trading.
Ryck, who moved to Rutland five years ago, said: “I drove past the hotel in the spring of 2022, loved the look of it and thought the location was perfect. Within a few weeks I had paid £3 million for the hotel and the three buildings along the row.
“When I was a schoolboy at Oundle School I used to go for lazy Sunday lunches with my parents at The George Hotel in nearby Stamford and I thought that was heaven on earth. It was all so relaxed and convivial and we could just sit there playing cards and board games.
“To me that was the quintessential English country inn and that is what I want recreate here in Oakham. I saw the Whipper-In and thought: ’This can be my George Hotel’. That is when I set myself the challenge to make that happen.”
Ryck joined his family business, which was started as a wholesale and retail newsagents in Sheffield in 1891 by his great great grandfather Harry Turner, almost 30 years ago. The business evolved over the years moving into commercial property, crisp manufacturing and pet food manufacturing.
While continuing to manage the family property portfolio, Ryck has also created his own commercial property investment business.
The first thing Ryck did after buying the Whipper-In was to spend a year refurbishing and re-engineering many aspects of the hotel while keeping it open and running.
“The hotel needed a lot of TLC,” said Ryck. “So, I have spent the first 12 months having the place largely redecorated and redressed and certain aspects, including a new cellar cooling system in the bar, updated and refurbished. This process, which included bringing in new furniture, has enabled us to stay open and to continue to welcome guests while improving the customer experience.”
Ryck plans to tackle the future renovation, redesign and expansion of the hotel in phases.
“As things stand, the first phase will be to transform the old coach house at the back of the hotel near Burley Road into a fabulous new area which will feature bedrooms, a 15-seater private cinema, a gym and spa, featuring a treatment salon, a sauna and a jacuzzi,” he said.
“The idea behind this is that guests seeking peace and quiet can arrive here, and if they want to, enjoy a relaxing stay without having to leave the hotel as we will provide all the facilities they want.
“The hotel is ideally placed in the heart of the town. Some bedrooms have a wonderful view of the Market Place with Oakham School and Oakham Castle just yards away and the spire of All Saints Church in the background. Other bedrooms feature the original oak beams and some look out onto the courtyard garden.
“My dream is to have this hotel providing guests with a fantastic customer experience through a combination of a convivial atmosphere, first-class service and top-quality food.
“I am big believer that things happen for a reason. I think it is fate that I identified this place as perfect to create my own version of the George Hotel not knowing that it used to share the same name. Now all I have to do is create a coaching inn that befits that name.”
