News
Hospitality company to bring major heritage attraction to life The team behind Coombe Abbey Hotel is set to manage St Mary’s Guildhall when it opens later this year after £5.6 million of investment and redevelopment.
Midlands business owners can’t survive another lockdown Business owners in the Midlands have claimed they have little to no funds to see them through another lockdown, a study has found. The survey of 200 business owners in the region, commissioned by Prime Accountants Group, found that almost 70 per cent of businesses did not have the means to survive a rainy day, with close to a third not even knowing how much money is currently in their business account. It also emerged that almost 90 per cent of business owners across the Midlands don’t even have a contingency plan in place if a key person in the business was to pass away or leave suddenly. Unsurprisingly, of those surveyed, almost 50 per cent claimed their business significantly suffered with the onset of the pandemic. Kevin Johns, managing director of Prime Accountants Group, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry, said: “COVID-19 and various lockdowns over the past 18 months have led to a sharp rise in unemployment and business failure, which is not surprising. “However, the results of the survey show that most businesses seem to be living in the present and not planning effectively for a brighter future. “While I do understand it is important to endure these uncertain times as best as possible, businesses will significantly benefit if they take the time to plan and implement financial strategies that can impact and improve their future. “Cashflow management is so important, now more than ever before. Cashflow is essential and while it is fantastic to have a budget at the start of the year, it needs to be used wisely and reviewed regularly to ensure that concerns are addressed and you are making all the right moves to secure higher profits.” For more information visit www.primeaccountants.co.uk
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Coombe Abbey Park will be appointed to operate St. Mary’s Guildhall and will draw on the expertise and resources of No Ordinary Hospitality Management to deliver an exciting heritage programme and visitor experience, and develop the marketing to attract more visitors. The company has been formed after transforming Coombe Abbey’s commercial operations, which include new and refurbished food outlets and a highly successful Go Ape tree-top adventure. St Mary’s Guildhall sits next to Coventry’s Cathedral and dates back to 1352. The redevelopment programme is underway with the aim of ensuring that the Guildhall takes its place in the city’s visitor offer for residents and tourists, and grows its reputation and customer base. Richard Harrison, managing director of No Ordinary Hospitality Management and Coombe Abbey Park, said: “St Mary’s Guildhall is a truly iconic building of national importance within the city centre and we believe it has massive potential for a wide range of events. “We clearly have experience in dealing successfully with historic buildings and allowing them to deliver cutting-edge events while maintaining their unique character.
From the left, Richard Harrison, Cllr David Welsh and Ron Terry
“Now we will be working hard to support Coombe Abbey Park to ensure we make the most of the wonderful space and increase its profile within the city, the region and across the country.” No Ordinary Hospitality Management will operate through Coombe Abbey Park for the contract, which will also establish the Guildhall as a venue for weddings, events and conferences.
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council and member of the shareholders panel for Coombe Abbey Park, said: “This is an important milestone because it means we can start gearing up for opening during our year of UK City of Culture.” For more details visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk and https://noordinaryhospitality.com/
“We clearly have experience in dealing successfully with historic buildings and allowing them to deliver cutting-edge events while maintaining their unique character."
Service investment delivers excellent client experience Employment and safety specialist AHR Consultants has further demonstrated its commitment to client care by investing in the development of its service. The Rugby-based consultancy firm, which supported over 300 employers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, has built on last year’s recruitment surge by enhancing its approach to client care. While overall client satisfaction levels were at 96% during 2020 (based on a client satisfaction survey), the firm’s management team has led a strategic review into client feedback during this summer, looking to provide an improved experience across its HR, employment law and safety divisions.
As a result, AHR Consultants has invested in a cloud-based suite of internal systems which facilitate shorter lead times at all levels of the organisation. This means even faster responses to incoming enquiries, reductions in overall case resolution time and more control over the experience for clients. The newly introduced systems are a welcome addition to the existing client care programme at AHR Consultants, which already sees its advisors following up matters with client care calls, alongside an online client portal which is regularly updated with actionable toolkits and documents. The firm also delivers a collection of free webinars throughout the calendar year, while adopting a multi-channel
approach to its consultancy operation with online training sessions and 24/7 business support. Simon Howes, managing director at AHR Consultants, said: “We have introduced new internal systems to allow us to work closer to our clients, continue understanding their strategic aims and ultimately
allow them to gain maximum use of our service. “Prioritising client needs has been a core value of AHR Consultants since its inception in 2007. It’s great to see our commitment to this value continue to grow alongside the business.” For more information visit www.ahrconsultants.co.uk
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