06.11.07
Hotel projects attract millions in private investment

A project that has dramatically improved the quality of hotels and guest houses in Cornwall is coming to an end having committed all investment ahead of target.

honey2cornwall combines specialist business support with investment for owners of serv iced accommodation across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It has led to massive investment by hotels and guest houses many of which are now able to open longer through the year, have reported an increase in jobs and have raised their accommodation standards, which in some cases has contributed to tourism awards.

honey2cornwall, together with its predecessor HONEY (Hotels of Newquay Enhance Yourselves) have received Objective One investment in excess of £2million. The HONEY programme was responsible for industry investment in excess of £4million and the honey2cornwall programme will be in the region of £5.5 million.

Project manager and Director of Newquay for Excellence Training, Ruth Vincent, said: “Both these projects have been hugely successful. The honey2cornwall project began in autumn 2005 and is now closed to new members (with a waiting list of establishments wanting to join). This project is crucial in assisting Cornwall’s serviced accommodation to meet the ever increasing demand for quality product and service from our visitors.”

Examples of success include the Hotel Penzance and The Bay Restaurant. Proprietor Mr Stephen Hill said: “Our business has been strengthened by the input of the honey2cornwall programme. The initial mentor support refocused our ambitions and identified key priorities for the business to achieve them. Working through specific quality, marketing and financial modules have brought positive improvements and the bonus of the funding programme is enabling us to implement change sooner.”

honey2cornwall is a key partner in the success of Hotel Penzance. Achievements 2006/07: AA 3 star 83% merit rating (the highest rated hotel in Penwith and 6th in Cornwall); ETC 3 star Silver Award; Cornish Tourism Awards 2006 Gold Hotel of the Year; Cornish Tourism Awards 2006 Gold Restaurant of the Year.

Mark Forbes, Proprietor of The Mill House, Trebarwith and The Slipway, Port Isaac, said: “As owner of Experience Hotels, I signed up to the honey2cornwall programme for both my hotels. The programme has enabled us to purchase some much needed kitchen equipment at The Mill House and to refurbish and improve the bar at The Slipway. Both these projects have provided many benefits to our customers. The assistance provided by the honey2cornwall team in planning and implementing these projects was exemplary. I have found the mentoring particularly useful in focusing on specific projects to enhance our customer service package as well as involving our staff on strategic issues.”

Gareth Pinwell, Chief Executive of Restormel Borough Council, said: “Restormel Borough Council is extremely pleased to be part of these successful programmes. The HONEY and honey2cornwall programmes have shown how well the public sector and private sectors can work in partnership resulting in economic benefits for both the hoteliers and the wider economy of Cornwall.”

And Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive South West Tourism and Chairman of the honey2cornwall Partnership added: “Through joining honey2cornwall, serviced accommodation providers have been able to benefit from industry specific specialist advice together with grant support which has enabled them to balance their aspirations with industry expectations. The breadth of both HONEY and honey2cornwall members that have achieved accolades reaffirms this. These exemplar businesses act as beacons for others to follow and by raising the quality of our offering Cornwall can continue to compete in an ever more demanding marketplace.”

For further information please contact Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager for the Partnership Office, on 01872 223439/07973 813647 or email cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in honey2cornwall through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Editor's notes:

honey2cornwall is based around quality and the National Assured Quality Standards (NQAS) together with five core disciplines:

Guest Service – adding value for the guest
Marketing Approach – incorporating all aspects of marketing
Pricing Strategy – costs and pricing for every element of the business
Support Systems – addressing IT, HR and legislative matters
Physical Environment – grant aided enhancements & equipment purchases

Expert information has also been provided to honey2cornwall members via workshops.  Each workshop is created around a specific brief and designed to be very different from the standard ‘talk and chalk’ style.  The workshop environment also encourages members to network.

honey2cornwall has a total project investment in excess of £6million, including more than £2.3 million from the Objective One ERDF. This equates to thousands of pounds worth of professional assistance per business. Investment has also come from Restormel Borough Council.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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