Hotelier & Hospitality Design - May 2021 by Jet Digital Media Ltd

May 2021: Industry News, Openings & Refurbishments, Technology, Recommended Suppliers...

Hotelier & Hospitality Design THINK DESIGN THINK HOMAPAL

THINK DESIGN THINK HOMAPAL.

www.deralam.co.uk

T: 01257 478540

T: 01257 478540 E: sales@deralam.co.uk E: sales@deralam.co.uk

www.deralam.co.uk

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Think Design Think Hom Deralam Laminates Ltd started as a family business in the Northwest of England and now operate from multiple UK sites meaning that the customer can benefit from a flexible and unrivalled nationwide distribution service. Deralam have a close relationship with all their supply partners, ensuring that they continue to add the latest innovative materials and designs to a constantly expanding portfolio. Stocking over 10000 product lines,

You can be sure that Deralam st solution to suit your latest design p together with the highest leve commitment and customer service. able to supply the correct produ extremely tight deadlines has seen De forge close relationships with companies in the shop fitting industr their products are used in the stor some of the most prestigious names i street retail.

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Keen to stay ahead of the market, Deralam have sole UK distribution rights for Homapal©, that specialise in laminates of various finishes including real metal surfaces, this leaves an almost unlimited scope for creativity and customisation; meaning that this product has a multitude of applications and finds its way into cruise ships, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and high street retail stores, in fact, any vertical surface that needs to be enhanced.

sales@deralam.co.uk

Over the years, hardly any other material has proven its worth in interior design to the extent in which the laminate has done. Looks, feel and function are combined to get the interplay of elements into all-embracing spatial concepts in a way that could not be more natural. Deralam is the Architects, ideal choice for manufacturers and retailers alike.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

mapal.

PIONEERING THE HOTEL INDUSTRY. AGAIN.

New Dometic HiPro Minibars We believe in sustainable innovation for a better guest experience. Premium can’t be measured. It’s all about the first impression, elegant design, and the silence that your guests appreciate. What can be measured is efficiency. With improved cooling performance and up to 40 % lower energy consumption, it’s clear to see why the HiPro range is considered the world’s best minibar. The state-of-the-art design of Dometic HiPro will help you create a premium in-room feeling.

dometic.com/hipro

Contents May 2021

May 2021: Industry News, Openings & Refurbishments, Technology, Recommended Suppliers...

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Dan Draper

Publication Manager 01843 570940 dan@hotelierandhospitality.com

THINK DESIGN THINK HOMAPAL

THINK DESIGN THINK HOMAPAL.

Jodie Little www.deralam.co.uk

T: 01257 478540

T: 01257 478540 E: sales@deralam.co.uk E: sales@deralam.co.uk www.deralam.co.uk

www.hotelierandhospitality.com

YOU TUR N O N

SO BRI L L IA

REFLECTS W IT E 3895 Hotelier and Hospitality AW.indd 1

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Anthony Field

Editor anthony@hotelierandhoteldesign.com 01843 570940

ISTAN FOR R B C

ME RO H

Hotelier & Hotel Design Magazine is the leading publication and established web resource in the business. Providing comprehensive reporting on hotel industry news and exclusive coverage of the latest ecological-friendly green hotels and bar designs, HHD Magazine keeps you updated on the latest hotel trends in technology and innovative ideas.

Publishing Director 01843 595818 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk

The perfect finish to any bathroom To make life easier, we give many of our taps and showers a flawless contemporary chrome finish. No need for chemicals. Just a quick wipe with a wet cloth and you’re done. Brilliant. www.bristan.com

13/09/2019 15:45

Hilton London Metropole to ‘radically’ transform guest experience Hospitality design firm Perkins&Will have been appointed to completely refurbish Hilton London Metropole, which is the largest Hilton outside of the USA… As part of a multimillion-pound renovation, Hilton London Metropole has briefed design firm Perkins&Will to ‘radically transform the guest experience’. The renovation, which due to be completed by summer 2021, is expected to provide guests with a completely new and upgraded stay – no element of the hotel will be left unchanged.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

The 1,096 guestrooms and suites have undergone a striking transformation, designed with a contemporary and bold aesthetic that sensitively reflects different London boroughs. The venue’s four restaurants and bars will be relaunched with exciting new drinking and dining concepts, including an allday British brasserie, serving locally sourced ingredients, and a new suitably relaxed market-style dining outlet, that celebrates London’s street food scene. The refurbishment will also see the opening of a state-of-theart 200sqm (2,153sqf) fitness studio.

Extensive renovations are being made to the hotel’s 35 event spaces and meeting rooms, including two dedicated hybrid meeting rooms and three ballrooms, which total over 4,600sqm (49,500sqf) in size, from the 1,062 Square Metres (11,431sqf) Richmond Suite to the Kensington Suite, with its open private foyer and space for up to 1,350 guests. Hilton London Metropole also operates Hilton EventReady with CleanStay, which ensures the hotel delivers event experiences that are clean, flexible, safe and socially responsible. “Our ambitious multimillion pound renovation will maintain Hilton

London Metropole as Europe’s leading conference and events hotel,” said Remco Norden, Area General Manager. “The refurbishment will radically transform every element of the hotel, from our restaurants and bars to our bedrooms, suites and meeting and event spaces. It will elevate the guest experience and continue to make us the venue of choice for business and leisure travellers and corporate and private events of any scale. “The refurbishment celebrates London and our hotel’s wonderful history. Despite the challenges the industry has faced in 2020, our hotel has an incredibly bright future and this renovation is our opportunity to invest in it.” The hotel has embraced the latest in technology to ensure a seamless stay, from upgraded Wi-Fi to the introduction of Digital Key, which allows Hilton Honours members to check in and choose their room using their smartphone via the Hilton Honours app. The design project celebrates the best of the capital, with the new design weaving the city’s storied history into the hotel. Guests will experience engaging touchpoints from London’s rich heritage, its vibrant art, culture, music and diverse food scene throughout. The new, elevated aesthetic will take guests on an immersive experience through the capital. The architecture, design, restaurants and bars showcase purposeful acknowledgements to East, Central and West London’s heritage as the hotel tells the story of this ancient city

with nods to iconic areas including Borough Market, Covent Garden and towns on the Thames. Sustainability is at the heart of Hilton London Metropole and its refurbishment. From the team members’ uniforms, made from sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic, to the green kitchens serving locally grown produce, the hotel has collaborated with a wide range of businesses and manufacturers to create an ethical and environmentally conscious space. Guests staying in the Suites or Executive Rooms will enjoy complimentary breakfast and access to the exclusive and contemporary Executive Lounge, which has a dedicated arrivals area and check in facilities. The lounge serves a carefully curated food and drink offering throughout the day alongside monthly tasting and live cooking experiences. When booking their future stays, guests can also feel confident that their health and wellbeing have been taken care of thanks to Hilton CleanStay, an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection delivered in Hilton properties worldwide. The hotel’s radical developments will retain Hilton London Metropole’s position as the perfect choice for the business traveller, from its central location in the heart of the city to its impeccable transport links, seven different bedroom options and four suite categories to choose from, a seamless check in process, a wide choice of food and drink dining experiences and an impressive onsite fitness studio.

Preferred introduces enhanced member benefits

s part of the group’s rewards program, Preferred Hotels & Resorts has introduced I Prefer Loves - a partnership series showcasing brand partners across the travel, fashion, food and wine, home and wellness industries.. The series has kicked off with I Prefer Loves Anatomie, a luxury apparel brand. All I Prefer members will receive a $50 discount code to redeem towards purchases made via the brand’s website. It will be valid until June 30 2021. In May 2021, I Prefer Loves will feature a collaboration with The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, with destinations including London, Paris and Milan. In addition to existing savings of up to 60 per cent for designer goods and dining experiences, members at Preferred will receive an additional 10 per cent off. Future brand spotlights are set to feature luxury leather goods retailers, a sparkling wine purveyor, and an aviation company among others.

diversification of member benefits offered through I Prefer. We have always been committed to protecting the interests of our loyal guests, and this exciting new addition offers valuable savings and unique experiences for them to enjoy from the comfort of their own home or in exciting new destinations when they are ready to travel again.”

Jeri Salazar, vice president of loyalty at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, said: “Arriving at a time when we are all excited to reconnect with the world and enjoy new experiences, I Prefer Loves represents the continuous

The launch of I Prefer Loves follows the January debut of I Prefer Auctions, an initiative that allows members to bid for travel experiences with earned points for a limited time period.

Travelodge announce new Chairman

He also spent 10 years on the Boards of Disneyland Paris and Regus Plc and has chaired various other businesses, including Holmes Place Health Clubs and wagamama. Robinson currently chairs the UK business for Burger King, the second largest fast food chain in the world and Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator. Stephen Shurrock, Travelodge Non-Executive Board Director, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Martin as Chairman of Travelodge. Martin brings a broad wealth of hospitality and strategic management experience to the role. The well-established

management team and board look forward to working with him to further develop the Travelodge business. As travel restrictions start to be relaxed, business and leisure confidence returns, and our market recovers, Travelodge is well positioned to benefit from improvements in trading conditions.” Martin Robinson, Travelodge Chairman, said: “It is a great honour to join Travelodge, which is not just a British hotel icon but also a model of a great value brand. Its resilience has helped it to navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, is an exciting time to be joining the company, as it embarks on the next exciting phase in its development.” “My passion is to unleash the true potential of a brand with a focus on delivering for our customers in a rapidly changing consumer market. I am looking forward to working with the experienced and highly impressive management team to further strengthen and grow the Travelodge business.”

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

ravelodge has today announced the appointment of Martin Robinson, as its new Chairman. Robinson has spent most of his career within the leisure sector and brings a wealth of brand building, strategic management and leadership expertise. He spent 17 years at Center Parcs as CEO of their European business and Chairman of the UK.

“It makes a statement” – UK Bathrooms reviews Imperial’s Black Sapphire Collection

UK Bathrooms explore comfort and style qualities in the Black Sapphire Collection of dark sanitaryware by Imperial Bathrooms…

reating a unique environment is key to success for hoteliers, whatever the hotel category, whatever the size of hotel; hotels today need to stand out in the crowd. And one place they can do this is the hotel bathroom by not only offering the best in comfort and ease of use, but by making sure the space is beautifully stylish, functional, durable and different. Merging comfort and style the Black Sapphire Collection of dark sanitaryware by Imperial Bathrooms ups the ante, finally bringing ceramics over to the dark side.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

The hotel bathroom of 2021 has emerged as a space for wellbeing and retreating to for a moment of calm; time spent in the bathroom of today is prized by hotel guests, an opportunity for peace, privacy, self-care and time out from frenetic lives. Bathroom design has become more expressive, experimental and exciting.

Enter the vogue for black bathrooms, with dark, cave-like spaces creating sanctuaries where the stresses of outside cease to exist. While surfaces, furniture, fixtures and accessories have all been doused in black tones of late, sanitaryware remained traditionally white and bright – until now. Imperial Bathrooms’ new Black Sapphire Collection has put an end to interrupting dark schemes with chunks of dazzling paleness, with the extensive offering, encompassing basins, toilets, bidets and accessories in a myriad of styles, enabling bathrooms to wholly embrace the darkness, as well as adding an unexpected edge to monochrome designs and broader palettes. “Black and monochrome rooms soothe the eye and allow an overworked mind a moment of calm,” explains Graeme Borchard, MD at

UK Bathrooms. “The Black Sapphire Collection from Imperial Bathrooms means that bathrooms can now fully commit to a black palette, and offers wider and bolder options for those hoteliers wanting to create statement spaces.” The range incorporates four sanitaryware families, the first truly comprehensive collection of black bathroom ceramics.

Etoile Black Sapphire Bedecked in the pigment-rich Black Sapphire finish, the round edges, intricate design and striking silhouettes of the Etoile collection take on an alluring, opulent feel. Each piece is crafted in Britain, repeatedly fired and smoothed to ensure a flawless, glossy finish. Team with high shine tiles in a matching tone and polished metals for maximum effect.

Astoria Deco Black Sapphire The Astoria Deco range takes on an edgy, moody personality with a glossy

Black Sapphire coat. The sculptural quality of its Art Deco angles, defined lines and shapely elegance make a dynamic statement – bring together multiple pieces for high impact and unforgettable wow factor.

Drift Black Sapphire Combining the playfully curved lines of the Drift range with a blackened coat creates a tongue-in-cheek effect, the modern finish and shapes merging with hints of the traditional. Place the subtly decorative ceramics against a white, coloured or patterned backdrop of to make the most of the collection’s design details.

Radcliffe Black Sapphire With slick lines and an even sharper attitude, the refined Radcliffe range is a nod to classic British bathroom design, made even more stately and statuesque in a shadowy glasslike finish. Style with traditional brassware, lighting and mirrors to complete the powerful, sophisticated aesthetic.

he partnership will allow hotels to reduce touchpoints, save on the cost of traditional physical key cards, and streamline operations by enabling guests to use their smartphone to check in and access their room.. Using a custom-branded hotel app, guests can retrieve their reservation details and process their check in before heading straight up to the room number shown in the app. The mobile keys are also ‘virtually online’ which means that hotel management can have access to a real-time audit trail. For example staff can track how and when each key was used to open a door. Julie Grieves, founder and CEO of Criton, said: “Integrating systems has been one of our top priorities and I am

Guest engagement platform Criton and electronic locking system TLJ Access Control have partnered to enable hotels to offer guests a fully contactless experience including mobile check in and mobile key.

delighted that our platform now fully integrates with TLJ Access Control which offers innovative access management solutions globally.

advantage. We hope to continue working with Criton to evolve this solution as the technology develops apace.”

She continued: “I am thrilled that together, Criton and TLJ, will enable more properties worldwide offer mobile-first solutions that are now vital for operators to save costs and streamline their operations and for guests to maintain social distance and reduce physical touchpoints.”

Criton is a guest engagement and integrations platform for hotels, serviced apartments and groups worldwide to digitise their guest information. Key features include location-based push notifications, mobile check-in, digital door key, messaging, food ordering, loyalty programme and more.

Luke Martin, TLJ’s chief technical officer, added: “It has been our pleasure to work with Criton on developing an integrated solution that we believe benefits guests and hotel operators equally. We live in a contactless, digital world and for hotels to confidently meet the expectations of their guests in this area gives them a real competitive

TLJ Access Control is a provider of electric locking systems and access control for hotels, holiday and leisure parks, purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), and buildto-rent/multifamily residential. The company serves the UK and Europe with partners in Africa, China and the US.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Criton and TLJ Access Control announce partnership

In the bedroom Pair our Citrine stone washed bedlinen with a cozy cashmere wool throw in grey:

LinenMe’s Waffle Towels Demonstrate the Pantone Color Pick for 2021! Every year Pantone’s trend forecasters compile extensive research to find a color that represents or somehow embodies the design themes for that year. For their Color of the Year 2021 they chose two colors instead of the usual single selection. The chosen tones are Illuminating (a citrus yellow) and Ultimate Gray (a solid mid-gray).

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

And we were delighted to see that Frankfurt’s leading interiors and design exhibition, Ambiente, featured LinenMe’s graphite grey waffle towels as examples of this year’s Pantone color pick on their blog.

The two chosen colors work on their own but were deliberately selected as a duo. Pantone’s Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman explains why: “Together, the solid Ultimate Gray and the radiant Illuminating convey a positive message of inner strength. Practical and rock solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic – this is a colour combination for hope and resilience. Strength and confidence are nourishment for the human soul.” And as we can all do with some hope, unity and

strength in these difficult times, we’re 100% on board with this sentiment. We know you love to stay on top of interior trends whilst shopping sustainably and mindfully. It’s easy to update your home with these new color trends and stay true to your principles. Buying good quality linen textiles from family-run brands like us at LinenMe means you’re supporting small businesses who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. But we also love bringing a fresh look and feel into spaces. It’s all about balance. Which fits perfectly with the Pantone Colors of the Year 2021, representing and encouraging harmony! Here’s how you can incorporate this hot color combo in your home using our premium European certified linen.

In the kitchen Create a simple backdrop to a special meal with our fringed Terra linen tablecloth in Graphite and add a pop of bold yellow with a set of linen napkins in Citrine:

In the living room Bring the Pantone color trend into your home quickly and easily by adding a few new cushions and a throw. Our Terra fringe cushion in Graphite and waffle linen throw in Citrine will instantly uplift and update your living room:

In the bathroom Bring a splash of 2021 harmony and hope into your bathroom with contrasting sets of super soft huckaback linen towels in grey and yellow:

However you decorate your home, here’s to hope and resilience for all of us in the coming year. We hope you are staying safe and well. Thanks for spending your time with us today. Find more tips on decorating with linen here, and ideas on using colors in your interior here

Is biophilia the key to success post-lockdown? Biophilic design could hold the key to increasing footfall, bookings and spend post-lockdown, according to Emily Vernon, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf: “After over a year of social distancing and face masks, customers are naturally worried about returning to spaces such as restaurants, bars and hotels. Biophilic design looks to ease those concerns, making customers feel comfortable and willing to spend again. “Biophilia is the concept that human beings have an innate connection

to nature, something that has been heightened even further during the pandemic as we craved outside spaces like parks and beaches. Being with plants and nature is proven to make us feel calmer, happier and safer. “Biophilic design taps into this psychology and uses plants and natural materials to create the same feelings. “For example, attractive, thriving plants in a premise gives the impression of a clean, healthy, natural environment – somewhere that people can thrive too - and this reassures and comforts customers. “And these kinds of feelings can translate into tangible benefits. Studies have also shown that customers spend longer and are more willing to pay higher prices in restaurants and bars that use biophilic design. It is the same reason that guests are willing to pay more for a sea view or garden view room at a hotel – they know they feel happier near nature and place a value on that feeling. “Biophilic design can also be used to deal with new COVID measures in a more refined, purposeful way. phs Greenleaf has developed a range of moveable planters and divider planting troughs that are

helping businesses maintain social distancing without the need for garish signage or tape. These planters can also act as directional aids or social dividers, creating different zones or appropriate distance or barriers between tables, all whilst adding to the aesthetic and ambience, and creating a sense of well-being and calm that most conventional social distancing measures do not. “And biophilia isn’t just for indoor spaces. We’re working with a number of national restaurant chains to rethink their outside spaces following lockdown. By extending your design outdoors, you create instant curb appeal, giving you the competitive edge, as well as creating flexible spaces that can quickly increase your number of covers. “Biophilic design isn’t about spending lots of money on expensive plants or designer living walls, it’s about finding what is right for your customer and business - even small changes can make a big difference.” phs Greenleaf has been providing planting and landscaping services to businesses for over 25 years, including indoor and outdoor plants, artificial and live planting, living walls, grounds maintenance and Christmas trees and decorations. www.phsgreenleaf.co.uk

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

If this year has shown us one thing, it is how versatile the hospitality sector can be when faced with challenges. But how can customers be made to feel safe as the industry opens once more?

RECIRCULATION UNITS FOR KITCHENS IN HIGH DEMAND New Recirculation Unit for Commercial Kitchens, the CK ReCirc

™

he demand for these recirculation units is always growing, as more unusual and restricted spaces are being optimised by catering business owners. Recirculating will allow such kitchen professionals to take advantage of existing spaces without the high cost and practical implications that would apply to retrofitting permanent equipment like exhaust hood fans and ductwork, which filter airborne grease and smoke out into the atmosphere. CK Direct’s ReCirc™ is a self-contained kitchen ventilation unit with environmental design considerations that also eliminate major risks to the kitchen, such as ductwork fire hazards. Multiple stages of inventive filtration within the unit reduce grease, particulate, smoke and odour before reintroducing cleaner air to the kitchen – The unit therefore, needs no direct duct connection to the atmosphere.

Let’s revolutionise your commercial kitchen

e sure to learn more about the recirculation unit for commercial kitchens and other new products in the range by calling a member of the CK Direct team on 01733 230378 Customers can also discuss with our experts their specific commercial kitchen requirements, whether it be for ventilation and extraction systems, fabricated stainless steel equipment or the most advanced odour control solutions available to the UK market. CK Direct are your trusted supplier, applying exceptional standards to the build of exceptional kitchens.

You can find out more about CK Direct’s commercial kitchen ventilation and extraction systems via:

www.ckdirect.co.uk info@ckdirect.co.uk +44 (0)1733 230 378

Making the most of your outdoor areas with Tempus solutions

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The Manhattan Pergola from Tempus is a simple and cost effective way of extending the comfort of your indoor spaces into your outdoor patios. • Available with or without retractable sides for wind shielding • Quick and easy to use louvered roof keeps out the rain and lets in the sunshine • Lighting and heating packs make the sheltered spaces usable all year round – whatever the weather • Full fitting service available through product trained Contract Furniture Group installation team A wide range of complementary outdoor heating, lighting and furniture is available to view on our website.

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New Bar and Lounge in Broadstairs, designed by Lee Pollock at Lifeforms Design, opens in May

Photography: David Cleveland.

Lifeforms Design by Lee Pollock is an award-winning design practice for restaurants and bars. Celebrating its twentieth year in business, Lee provides a full range of interiors and architectural design services across hospitality, leisure, retail, and commercial industries. Colour, form and texture are a signature design trait, combining luxe and industrial.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Lifeforms has delivered the full design package from concept to completion of Reign, a new bar and lounge launching in Broadstairs this May, and only a short walk away from the iconic Viking bay. Inspired by the building’s Art Deco architecture and the Victorian seaside charm and heritage of Broadstairs, Reign has a bold colour palette of deep rich blues offset with brass fabrication and warm rust hues, with statement design elements throughout. The bespoke furniture, including banquette bar seating has been designed by Lee and fabricated by N&J Upholstery.

Lifeforms is now established as a leading design practice in the UK, with a reputation for creating distinctive and imaginative solutions. With a love of clean lines, in particular the ambition of modernist brutalist architecture and colour, Lee draws inspiration from all aspects of living, from classic cars to the shingle on the beach of his hometown of Whitstable, on the south east coast of England. Winner at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, Lifeforms is based in Margate with projects all over the country from London to Leeds. “My goal for each project is to provide a space that stimulates, invigorates and engages users. Colour and texture are vital, the shingle on the beach, an architectural detail, landscapes. Anything can be an inspiration.” - Lee Pollock, Lifeforms Design www.lifeforms-design.com @lifeforms_design

Hotel and restaurant supply chain firm acquires tissues business to grow its presence in the UK An Italian-based firm that specialises in the supply of toilet tissue, roll and hand towels and hygiene rolls to hotels and restaurants, has acquired a British manufacturer of disposable tissue products to grow its presence in the UK. strategic acquisition will allow us to grow our presence in Great Britain. “We have overcome the uncertainties generated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Completing this important further step for the future development of the Lucart Group.”

ucart S.p.A., part of the Lucart Group based in the Italian city of Lucca, has acquired Essential Supply Products Ltd in Worcester for an undisclosed sum. The takeover takes effect from the beginning of this month (March 2021). Lucart is a leading company in Europe in the production of MG paper, tissue products (paper items for daily use such as toilet paper, kitchen paper, napkins, tablecloths and handkerchiefs) and airlaid products.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

The relationship between Lucart and ESP goes back over ten years as some of the paper processed at the Malvern site comes from the Lucart mills.

Lucart’s acquisition of Essential Supply Products forms an important part of its development and Internationalisation plan and consolidates its position as a primary player in the European ‘Away from Home’ hygiene products market, which includes tissue products used in kitchen and bathroom facilities that are not in a private home. Massimo Pasquini, Lucart’s CEO, said the deal is an important step for the future development of the Lucart Group. He said: “Essential Supply Products’ position, market and product range bring important synergies to other parts of the Lucart Group and as the UK is the second largest market for tissue paper products, this

Carl Theakston, Essential Supply Products’ founder, added: “We have done deals over the years to enable us to compete at the highest level. However, the standard of investment required to make my ambitions for this company a reality needed an investor who shared our values and desire to grow the company sustainably and to its full potential. “Lucart is a family-owned multinational company that has operated for almost 70 years. Its history, vision and commitment to sustainable development make it the ideal investor to ensure Essential Supply Products’ adventure continues now and for longer-term.” Founded in 1953 by the Pasquini Family in Italy, Lucart operates in the Business to Business, Away from Home and Consumer markets. The company employs 1,600 employees across nine production plants (five in Italy, two in Spain and one in France and Hungary) and has a logistics centre in Italy. Lucart produces more than 395,000 tonnes of paper per year, from 12 paper machines and turnover for the Group exceeds €500m. Since 2018, Lucart has been a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international organisation that guides the transition towards circular economy which aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources. Essential Supply Products, founded in 1990, makes toilet tissue, centrefeed, roll and hand towels, industrial floor stand and hygiene rolls for cleaning, hotel, restaurant, facilities management, catering, industrial and healthcare sectors. It employs 85 members of staff on five processing lines at its 77,000 sq metre manufacturing plant and has a turnover of £26m.

Artificial plants & trees for businesses At Just Artificial, we work with interior designers, decorators, set dressers, architects and more to set your premises apart from the rest. Our artificial plants, flowers and trees are highly realistic to look and touch, as well as being durable and attractive.

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The CardsSafe system is specifically designed to securely retain customer credit, debit and ID cards while the cardholder runs a tab or hires a product or service.

forty UK golf resorts, including Foxhills, Silvermere and the London Golf Club, the demand for the system is increasing.

CardsSafe cost-effective technology has revolutionised how the hospitality industry manages its customer’s tabs on or off their premises. A significant deterrent for walkouts, misplacement of hotels assets and vandalism, CardsSafe also offers customers security against credit card fraud. It ensures peace of mind that their cards are secure while they enjoy the facilities.

Matthew, Director at Hilton Hotels, explains, “All our customers are pleased that we look after their cards in a more secure manner with CardsSafe”.

Now trusted by over 5000 brands in the UK, including Hilton Hotels, Lord’s – the home of cricket, and over

The technologically is also not hard-wired, which means it can sit discreetly behind reception or bar and be mobile to offer customers alfresco services.

CardsSafe helps Hilton Hotels to tackle their bar tabs, and hotel amenities hires. With thousands of guests visiting daily, keeping track of customer spending and borrowing and shift changes, CardsSafe offers the ideal solution to ensure that all tabs are up-to-date, accurate and always settled.

For more information, please visit www.cardssafe.com Or contact the sales team on 0845 500 1040

A next-generation water recycling system, unveiled by water infrastructure systems specialist SDS, is promising to boost efforts to save water by offering significantly improved investment returns for developers and operators of hotels and leisure facilities.

Flagship Water Recycling Technology Delivers Cash Savings

The GWOD’s small footprint, together with its ability to provide, on-demand, quality recycled water whenever needed, makes it capable of significantly improved investment payback when compared to conventional Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) greywater systems, especially for larger-scale systems, SDS water recycling specialist Kevin Reed explains: “In the past, MBR systems have tended to be the technology of choice. Our ultrafiltration system typically processes water at about 2m3 per hour per filter, compared to an MBR system which processes at about 4m3 per day per membrane. As a result of the faster treatment, the storage volume, and therefore the tank size, is considerably smaller than for a typical MBR system. “Using ultrafiltration also makes the system responsive to demand at peak times. Unlike MBR, our system does not depend on having to build up a biomass of bacteria for peak operation. High quality water is available immediately on start up. This also means that the system can be shut down when not in use, for example in an office block at weekends or holidays. In this way the system saves energy, too.” The SDS Greywater on Demand system can pay back in as little as

seven years, although actual return on investment will depend on the size of the system and the local Water Company charges. SDS offers a full design and installation service to support Public Health Engineers, developers and commercial operators and ensure correct system sizing for maximum savings. In the GWOD system, greywater is collected and then pumped through a disk pre-filter system and dosed with a small amount of chlorine before entering the ultrafilters. The treated water is then stored, ready for use, in a separate tank and pumped, as needed, around the building. The GWOD’s ultrafiltration system is a highly-efficient membrane with automated integral backwash, that delivers treated water to near drinking water standards. The compact design can be adapted to add as many ultrafilters as required to deliver the amount of recycled water needed to service the building. When combined with SDS’s smart SYMBiotICTM cloud-based data monitoring and control, SDS GWOD can be configured to provide real-time performance measures, condition monitoring with alarms and alerts, as well as trend mapping to aid with preventative maintenance. Regular reports of water saving performance can also be output. Greywater is waste water, for example, from baths, showers and handbasins, that can be filtered, treated and then reused for non-

drinking purposes such as toilet flushing, laundry or garden irrigation. The principle is already being widely adopted, especially by hotels and large office blocks. In London, where planning laws encourage water recycling, up to 20% of new buildings include greywater reuse systems. Reed continues: “With the impact of climate change, increased periods of drought and water stress are predicted. So, it will be imperative for sustainable buildings to adapt and install water saving measures as standard. Up to 60% of the water used in commercial buildings, such as office blocks or hotels, is highlytreated drinking water that is used, wastefully, to flush toilets or irrigate gardens, where the level of treatment is simply not needed. More costefficient reuse of water will benefit water companies by decreasing the demand on an already stressed supply network.” “Any technology must first demonstrate it is commercially viable, before its environmental benefits can be exploited. New technologies like ultrafiltration and smart controls can lead the change, by making water reuse systems more accessible and attractive commercially.” The development of the SDS Greywater on Demand system follows on from its acquisition of the water recycling business of established industry leader Waterscan in 2019 For more information visit www.sdslimited.com.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

he SDS GWOD uses a state-ofthe-art ultrafiltration technology, unique to the UK, together with smart controls, to deliver a space-saving, low-energy and responsive water reuse system. The SDS Greywater on Demand (GWOD) system is set to be a flagship technology of the company’s water reuse product range. It is also one of the first to be equipped with SDS’s SYMBiotICTM automated smart controls incorporating cloud-based monitoring to ensure that process performance is optimised.

Do your customers tell their friends about the wonderful night’s sleep they had in your bedding?

Ours do…

egularly featured in the best duvet, pillow and bed linen guides, scooms offers a natural, luxurious bedding collection that doesn’t compromise on quality. Plus, all our bedding is responsibly sourced, dust mite allergy resistant and free of plastic packaging. All our bedding is delivered from our UK warehouse.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Duvet - The perfect, fluffy duvet that’s like sleeping under a cloud. Our mix of 90% Hungarian goose down and 10% small white feather provides the ultimate combination of warmth and drape.

“5-star hotel feeling at home - The duvet is amazing, warm and snuggly, and the good quality of the product is evident. Also got the Egyptian cotton linen. Very happy with my purchase!” - Stan Pillow - Our chamber pillow is made from a special blend of goose down and small feather. Soft, fluffy and supportive, our pillows invite you to just sink in and drift off. “The best pillow ever! I stayed at a lovely hotel where they had the most wonderful pillows and had a brilliant night’s sleep. I took the pillowcase off to see the make of the pillow and ordered one online straight away, and it certainly is the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever had.” - Judy

Bed linen - We have two ranges of bedding, 100% authentic Egyptian cotton in a sateen weave for a soft, silky feel and super-soft Linen bedding with a casually relaxed appeal. “We can’t wait to get into bed every night as it feels nicer than the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed in, every night. True luxury. Such wonderful bedding!” - Simon Get in touch and treat your guests to the perfect night’s sleep – www.scooms.com / 07703 314997 / jonathan@scooms.com

SAFE AIR SPACES Providing clean indoor air with medical-grade technology

Clean air has never been more important Cutting edge Mobile Air Treatment Solutions For Leisure and Hospitality

industrial furniture Eden Furniture has a great range of commercial quality industrial, rustic, urban furniture. All ranges are UK manufactured giving flexibility on size, style and finish. Tanalised timber sections for all-weather resistance and powder coated steel frames for long lasting strength. In addition to the above ranges, instead of using tanalised timber we can use Recycled Non Wood Sections which are virtually maintenance free. All made from 100% recycled plastic, making them extremely durable and weather resistant. Ranges Shown - Truro, Harrogate, Helston and Shipley

Wobbly tables can be a thing of the past thanks to the patented StableTable technology. StableTable is a unique patented fully automated solution which is hidden with the pillar of the table base allowing the legs to adjust to uneven surfaces. Available for both indoor and outdoor use in a range of heights, shapes and sizes. Can be supplied as base only or complete with a stylish OnTop 12mm Compact Laminate top.

Call: 01527 519580 E: sales@edenfurniture.co.uk Warehouse & Showroom Unit 16 Padgets Lane, South Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcs B98 0RA

F U R N I T U R E

www.edenfurniture.co.uk

Finding a Smart Way to Welcome Back Travelers and Staff By David Millili, CEO at Angie Hospitality

he reopening of hospitality is upon us and demand will continue to increase as vaccinations get distributed and infection numbers decrease. We have an opportunity as an industry to focus on health, safety and appreciation of not just our guests but the front line workers of hotels, and tech can help us do just that. As hotels evaluate their strategies for reopening, relieving stretched staff by implementing new technology is one of the top considerations. The global smart hospitality market is projected to grow from USD $6 billion in 2019 to over $12 billion by 2025. Let’s take a look at how technology can improve operational efficiencies and give time back to your team.

E-Greet & Retreat A study from Metova found that 90% of respondents prefer that the hotel they visit has a mobile app offering the ability to completely manage their stay without having to interact in person, and 86% would choose one hotel over another if one offered the option of a mobile app. Mobile apps, selfserve kiosks and virtual assistants can give guests exactly what they want: a contactless way to check in and check out. Let your tech handle these simple interactions so your team has more time to handle escalations or complicated requests.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Skip Lines, Save Time

Guests have all kinds of requests throughout their stay, from needing more shampoo to requesting a late check out to wanting to know when the pool opens or when the restaurant closes. Voice-activated technology can fulfill requests and allow guests to bypass lines at the front desk and skip picking up the phone. The best tech streamlines guest requests directly into the PMS or workflow system and tracks them in real time. Your guests avoid unnecessary contact, and your team has more time to actually fulfill

the requests, instead of playing messenger.

Recommend Like a Best Friend Whether traveling for business or pleasure, guests like to enjoy the local sights and eateries. Pre-pandemic, a trip to the concierge would bring forth a slew of helpful suggestions. Now, robot concierges or voice assistants can offer recommendations tailored to guests’ specific requests, along with hours, reviews and more. They can even send directions directly to guests’ phones. These devices can also raise guest awareness to local businesses that may have partnered with the hotel.

Be Wise & Sanitize It’s no question that health and safety of guests and staff is a top priority for hotels, especially as AHLA reports that 62% of guests consider a hotel’s cleanliness and safety protocols when choosing where to stay; however, the extra requirements for cleaning and sanitization can be burdensome. Many hotels are adopting automatic cleaning robots to handle tasks like vacuuming, cleaning windows and scrubbing floors so that teams can focus on areas that need a human touch. Many properties are using the latest in ultraviolet and electrostatic technology to speed up the process of sanitizing rooms, common areas and more.

Stay Healthy, Mitigate Risks Along with extra cleaning duties, hosting more guests equates to more potential exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses. Robots can protect staff and help them avoid additional sick days by stepping in to assist: a hotel in South Africa is currently deploying robots in place of people for symptomatic guests to ensure limited contact with staff and other guests.

Work Full Time, All the Time One of the most noteworthy benefits of technology is that it is on the clock 24/7. Assisting with check in, taking guest requests, offering recommendations or cleaning can be done any time of day or night. Plus, tech doesn’t need breaks or vacations. During the night or slow periods when many guests are asleep and less staff are on-site, technology can bear the brunt of the requests that do come in. How much time can tech really save? At Staypineapple, a hotel that offers Angie Hospitality in-room assistants in each of their 100 rooms, saves almost 20 hours a month thanks to voice technology. Guests’ top voice requests include service requests (e.g., more towels, toothpaste, shampoo), information about the hotel and amenities, local recommendations and checking out. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that flexibility can be found in even the most structured and historical intricacies of hotel processes. While the industry is still a bit rocky after the turbulent year, the lessons learned will springboard us into a smarter, more efficient system that will provide better service and stronger guest and staff loyalty. Technology is the “smart” way to enhance the guest journey, streamline day-to-day operations and give your teams the support they need to help reopen safely. For more ideas on how to implement industry best practices for a contactless guest experience, download Angie’s eBook and free checklist.

Managing your swimming pool has never been so easy Water quality control at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere 24/7 professional monitoring and control of pool conditions with SekoWeb Compatible with SEKO’s range of world-leading swimming pool chemical dosing systems Via the SekoWeb app, enjoy unparalleled access to live water-quality data and make vital adjustments to your system 24 hours a day from any location worldwide.

Professional pool and spa management • A dedicated system for pool and spa engineers, technicians and installers • Accessible via online login or by scanning product’s QR code • Intuitive interface ensures ease of use

• Full access to all settings and parameters from any location • Connect to multiple installations • Monitor overall operating costs • Track chemical consumption • Adjust programmes • Access alarm reporting • Unrestricted data analysis • Map geolocation

For more information visit uk.seko.com/hotelier

Kitchen owners can’t rely on Government support to succeed in our increasingly on-demand economy Salima Vellani is a serial restaurateur and food business founder available to provide an informed look ahead to the budget or immediate reactive comment post-statement. It has been a tough start to the year for the hospitality industry, with significant restrictions still in place for restaurants, pubs, bars, and hotels. The UK’s ‘roadmap’ has provided hope of reopening soon, but the lack of absolutes when it comes to the pandemic means operators are nevertheless facing many nervous months ahead. Not only that, for most operators’ overheads have remained worryingly consistent. Indeed, the reality is that, for many kitchens, it will be more cost-effective in the months ahead to remain closed up and reliant upon Government support rather than attempting to continue trading..

Sector support, but will it suffice? In last month’s Budget, several welcome measures were announced by Rishi Sunak, from the extension of hospitality VAT cut to the availability of further support grants. However, too much of the current support package is focused on bricks and mortar and doesn’t reflect the massive shift to online food delivery that has occurred in the past year. Restaurants, pubs, and cafes that have been forced to move into delivery need a level playing field if they are to compete effectively with digital competitors that have far lower property overheads. Similarly, the extended VAT reduction will do little to help thousands of SMEs, for whom rents, and business rates are the biggest drag on their profitability. 50% of these food businesses are facing closure, and the current measures do not enough to mitigate this risk and protect jobs as these businesses attempt to transition towards a delivery-first mindset.

Realising the rewards of the on-demand economy For the past 12 months, we’ve been working with kitchen operators across the country to help them branch into online food delivery in a way that’s profitable and sustainable. We’ve shown how unnecessary it is to invest in more property. For no upfront cost, by reconfiguring kitchens and using technology to run them more efficiently, it’s possible to serve up multiple, high-quality food brands for local delivery and create a vital new revenue stream, even for operators still bearing the costs of their substantial real-estate footprint. Food delivery and the on-demand economy is here to stay. And despite the lack of Government intervention to make it easier for traditional hospitality businesses to compete, with the right processes and the right technology, it is still possible for every kitchen owner and venue operator to get involved and fire up a more profitable kitchen.

About Salima Founder of six location chicken restaurant chain Absurd Bird Founded Kbox Global in 2019 – host kitchen network, empowering restaurants and pubs to move into food delivery, but avoiding the ghost kitchen route Partnered Kbox with Asda, in a UK supermarket first, to establish the first vegan butcher and deli

Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa Joins Vine Hotels Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa in Devon is the latest hotel and conference venue to join the Vine Hotels portfolio this month.

T Hotelier & Hospitality Design

he Hotel sits in 200 acres of South Devon countryside, and offers 35 bedrooms and suites, seven self-catering lodges, a nine hole and 18hole Championship Golf Course, the Dartmouth Spa and a Bar and Bistro. The Hotel’s two event spaces for wedding, meeting and conferences provide space for up to 90 guests in the Kingsbridge Suite and 100 guests in the Dartmouth Suite, which also overlooks the golf course and provides a sun terrace for outdoor drinks and dining.

Vine Hotels adds the Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa to its growing portfolio of hotels and venues under a management contract with owners. The group also includes five properties in Sheffield, the Best Western Cresta Court hotel in Altrincham, The Charlecote Pheasant in Stratford and the Mercure Dolphin Southampton Centre hotel. Greg Dyke is the majority owner of Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa as well as Vine Hotels, and this announcement represents a further strategic positioning of these two companies. For more details about venues the company owns, manages and operates, visit: www.vinehotels.co.uk Vine Hotels chief executive Garin Davies commented: “The Dartmouth Hotel is an exceptional property with immense potential. Set in a beautiful rural location near to Dartmouth, the venue offers a blend of high-

quality leisure facilities with two golf courses and a luxury spa. Its location is under an hour to Exeter Airport/M5 and Plymouth, and the superb event spaces makes it ideal for corporate gatherings, management retreats and business meetings. We recognise the immediate limitation for all hoteliers on live events business, but with a long-term perspective for this Hotel, we see potential to grow this market in 2021/22.” Garin added: “This property is the latest in a series of hotels and events venues that the company operates or manages for independent owners. Bringing our considerable industry knowledge, and operational skills to properties that have development potential. And importantly, supporting owners to return a profit on their business.”

ALOFT HOTELS CHECKS INTO BIRMINGHAM Tech and Music centric Aloft Birmingham Eastside will offer 195 stylish bedrooms, a signature cocktail bar and restaurant

Guests visiting Aloft Birmingham Eastside will enjoy having legendary music venues on their doorstep including The Hippodrome and the Utilita Arena Birmingham. The UK’s largest city-centre shopping centre, The Bullring offers incredible retail experiences and foodies will enjoy dining in the city which boasts the most Michelin Star restaurants in the UK, outside of London. The hotel’s proximity to three main rail hubs and a fast connection to Birmingham International Airport makes it an ideal option for both business and leisure travellers.

The urban-inspired property nods to Birmingham’s industrial heritage while combining the brand’s philosophy to create bold, open and energetic environments. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails in the stylish W XYZ® bar, grab-and-go gourmet snacks 24 hours a day from Re:fuel by Aloft℠ or casual dinners at the vibrant Tempo! Restaurant, which will have a grill offering. All 195 modern bedrooms feature Aloft’s signature ultra-comfortable platform beds, en-suite bathrooms with powerful rainfall showers and fast, free Wi-Fi. Guestroom categories include executive rooms and suites. The hotel is conveniently connected to a brand-new, stateof-the-art conference and events venue, The Eastside Rooms, set to open in April. The venue will be home to 23 superpowered event and meeting spaces, including the largest pillar-free ballroom in Birmingham city centre.

The development forms part of Birmingham’s Big City Plan – a 20year, major city centre regeneration project which aims to transform the Eastside area into a thriving leisure and business district. Matt Huddart, General Manager at Aloft Birmingham Eastside, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors to Birmingham’s newest and most dynamic hotel. Home to some of the best music venues in the country to entertain domestic and international visitors, Birmingham has an incredible culture and is the perfect location for the Aloft brand which uses music, design and technology to enhance the experience of every guest.” Huddart continues, “With the Big City Plan and the construction of High Speed Two, the UK’s new high speed rail network, well underway, the city is on an exciting trajectory and we are looking forward to playing a part in enhancing its position on the map as a leading destination.” In line with the latest government guidelines, Aloft Birmingham Eastside is currently able to welcome business travellers and essential workers. The hotel will implement Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean operating standards and protocols that include enhanced health and safety standards. Aloft Birmingham Eastside will be managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts. For more information about the hotel please visit www.alofthotels.com.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

loft Hotels, Marriott International’s hotel brand for music enthusiasts and techsavvy travellers debuts in Birmingham with the opening of Aloft Birmingham Eastside. Situated in Birmingham’s up-andcoming Eastside district, a new regenerated hub for the city which is home to businesses, retail, and leisure facilities, all just a short walk away from the city centre.

Surface Design Studio resurfaces as a global brand Midlands based Surface Design Studio is marking its 10th year and has undergone a complete rebrand to be more representative of its scale and ability. Now renamed Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles, the company which is part of Digital Ceramics Group has a brand which represents its global portfolio.

to create a mural. After the success, we set up The Surface Design Studio to offer a custom printing service to artists, interior designers and architects.”

Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles has in the past 18 months grown significantly and expanded its customer base internationally. The business which has been the UK’s number one custom tile manufacturer for a decade now works with clients in the leisure, entertainment and attraction industries across the globe including Disney, DreamWorks, McDonalds and Transport for London.

Demand for custom tiles has continued to increase for the past 10 years and it’s very fitting that the business meeting that need is headquartered at the very heart of “The Potteries”.

Mark Wood, Director of Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles said: “Proving bespoke tiles to leading brands around the world is an achievement that we’re immensely proud of. “In 2001, Digital Ceramics was set up to sell machinery, toners and consumables to the ceramic manufacturing industry all over the world.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

“In 2011, we were asked by a leading tile manufacturer, to produce a large scale art project for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, which had over 16,000 30cm individual porcelain tiles, produced with a different image

Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles is further expanding its services to become more accessible meaning it is able to service the vast range of exciting projects which are rolling in. The company has reproduction capabilities across a variety of surfaces including: murals, tiled signage, repeating tile patterns, Pantone and RAL matched glazes, and R9 to R11 anti-slip floor glazes. Mark added: “This is an exciting time for the group as we’re not only reaching a milestone year but we’re able to drive the business forward at an exciting and global level so the next decade will be an even bigger and better celebration.” Digital Ceramics Group has been developing key knowledge and expertise of modern ceramic printing technology for 20 years now and has continued to expand its portfolio. It is one of the only companies in the world to provide a permanent digital ceramic printing solution. The innovative printing capabilities are vast and the group can offer expert printing technology, colour matching services that are compatible with both RAL and Pantone colours, printing equipment and support, ceramic transfers and custom decorative tiles.

• Around EUR 20 million to be invested in modernisation and maintenance measures • Upgrade to Radisson Collection hotel

he Radisson Hotel Group has secured one of the best hotel locations in Berlin’s Mitte district long term by signing a 20-year lease with Union Investment. The existing lease with Union Investment for the Radisson Blu Hotel in the DomAquarée CityQuartier complex expires at the end of 2024, but early extension until at least 2040 was agreed in December. In addition to a comprehensive modernisation programme that will deliver visible improvements, the signing of the lease also sees the hotel being rebranded from Radisson Blu to the premium Radisson Collection brand. After modernisation, the hotel will operate under the new brand in the upper upscale/ luxury segment. The Radisson Collection comprises 15 hotels worldwide. The 427-room hotel in DomAquarée CityQuartier will be the first Radisson Collection hotel in Germany and the second hotel with this branding in the UniImmo: Deutschland fund after the Radisson Collection Brussels. Radisson expects the repositioning to attract additional guests to the Berlin hotel, especially from Asia. The international hotel chain is investing in the redesign of the 427 rooms/suites and bathrooms, as well as the lobby, bar and conference areas. Union Investment, as the owner of the property, will also contribute around EUR 20 million to the modernisation and maintenance work, to include the roof and structure, which is being brought forward to refresh the building. The modernisation programme began in November 2020 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2022, with the aim of reopening before then in autumn 2021. “Strong locations and first-class properties like DomAquarée provide the basis for long-term partnerships in the hotel sector,” said Martin Schaller, head of Asset Management Hospitality at Union Investment Real Estate GmbH. “The hotel has been an integral part of DomAquarée’s successful mixed-

use concept since the complex opened in 2004. We’re delighted that we were able to convince our hotel partner to commit to this unique location for an extended period and that this early commitment by our main tenant has further strengthened the attractiveness of the complex for all tenant groups – office, residential, cafés and restaurants, and entertainment – as well as for Berliners and the many visitors to the ensemble.”

Fast comeback expected for Berlin as a travel destination Union Investment sees the re-letting to Radisson as an important signal to the hotel industry in Germany, which faces significant economic challenges due to government-imposed closures. “We believe the urban hotel industry will make a strong comeback and we’re therefore investing specifically in top locations like Berlin that are set to benefit most from the return of tourism,” said Martin Schaller. The DomAquarée CityQuartier complex was developed by Union Investment at the end of the 1990s. With its vibrant mix of uses, DomAquarée set standards and was a defining influence when it opened in 2004, embodying a wider desire to create a sophisticated blend of living, working and leisure while also engaging with the surrounding area. Enjoying a unique location in the heart of downtown Berlin, opposite the Berlin Palace and Humboldt Forum and between Museum Island and the Hackesche Höfe district, the entire complex has benefited from high tourist demand since its opening. The development project was financed by Union Investment’s open-ended real estate fund UniImmo: Deutschland, which still holds the property in its portfolio. Alongside Berlin, Union Investment’s hotel property portfolio also includes two other Radisson-branded hotels in Amsterdam and Brussels. Union Investment’s hotel real estate portfolio comprises a total of 80 properties across Europe and the USA. www.union-investment.com/realestate

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Union Investment and Radisson extend lease for premium hotel in Berlin’s DomAquarée complex until 2040

Training as a skin specialist with Aveda in New York, Christie Shillinglaw had a clear ambition to one day open her own spa.

Titanic Hotel Liverpool

oining Titanic Hotel Liverpool six years ago as a receptionist and therapist at its in-house Maya Blue Wellness was intended to give her the perfect grounding.

But she fell in love with hotel life and, she says, it took her in a new direction she’d never planned. Now at 26, having decided to never say no to any opportunity that came her way, Wirral-born Christie already has an entire career’s worth of roles to her name.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

“My background was in beauty but I found that my true passion was in providing the best personalised service for guests,” she says. “I just really thrived on dealing with and helping so many different people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”

Having quickly progressed to supervisor within the spa, she was able to take on duty managerships. That led to front of house where she relished the chance to create a lasting first impression on guests. “Titanic is such a unique and authentic experience, in a UNESCO world heritage site, and the backdrop takes your breath away. I love learning all about its history and sharing those facts with guests.” Going on to work as the general manager’s PA and sales manager, she joined international sales missions to New York, Paris and China with Marketing Liverpool and Visit Britain.

Christie had no idea, though, that her enthusiasm to learn every aspect of the hotel was about to become such an asset. Her varied CV meant she was ideally placed to help the Grade II listed hotel, a part of the city’s maritime history, to successfully navigate its way into a post-Covid future. “Because I’ve worked in so many different areas, I understand all the systems so I was able to help in getting the new processes in place,” she explains. “We had to think creatively and methodically about how we could adapt everything so all that experience I’d accumulated over my years here really came together.” In January, Christie became business development manager and she’s keen to take on that next challenge. “I feel like I know every part of the Titanic Hotel and I look forward to this next challenge in my career, to continue to build on my knowledge and experience further. I cannot wait to welcome guests back, nothing beats the buzz of having a busy hotel.”

Today’s sash windows combine durable smooth-running systems with elegant design to achieve heritage appeal If you own or are thinking about buying a heritage property, then sash windows will no doubt form part of the appeal. Their elegant style is pleasing on the eye and complements the qualities and simple symmetry of heritage buildings. But sash windows suddenly got sassy. The latest versions include curved frames and sealed double glazing units. Yorkshire based Patchett Joinery has been a family business since 1840, so understand more about sash windows than most. They have embraced the benefits of modern manufacturing to meet today’s standards for thermal insulation, draft proofing and noise reduction. They create wood sliding sash windows to any specification which stand the test of time. Their leading-edge approach means that traditional designs and operating mechanisms are vastly improved by modern smooth-running systems and durable timber frames, with extensive anti-rot guarantee periods.

The mechanism gives you control when opening and closing the window – it’s perfectly possible to have your window slightly ajar and locked into place, allowing a draught to come through whilst also keeping your building safe with self-resetting restrictors. But the simple elegance of sash windows can be overshadowed by their reputation for being difficult to manage. Older sash windows can suffer from sashes that twist, making opening very difficult, and have no form of weather proofing. A timber box sash window is the traditional sash that most people know. Designed to replace the originals and found in many Georgian and Victorian houses, today’s weights and pulleys systems are traditionally constructed and designed to incorporate modern technology, meeting today’s energy performance regulations. An alternative to the traditional weights and pulley system is a concealed spiral balance system. These still meet today’s high-quality standards but tend to be more cost effective and ideal for new builds where the window can be fitted in between the window reveals.

Instead of the weights & pulleys system, these windows use spiral rod torsion and tension springs in a self-contained balance for smooth and easy opening and closing. The latest timber technology is central to the manufacture of traditional windows. Accoya is the world’s leading high technology long life wood created from sustainably sourced, fast growing softwood in New Zealand. Accoya undergoes a non-toxic process that permanently modifies the wood structure to the core, so there is no need to apply additional chemical preservatives. Windows made with Accoya come with a 50-year guarantee against rot. Engineered redwood is the most used softwood timber for frames and sash. The timber is engineered to remove knots and other unsightly blemishes and defects which reduces wastage compared to natural timber and is much more environmentally friendly. Primers and microporous waterbased paint finishes improve the lifetime of these frames, which are guaranteed against rot for 30 years. Red Grandis is a commonly South American hardwood sourced from sustainable and carefully managed timber plantations. Red Grandis comes with a 30-year guarantee against rot and offers a legal, sustainable and fast-growing alternative to uncertified Sapele or Meranti timber. www.patchett-joinery.co.uk/

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Sash windows don’t rely on hinges for opening. Instead they have a clever system of nylon cords and pulleys which counterbalance the weight of the opening sash.

Restore the Rhythm Your business may soon be back up and running but, understandably, it may not be quite back to normal just yet. Playing music is one way in which you could help get your business back to its best. Even small changes could make a big difference, and music could help enhance the atmosphere, lift the mood and create a more positive environment. If you are going to introduce music, or if you are already using music in your business, you’ll usually need a music licence. TheMusicLicence covers virtually all commercially released music available – millions of songs & recordings, including the most popular & well-loved music, not just from the UK, but globally. So while you are making all of the arrangements to get your business back to its best, now is the perfect time to turn the music back on and ensure you that you are appropriately licensed, and set up TheMusicLicence for your business.

Music could help your business get back to its best.

0800 0868 801 pplprs.co.uk/restore-the-rhythm