HOSPITALITY company Manorview Group has returned to the acquisition trail with the purchase of the Brisbane House Hotel in Largs.
The seaside hotel is the tenth to join the Manorview portfolio, with the deal coming as the operator looks to strengthen its business following the challenges of the pandemic. Manorview acquired the hotel from the Fitzsimmons Group for an undisclosed sum.
Steven Graham, founder and director of Manorview, described Brisbane House as a “fantastic fit” for the company. The addition joins a portfolio that also includes the nearby Bowfield Hotel and Country Club in Howwood, Boclair House in Bearsden, the Cornhill Castle in Biggar and the recently refurbished Redhurst Hotel in Giffnock.
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Mr Graham said: “We have admired it for a long time and many of the team have been frequent customers themselves. It mirrors the venues that we already operate in lots of ways. But like everything in our collection, it also has something unique that we didn’t already have for our expanding customer base.”
“The location is fantastic. Largs has so much to offer both the local people and visitors from near and far. And with its coastal setting, the hotel itself not only boasts stunning views, we feel it also gives guests a real sense of escape and relaxation. We are delighted to work with the existing team and greeting regular and new customers.”
David Tracey, managing director of Manorview, noted: “Brisbane already has a great reputation amongst customers.
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"Our focus is on getting to know the team, supporting them through this transition, and getting to grips with what the customers want and need from the business. Like many of our venues, Brisbane House will also host a number of weddings this year, and we’re excited to deliver these special days for our brides and grooms.”
Manorview said it has been investing to develop its portfolio over the last 12 months. It relaunched the Redhurst Hotel following a muti-million-pound renovation, while it has built a swimming pool, opened seven boutique lodges and renovated a honeymoon suite in other properties across the group.
Brisbane has around 40 members of staff who will all move over to Manorview. The company said it aspires to bring new benefits to the Brisbane team through its Living Wage accreditation and profit share scheme.
Mr Tracey added: “As an accredited living wage employer, we will be reviewing the team’s rate of pay to ensure everyone is being paid the living wage at a minimum, as this is higher than the national minimum wage.
“They will also be eligible for our many team perks, will benefit from our extensive training and development opportunities and after 12 months will join our Heartcount scheme, in which we share 10 per cent of our net profits with everyone in the business.”
Manorview said it will continue to operate the Brisbane Hotel as normal, noting that all bookings will be honoured.
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