Checking In by Hotel Owner

In this episode we speak to William Hunter, general manager of The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, owned by Dominus and managed by its hotel platform Dominus Hospitality. William discussed how his career has progressed under the Hilton banner, including standout lessons from Hilton’s management programme and the strong mentors he has met along the way. He also discusses balancing global brand standards with authentic local character, building a strong culture from day one, and motivating teams at the Derby through empowerment and communication. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we're joined by Ruud Belmans, co-founder and executive creative director at design studio WeWantMore. Having gained experience working with major hotel brands, he will discuss how to improve the guest experience by refining touchpoints, the importance of implementing brand storytelling in every part of the property, and why LLMs are the next frontier for guest discovery. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

On this episode of Talking Shop, we speak to Remus Obertelli, General Manager of The Imperial. Remus shares how he built a world-class foundation through the management programme at Red Carnation Hotels and the high-stakes lessons learned leading the opening of The Montcalm Royal London House. Today, we focus on his work at the helm of The Imperial, discussing the delicate art of reimagining a 120-year-old landmark for the modern traveler while staying deeply rooted in its heritage. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is also brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Joe Henry, general manager of Holmes Hotel London. Joe spoke about his people-first mindset when it comes to leading at Holmes, how the hotel connects to and supports the community around it, why modern leadership means being visible and relational and how building a culture rooted in empathy and transparency fosters trust in your teams. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we’re joined by Richard Candey, head of Hotel Development and Consulting at Colliers. We dive into the current state of the UK hotel sector in 2026 - unpacking the challenges of rising construction costs, shifting investor appetite, and the evolving role of office-to-hotel conversions. Richard offers valuable insights into shifting deal structures, brand partnerships in today’s market, and where future opportunities may lie in an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Anthony Hunt, partner and co-head of Corporate Real Estate at law firm Howard Kennedy. We discuss why 2026 may be seen as a pivotal year for boutique hotels, unpack the rise of global nomadism and how this is shaping demand and trends across hospitality, and how a strong team and clear, consistent messaging and offerings are key to securing investment. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Candice Pressinger, Director of Customer Data Security at Elavon Europe. We explore how hoteliers can strike the right balance between robust security and a frictionless guest experience, why even small payment inefficiencies can lead to huge lost revenue (and how to avoid them), and why security should no longer be treated as background infrastructure, but instead embraced as a core driver of growth, trust, and long-term success. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more.

In this episode we speak to David Taylor, CEO of Kew Green Hotels. David spoke about Kew Green’s strategic priorities as it looks to expand, and the pillars of its new five-year strategy, the key behind building trust and strong partnerships with hotel brands and owners, and the importance of strengthening the foundations of a group through clear communication and a strong brand story. Today’s episode is brought to you by Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions for over 30 years. Whether you run a five-star hotel franchise or an independent guesthouse, Elavon makes it easy to pay for every stay. Through the rush and the respite, for the front of house and the out of sight, get payments that can keep up with anything. With Elavon, there’s a smarter way to take payments. Visit Elavon.co.uk for more. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Ed Burrows, co-founder of The Wildhive Collection. Ed spoke about his career foundations and the road to founding Wildhive, the process of launching their first site at Callow Hall, and what lessons from this have shaped the opening of their second site, Eshott Hall, what Wildhive’s people-first culture and Nature-Led hospitality looks like in practice, and the importance of communicating a strong brand identity from day one. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Claire Good, chief operating officer at Travelodge. She spoke about Travelodge’s approach to enacting operational change across its wide portfolio, the importance of clear communication and understanding the needs of frontline colleagues and how this in turn impacts guest experience, and how Travelodge’s great managers make for great teams. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Tim Rumney, CEO of BWH Hotels GB. We spoke about BWH’s distinctive business model, and how individual hotels can benefit from the group’s framework whilst retaining their individual identity, the importance of understanding your USP and capitalising on what makes your hotel unique to guests, and how BWH Hotels GB's strong community is the key to long-lasting hotel partnerships. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we speak to Gemma Jones, hotel operations manager at The Feathers in Oxfordshire. Gemma told us about the lessons learned through her varied career, including her time as cabin crew, how leading from the front and by example is the key to team motivation, what makes The Feathers a unique and experiential Cotswolds getaway, and how the little details have the biggest impact on guests. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we’re joined by Christian Masters, the general manager of art’otel London Hoxton, who delves into his experience with hotel pre-openings, the culture and art that defines the art’otel brand, and the many things the property has in store two years after launching. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In this episode we’re joined by James Bland, commercial director for Travel, Hospitality and Leisure at Ipsos. James explores how consumer perceptions of hotel brands have changed and continue to evolve, why brand awareness is shifting - particularly among younger guests - and shares practical guidance on how hoteliers can track brand perception. We also discuss how both independent and large-scale brands can navigate conversion challenges in an increasingly competitive market. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences. This episode is brought to you by Corby of Windsor. Hotel in-room products shouldn’t create more work. Corby of Windsor designs guestroom solutions built to handle real hotel use, from durable irons and ironing centres to kettles, safes and accessories. Every product is rigorously tested, thoughtfully designed and made to last, helping hotels reduce maintenance calls and protect their investment. Corby of Windsor, Designed for Hotels.

In this episode we speak to Franck Arnold, Managing Director of The Savoy. We explore his beginnings in luxury hospitality across the globe, through to leading one of the world’s most iconic hotels through the unprecedented challenges of Covid. He also discusses how The Savoy continues to balance heritage with innovation, and what it takes to deliver world-class, personalised guest experiences while remaining profitable, inclusive, and sustainable. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences. This episode is brought to you by Corby of Windsor. Hotel in-room products shouldn’t create more work. Corby of Windsor designs guestroom solutions built to handle real hotel use, from durable irons and ironing centres to kettles, safes and accessories. Every product is rigorously tested, thoughtfully designed and made to last, helping hotels reduce maintenance calls and protect their investment. Corby of Windsor, Designed for Hotels.

In this episode we speak to Michael Flynn, Client Director at Howden, and Paul Davidson, Director & Senior Security and Investigations Consultant (Team 9). We explore what Martyn’s Law will mean for the hospitality sector, and the practical steps hoteliers need to consider to prepare for this - from security measures and staff training to insurance considerations and reputational risk. We also discuss how to cut through the noise, avoid feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information available, and the importance of starting conversations around this today. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences. This episode is brought to you by Corby of Windsor. Hotel in-room products shouldn’t create more work. Corby of Windsor designs guestroom solutions built to handle real hotel use, from durable irons and ironing centres to kettles, safes and accessories. Every product is rigorously tested, thoughtfully designed and made to last, helping hotels reduce maintenance calls and protect their investment. Corby of Windsor, Designed for Hotels.

In this episode we speak to Richard Ellison, CEO of 7 Hospitality Management. Richard spoke about his early hospitality lessons from unbranded and branded hotels, as well as leading operations at Gleneagles during the G8 Summit, how 7 Hospitality builds trusted relationships by thinking and performing like an owner, and why clarity and a strong roadmap are key to a healthy hotel lifecycle. This episode is brought to you by Howden, the global insurance broker. Howden is a proud Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions and as well as being front-of-jersey sponsor for the 2025 Men’s tour, is helping to make history as the Series Title Partner for the first ever Howden Lions Women’s Series in 2027. Whether you run a boutique hotel, independent B&B, or international hotel group, there are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for you. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.  Learn more at https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses This episode is brought to you by Corby of Windsor. Hotel in-room products shouldn’t create more work. Corby of Windsor designs guestroom solutions built to handle real hotel use, from durable irons and ironing centres to kettles, safes and accessories. Every product is rigorously tested, thoughtfully designed and made to last, helping hotels reduce maintenance calls and protect their investment. Corby of Windsor, Designed for Hotels. Learn more at www.corbyofwindsor.com

In this episode, we speak to Francisco Macedo, COO of Pavillion Club and Wildernesse Reserve, and chair of the Master Innholders upcoming Hotel Leadership Conference. Francisco discussed what we mean by the 2026 conference theme of ‘Stronger Together, Breaking the Mould’, the key to navigating innovation, and balancing tradition and transformation, and how intuition and empathy will define the leaders of tomorrow.

On this episode we speak to Natalia Dainty, Learning and Development Manager at Valor Hospitality. Natalia spoke about her journey from operations to HR and beyond, offers insights into how Valor’s training programmes support every individual’s unique learning styles and her pioneering mental health first aider initiative, and the impact it’s having across Valor.

In this episode we're joined by Henry Matson from Apron to explore one of the biggest headaches in hospitality: managing payments, suppliers and back-office workflows. Hotels often deal with complex structures, fluctuating orders and teams who are rarely behind a desk, making financial admin harder than it should be. Henry breaks down the everyday pressures operators face, how processes can be simplified, and where hotel finance is heading over the next few years.

In this episode we speak to Anna Corkill, regional vice president, Development UK and Ireland at Hyatt. Anna spoke about Hyatt’s plans to grow its UK portfolio by over 30%, why it’s setting its sights on the UK’s exciting regional destinations, how it is well positioned to capture the burgeoning lifestyle and luxury markets, and how Hyatt maintains the strong partnerships that lie at its core. This episode is sponsored by Apron. Running a hotel means juggling endless payments and expenses - from suppliers to staff - all while keeping cash flow in check. That’s where Apron helps. With Apron Bill Pay, you can manage all your supplier payments in one place - approve, schedule, and sync automatically with Xero or QuickBooks. And with the Apron Card, your team can spend easily while you stay in control, with spend limits, auto receipts chasing, and full visibility. Every purchase earns rewards you can turn into cashback or gift cards. It’s free to get started and built for small businesses. Learn more at getapron.com.

In this episode we speak to James Cowan, HR director for UK and Ireland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands at The Ascott Limited. In this episode we discuss what attracted him to HR, the challenges of navigating HR across different countries and cultures and his role in nurturing the next generation of hospitality leaders. This episode is sponsored by Apron. Running a hotel means juggling endless payments and expenses - from suppliers to staff - all while keeping cash flow in check. That’s where Apron helps. With Apron Bill Pay, you can manage all your supplier payments in one place - approve, schedule, and sync automatically with Xero or QuickBooks. And with the Apron Card, your team can spend easily while you stay in control, with spend limits, auto receipts chasing, and full visibility. Every purchase earns rewards you can turn into cashback or gift cards. It’s free to get started and built for small businesses. Learn more at getapron.com.

In this episode we speak to Ian Taylor, co-founder of the Kaleidoscope Collection. Ian reflects on his path from corporate hospitality to independent ownership, sharing lessons learned from leading major hotels and building a creative, design-led brand. We discuss how he balances originality with commercial reality — and his advice for hoteliers considering the leap into running their own collection. This episode is sponsored by Apron. Running a hotel means juggling endless payments and expenses - from suppliers to staff - all while keeping cash flow in check. That’s where Apron helps. With Apron Bill Pay, you can manage all your supplier payments in one place - approve, schedule, and sync automatically with Xero or QuickBooks. And with the Apron Card, your team can spend easily while you stay in control, with spend limits, auto receipts chasing, and full visibility. Every purchase earns rewards you can turn into cashback or gift cards. It’s free to get started and built for small businesses. Learn more at getapron.com.

In this episode we speak to Josh Renouf, founder of Joy Resolve and circular design manager at Lamington Group. Josh spoke about what first attracted him to the world of product design, and the story behind his viral creation The Barisieur, how Lamington Group embeds circular design into its operations in creative ways and encourages guests to be curious, and what hoteliers should consider when rethinking waste and their own eco innovation.

In this episode we speak to Mike Baxter, co-founder of House of Gods. Mike spoke about his unconventional route into hospitality, and how being a disruptor paved the way for bringing his creative vision to life, how House of Gods embodies its ‘maximalist by design, boutique in attitude’ ethos with its eclectic style, what can be expected from the brand new Canary Wharf site, and the ways in which House of Gods makes its guests feel like a rockstar.

In this episode we speak to Olivia Immesi, CEO of Native Places. Olivia spoke about her experience of working with the iconic Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch and Ace Hotel London, Native’s approach to creative placemaking and the importance of maintaining the soul of the brand, its journey to becoming a net zero carbon operation by 2030, and how a more inclusive industry must start from conversations at the top.

In this episode of Checking In speak to Karim Kassam, owner of Horwood House Hotel. Karim spoke about his career journey, including the perspectives and lessons gained during his time in Dubai, how the right amount of realism and forward-thinking are key when approaching an investment journey, the ambitious transformation of Horwood House, and how collaboration, respect and transparency foster its strong team culture

In this episode we speak to Pierre Deburaux, Chief Administration Officer of Accor. Pierre spoke about his career transition from finance roles in transport and beauty to hospitality, the workings behind Accor’s major restructure in 2023, and how this streamlining of operations has strengthened the group, how Accor’s people-centred values create a culture of trust, and what hoteliers can do to maintain financial resilience and agility.

In this episode we speak to Andrew Eversden, co-founder of Bottle Up, a provider of reusable bottles that are plant-based, BPA-free and pre-filled with pure spring water sourced from the UK. Andrew spoke about the inspiration behind founding the group, the benefits it brings to hoteliers when it comes to improving sustainability and increasing brand visibility, and why more hoteliers are re-thinking their sustainable water offering for guests. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to David Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels. He discussed how and why Resident Hotels diversified into the mid-scale segment, and the benefits this brings, why hoteliers must consider lived-in experiences of guests when creating spaces, and why the sector must not forget the importance of empathy. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to David Hart, CEO of RBH. David spoke about his journey from the finance industry to leading RBH today, why the hospitality management group sees great opportunity in the luxury segment, and how a strong team culture has contributed to RBH’s 25 years of operating success. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to Kellie Rixon MBE, general manager at Marcliffe. Kellie spoke about Marcliffe’s ambitious reinvestment and rebrand, how guest and community input has been central to its transformation, preserving guest loyalty though periods of change, and why compromise and communication are key to navigating team expectations. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to Tej Walia FIH MI, Managing Director of Foxhills Collection. Tej spoke about the management lessons learned during his eight years at Hilton, his approach to fostering strong young talent within the industry, how Foxhills has been a pioneer in catering to the 'bleisure' market, and why leadership in hospitality is an ever-evolving learning curve. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to Adam Dyke, General Manager of The Grand, York, where he discusses how the hotel provides a ‘No Fuss Five Star’ experience, the importance of embracing family guests in the luxury market, and how the warmth of Yorkshire hospitality is felt through all aspects of the hotel. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to Peter Zielke, COO of Safestay. He spoke about the drivers behind Safestay’s record full-year performance, including how Safestay has grown its ancillary revenues across the group, how and why today’s hostel guests are more diverse than ever before, and how the hostel industry is breaking down misconceptions and adapting to the modern traveller. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to Callum McPherson, the founder and CEO of Obvlo, an AI solution that creates travel recommendations for hotel guests. Callum discussed how Obvlo turned from a viral Google Sheet during the pandemic into a global product, how the platform creates personalised, targeted content for any destination, and the key to striking the right balance between AI enhancements and human touch. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we’re joined by Jonathan Raggett, chief executive officer of Red Carnation Hotels. We explored Jonathan's journey to the top, including how he landed the chief executive role without even realising he was interviewing for it. He also shares how he helped build a distinctive and successful company culture, and how he sustains his passion and energy while leading a global hotel group. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we're joined by Adela Cristea, chief development officer of the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at Radisson, who discusses the group’s focus on converting existing properties into Radisson brands, how stadiums can maximise their use through hotel developments, and the best ways for hoteliers to balance brand identity with guest experience. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode, we speak to Simon Grace, the general manager of Hotel Indigo, Leeds. Simon discussed how all aspects of the hotel’s design are inspired by the city, and how this plays into Indigo’s wider vision of bringing local narratives into its sites, navigating the common road bumps ahead of an opening and how to pick an enthusiastic, confident team to get your new hotel off the ground. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode of The Checking In Podcast, we speak to Serena von der Hyde, Founder of Your Space, about her journey from leading a hotel at 19 to building an inclusive hospitality brand. Serena shares how celebrating individuality across teams and properties fuels growth, and how Your Space champions DEI. She discusses the power of inclusive leadership and why creating a culture of belonging leads to stronger, happier teams in today’s evolving hospitality landscape.

In this episode we speak to Dimitris Manikis about his career journey from Greece to Wyndham, the ways in which you can uphold a consistent brand across different countries and cultures, and how the industry must ensure that AI does not scare away the next generation. This episode is sponsored by Howden, the global insurance broker and proud official front-of-jersey sponsor of The British & Irish Lions. As the Lions head out on tour, you’ll be seeing plenty of the Howden name, so what does that mean for your hospitality business? Whether you’re running a small country bed & breakfast, or overseeing an expanding chain, you and your guests are covered with Howden. There are 101 reasons why Howden’s great for hotels. From tailored policies to true peace of mind, Howden is here to back your business every step of the way. https://www.howdengroup.com/uk-en/sector/hospitality/hotels-and-guests-houses

In this episode we speak to Richard Harrison, managing director of No Ordinary Hospitality. Richard discussed his approach to assessing risk with new creative ventures, his advice for diversifying your site to maximise sales in all corners of your property, how to build strong symbiotic relationships with brand partners and why hoteliers should embrace the evolution of mixed-use spaces. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. With powerful automation, fully integrated booking and payment systems, and real-time reporting, as well as legendary UK-based customer service, Rezcontrol frees up your team to do what they do best — delight your guests. Easy to use, fast to deploy, and endlessly scalable — Rezcontrol is the PMS you can trust. Visit rezcontrol.com today.

In this episode, Philip Turner, the founder of Chestnut Group, discusses his journey from financial services to hospitality, how he has scaled Chestnut Group at speed and is preparing for future acquisitions, and why transparency and accountability are key to securing shareholder support. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. With powerful automation, fully integrated booking and payment systems, and real-time reporting, as well as legendary UK-based customer service, Rezcontrol frees up your team to do what they do best — delight your guests. Easy to use, fast to deploy, and endlessly scalable — Rezcontrol is the PMS you can trust. Visit rezcontrol.com today.

In this episode we speak to Gareth Winebloom and Lewis Bound, general manager and deputy operations manager at Rowton Castle. They discussed how storytelling at the castle plays a key part in enhancing the guest experience, the key behind Rowton’s team loyalty and low turnover, and how their wedding teams are able to balance personal touches with spotless delivery. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. With powerful automation, fully integrated booking and payment systems, and real-time reporting, as well as legendary UK-based customer service, Rezcontrol frees up your team to do what they do best — delight your guests. Easy to use, fast to deploy, and endlessly scalable — Rezcontrol is the PMS you can trust. Visit rezcontrol.com today.

In this episode we speak to Asja Samperi, rooms manager at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill. Asja spoke about how her love of travel, languages and connection with people has shaped her career path, the key behind building a strong and enthusiastic team as rooms manager, and how AI is shaping the future of guest personalisation in the luxury market.

In this episode we speak to James B. Clarke, General Manager of the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and chair of The Master Innholders. James spoke about the Master Innholders' latest conference and what its theme of ‘Distilling Excellence’ means for hoteliers in practice, the key drivers behind his site’s ongoing success, how the Master Innholders encourages connection and conversation within the industry, and the key to empowering your frontline staff through communication. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. With powerful automation, fully integrated booking and payment systems, and real-time reporting, as well as legendary UK-based customer service, Rezcontrol frees up your team to do what they do best — delight your guests. Easy to use, fast to deploy, and endlessly scalable — Rezcontrol is the PMS you can trust. Visit rezcontrol.com today.

In this episode we speak to Graeme Green, Managing Director of Crossbasket Castle. We spoke about his time at The Point in New York and how American hospitality has influenced his leadership approach, what guests can expect from the Castle’s £20m refurb, and why creating ‘moments of magic’ for guests can in turn empower and energise your team. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. With powerful automation, fully integrated booking and payment systems, and real-time reporting, as well as legendary UK-based customer service, Rezcontrol frees up your team to do what they do best — delight your guests. Easy to use, fast to deploy, and endlessly scalable — Rezcontrol is the PMS you can trust. Visit rezcontrol.com today.

In this episode we speak to Kathryn Wright, COO at customer loyalty platform Antavo. We discussed the rise of card-linking and gamification in loyalty programmes, and how hoteliers can capitalise on this, how to re-platform your loyalty system with agile, long-term thinking and why keeping loyalty in mind must underpin all facets of your operations. This episode is sponsored by Rezcontrol. Running a hotel is complex — but your property management system shouldn't be. Rezcontrol is the next-generation, cloud-native PMS designed to put hoteliers in control. With powerful automation, fully integrated booking and payment systems, and real-time reporting, as well as legendary UK-based customer service, Rezcontrol frees up your team to do what they do best — delight your guests. Easy to use, fast to deploy, and endlessly scalable — Rezcontrol is the PMS you can trust. Visit rezcontrol.com today.

In this episode we speak to Paul Brackley, the founder and CEO of Kinsfolk & Co. We discussed how Paul and his team built a purpose-led hospitality brand from the ground up, how thoughtfulness, community and collective ambition lie at the heart of Kinsfolk, and what can be expected from the brand’s first physical touchpoint, The Newman.

In this episode we welcome back Tim Davis MBE, Founder and Managing Director of PACE dimensions. We spoke about the evolution of the branded hotel space and how businesses can best capture their "unfair "share of the market, why ESG is a key investment for long-term, sustainable success, and how connectivity and cohesion across your operations is key to growth in a softening market.