Luxury Bed & Breakfast Magazine, February 2018 Issue

FRENCH CONNECTION SETTING UP A LUXURY B&B IN FRANCE

HOLE-IN-ONE INSURANCE

Getting cover for your guests’ golf tournament

PLUS! BEDROOM VENTILATION KEEPING GUESTS COOL AT NIGHT IN THE SUMMER WEEKS

UK’S FIRST

LUXURY

B&B MAGAZINE WWW.LUXURYBBMAG.CO.UK • ISSUE 23 • FEBRUARY 2018

this month...

Welcome

NEWS

4

We are all keenly awaiting the report from the Competition and Markets Authority on its investigation into online travel agencies. The authority is expected to report back by the Spring – which means just a few weeks from now. While OTAs have been helpful in boosting guest numbers, there are plenty of negatives to a model that depends on online bookings via a third-party facility. Before the CMA has even reported back, there have been strides made in taming their worse excesses. As the Bed & Breakfast Association explains on page 14, booking.com has already been forced by the Advertising Standards Authority to put a stop to misleading TV adverts, after the advertising watchdog upheld a complaint against the company’s advert screened last year promoting ‘free cancellation’ on the booking.com website.

7KH DGYHUW UHVXOWHG LQ VLJQLȴFDQWO\ KLJKHU FDQFHOODtion rates via the OTA concerned and vastly higher than in direct bookings.

On page 12 we look at the impact a drop in the value of sterling has had on the luxury bed & breakfast market and the way this may go in future. As we went to press sterling had recovered almost all the ground lost since the 2016 EU Referendum, the pound having risen back above $1.42. The same cannot be said for its value against the euro, where its fortune has hardly changed in the past year. This could be why the level of EU nationals visiting and working in the UK continues to rise.

For the time-being a focus on targeting European rather WKDQ 86 JXHVWV PD\ EH WKH PRUH SURȴWDEOH VWUDWHJ\ Meanwhile it has emerged that while close to 100% of medical graduates are in vocational employment within six months of leaving university the rate for hospitality graduates is getting on for just half that level, at 55%. This suggests targeting recruitment at seats of learning such as the University of Brighton VKRXOG KHOS R΍VHW WKH GURS R΍ in available employees as and when intra-EU freedom of movement comes to an end.

12

Industry news from around the UK

14

16

22

28

32

36

40

core issues Insight and analysis of the critical issues confronting luxury bed & breakfast managers

COMMENT Bed & Breakfast Association chairman David Weston

FRENCH CONNECTION

As the owners of la Villa de Mazamet prepare for their 10th season they give an insight into opening a luxury B&B in France

HOLE IN ONE How to insure against guests hitting a hole in one and winning that Ferrari

AIRCON VS VENTILATION How best to keep your guests cool when an open window may keep them awake

MOTHER’S DAY SPA Advice on marketing your health, spa or sauna facilities as a Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day gift

GUESTROOM AMENITIES Sprucing up the bedroom with simple, original and highly appealing features

BATHROOM LUXURY 3UHVHQWLQJ D SUHPLXP EHDXW\ R΍HU LQ WKH EDWKURRP LV NH\ to meeting the expectations of your high class guests

32

Bill Lumley

Editor

24 Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 3 - February 2018

- News -

The AA and Be My Guest announce partnership Be My Guest has announced a new industry partnership with The AA Hotel & Hospitality Services for the forthcoming event series in February 2018, which has been launched to provide a platform for the UK’s small accommodation providers such as luxury B&Bs. The multi-faceted partnership is capped by a funded initiative that will see visitors to Be My Guest - an event series built especially for VPDOO DFFRPPRGDWLRQ SURYLGHUV RÎ?HUHG D saving on The AA Quality Assessment Scheme for their properties throughout the UK. The saving is wholly funded by the senior management team behind the Be My Guest project, all of whom are dedicated to bringing together a fragmented marketplace through their regional roadshow series, according to director Jim Curry.

He explained: “We are committed to helping and supporting small accommodation providers in the UK and our investment in the partnership is a signal of our long term backing of this sector. “The AA has been inspecting and recommending accommodation providers for over a century ensuring that standards and quality service are second-to-none. “The breadth of the categories of The AA’s Quality Assessment Scheme makes this

saving appealing for all providers across the board from B&Bs, guesthouses, holiday rentals and small hotels right through to independent hosts, campsites and self-catering properties".

Speaking about the partnership, Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Hotel Services said: “We are delighted to support this brand new initiative to provide help and advice to small hospitality businesses across the UK.�

As Luxury Bed & Breakfast magazine went to press the organisers of the Southampton event said they had sold out of exhibitor space and were well on target to exceed visitor expectations.

Speaker session throughout the day will start with a session on how to run a B&B. This will be followed by analysis of VisitEngland tourism trends. Other sessions include an insight into the machinations of online travel agent booking.com, on the changing IDFH RI ZL Č´ RQ WXUQLQJ DURXQG WKH H[SHULence of unhappy customers, on the subject RI LQFUHDVLQJ \RXU SURČ´W SHU UHVHUYDWLRQ and on boosting your online presence.

Sponsors of the event include specialist bed retailer Dreams, and delegates will be able to enter a competition to win beds, further information on which can be found on Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 4 - February 2018

the Be My Guest website. Complementary ZL Č´ ZLOO EH SURYLGHG E\ (QVLJQ &RPPXQLFDtion at the Southampton BMG event.

The Heineken Blade will also be available for delegates to test at the event. Blade is a revolutionary countertop draught beer system launched late last year with the footprint of an A4 piece of paper which requires zero maintenance and means draught beer can be sold on premises that do not have space for a cellar.

Regstration for the events is free and can be completed at each event on the day. The events bring together a multi-billion-pound industry helping providers to connect, learn and discover in a new event format featuring a marketplace, learning roundtables and a business talks stage. • Tuesday 6 February 2018 - St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton • Wednesday 21 February - Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate • Wednesday 28 February Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow Additional Be My Guest events are being held throughout the year including Bristol in October and Penrith and Norwich in November.

- News -

EDITOR

Bill Lumley bill.lumley@jld-media.co.uk 01737 852 345 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Caroline Sargent 07076 362082

Torquay B&B voted into the world’s top 10 worldwide

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Matthew Attwood 01737 852 345 NORTHERN IRELAND EDITOR

Francis Higney 01737 852 345 SALES MANAGER

Dywayne Ramsundar dywayne.ramsundar@jld-media.co.uk 01737 852 342 DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Stuart West stuart.west@jld-media.co.uk 01737 852 343 DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Ryan Goble 01737 852 341 PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

helen.richmond@jld-media.co.uk 01737 852 344 No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher.

We regret we cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited or unsolicited material. Contributors are advised to keep copies of all materials submitted.

The opinions and views expressed in Luxury Bed & Breakfast are not necessarily those of JLD Media.

Being subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines in place at the time of going to press, all data submitted by advertisers and contained in their advertising copy is accepted by JLD Media in good faith.

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Luxury Bed & Breakfast JLD Media, 25 Clarendon Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QZ Tel: +44 (0) 1737 852 100 www.luxurybbmag.co.uk All rights reserved Š JLD Media 2018

The 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay, Devon, boasts an enviable position in the Top Ten B&Bs in the World – a far cry from the days of Fawlty Towers.

The luxury B&, which has attracted attention for its “funky and unique look�, been awarded the Travellers’ Choice Award by travel website TripAdvisor, placing the bed & breakfast as the fourth best in the UK and the ninth in the world.

The awards are decided by an algorithm that analyses the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide. At WKH WLPH RI WKH DZDUG 7KH KDG JXHVW UHYLHZV with every single one giving them the highest score of Č´YH RXW RI Č´YH Awards were handed out in a variety of categories including top hotels, bargain, B&Bs and inns, best service, luxury, small hotels and value for money.

The results of this year’s awards prove that the UK is the best at running B&Bs, with UK B&Bs claiming not just the number one in Europe but second and third SODFH DV ZHOO ΖQ DGGLWLRQ Č´YH RI WKH WRS % %V LQ WKH world are located in the UK. Owners Andy and Julian Banner-Price set up The WKUHH \HDUV DJR DQG KDYH VLQFH ZRQ PDQ\ RWKHU awards. Andy said: “We’ve been very lucky and won several awards which recognise our excellent customer service and high standard of accommodation, but this is particularly important as it’s purely judged on by the comments of our wonderful guests. “We’re pleased to have been placed in the top ten in the World, for not only will it help us attract new guests, but it puts Torquay and Devon on a world stage, attracting more business to the area overall, even if they choose not to stay with us.â€?

A recent review of the business on TripAdvisor said: “We now understand the description, the reviews and

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 6 - February 2018

the press releases. It really was impossible for us to ȴQG IDXOW ZLWK RXU VWD\ DW 7KH +RQHVWO\ +LJKO\ highly recommended.�

7KH KDV VL[ LQGLYLGXDOO\ GHVLJQHG EHGURRPV DQG RÎ?HUV % % IURP e SHU QLJKW IRU D GRXEOH URRP Last month it was revealed that a four-bedroom luxury B&B converted from Victorian school in the Cotswolds was voted Europe’s best B&B following exceptionally positive reviews on TripAdvisor from PRUH WKDQ JXHVWV ZLWK DOO EXW Č´YH RI WKHVH DZDUGLQJ Č´YH VWDU UHYLHZV 7KH SURSHUW\ RSHQHG DV D % % LQ ΖWV RZQHUV pride themselves on the personal service provided, ZKLFK LV ERUQH RXW LQ UHYLHZV 2QH UHFHQW Č´YH VWDU UHYLHZ said: “The owners Wendy and John were most hospitable and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble.

The bedrooms are beautifully decorated with the most luxurious bed linen, I really didn't want to get out of bed.�

The sixth best bed & breakfast in the world accordLQJ WR WKH LQWHUQHW WRXULVW JXLGH LV 7KH $UJ\OH *XHVWhouse, which beat its Perth counterpart The Fitzroy by Č´YH SODFHV LQ WKH SROO RI (XURSHDQ GHVWLQDWLRQV

- News -

Gin popularity hits new heights Luxury B&Bs with bars in the UK can expect a growth in gin sales in 2018 after 15% growth in gin sales and a surge in distillery openings last year.

The number of gin distilleries has doubled in the past Č´YH \HDUV ZLWK RSHQLQJ LQ DORQH GXULQJ ZKLFK WLPH HYHQ FORVHG UHVXOWLQJ LQ D QHW JURZWK RI GLVWLOOHULHV DFFRUGLQJ WR +05& Č´JXUHV RXW WKLV PRQWK 7KHUH DUH QRZ JLQ GLVWLOOHULHV LQ RSHUDWLRQ LQ WKH 8.

FRPSDUHG ZLWK LQ 6LQFH WKHQ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTR) the UK has been in the grip of a ‘ginaissance’ with record sales of the spirit ODVW \HDU DQG JLQ EUDQGV DYDLODEOH LQ WKH 8. PDUNHW Experts are predicting that the growth in UK distilleries will continue this year after the industry received a boost from the Chancellor when he froze spirits duty in last November’s Budget.

A YouGov poll found gin is the most popular spirit with RI GULQNHUV YRWLQJ LW WKHLU IDYRXULWH VSLULW WLSSOH 7KH JLQ LQGXVWU\ DFURVV WKH RQ DQG RÎ? WUDGH LQ WKH 8. LQ ZDV ZRUWK e P VLQFH ZKHQ LW KDV QHDUO\ GRXEOHG WR e EQ LQ WKH PRQWKV WR 6HSWHPEHU ZLWK JLQ LQ WKH RQ WUDGH DORQH ZRUWK QHDUO\ e P LQ \HDUO\ VDOHV The WSTA market report, released last month, shows the equivalent of over 8.8m bottles of gin were sold in our pubs, EDUV DQG UHVWDXUDQWV ZRUWK e P LQ WKH VDPH PRQWKV But most of the gin sold in the UK is still sold by shops DQG VXSHUPDUNHWV ZKHUH P ERWWOHV ZHUH ERXJKW EHWZHHQ 6HSWHPEHU DQG Gin growth continues Č? 2Î? WUDGH JLQ VDOHV JUHZ E\ YROXPH LQ WKH SDVW \HDU WR KOV P ERWWOHV ZRUWK e P RQ ODVW \HDU

• On-trade gin sales in pubs bars and restaurants grew E\ YROXPH LQ WR KOV P ERWWOHV ZRUWK e P RQ ODVW \HDU

Č? *LQ VDOHV FRPELQHG UHDFKHG KOV LQ WKH ODVW \HDU HTXLYDOHQW WR RYHU P ERWWOHV ZRUWK RYHU e EQ Č? %ULWDLQȇV Č´UVW JLQ VSD RSHQHG LQ *ODVJRZ DW WKH HQG RI • In March, gin was added to the ONS’ typical shopping ȆEDVNHW RI JRRGVȇ ZKLFK LV XVHG WR FDOFXODWH LQČľDWLRQ Č? 7KH 8. GUDQN WKH HTXLYDOHQW RI EQ * 7V LQ WKH ODVW \HDU

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 7 - February 2018

- News -

Tourist tax

BHA and ALMR merger will create single strong voice for hospitality The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) set to create a new organisation, UKHospitality. The new body will provide a strengthened, single voice for the industry, representing more than 65,000 sites and 2m workers across much of the UK hospitality sector.

The current ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls will head up the new organisation and BHA chairman Nick Varney will take the role of CEO. The proposals have been recommended to both ALMR and BHA members, and an extraordinary general meeting to approve them will be held this month.

Nicholls said: “This sector is a vital, dynamic economic powerhouse whose importance is clear in our communities, our high streets and our everyday lives.�

She added: “Faced with unprecedented political and regulatory pressures, now more than ever it requires the strongest and most HÎ?HFWLYH YRLFH ZLWKLQ JRYHUQPHQW 8.+RVSLWDOity will be that vital voice and I am relishing the

prospect of working with members to deliver both strong and connected relationships with government and a shared ambition to reshape the future of hospitality�.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), ZKLFK UHSUHVHQWV DURXQG 8. SXEV VDLG it was looking forward to 'working closely' with the new association on 'shared concerns'.

BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “Many congratulations to the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) on their proposed merger. As a sector, brewing DQG SXEV FRQWULEXWHV e ELOOLRQ WR WKH 8. economy and we look forward to working closely with the new Association on our shared concerns. Congratulations to Kate Nicholls on her new role. It is thoroughly deserved and a big challenge, but she has all the attributes to make it work. ČŠ7KDQNV PXVW DOVR JR WR 8Č´ ΖEUDKLP IRU all her hard work and particularly for the Big Hospitality Conversation which attracted new employees into our sector. We wish her well.â€?

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 8 - February 2018

The ALMR has warned Bath and North East Somerset Council it should proceed with caution before seeking Government approval to implement a tourist tax.

The Association has also urged the Government to resist granting the powers to impose the levy and has highlighted the importance RI WKH QHHG WR FRQVXOW DÎ?HFWHG EXVLQHVVHV before progressing the matter further.

ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The consequences of implementing a tourist tax in the city are far from clear. Even a modest increase in costs for customers could have unforeseen and potentially harmful consequences. “The Lyons Inquiry warned against the introduction of a tourism tax for good reason, and advocated consultation with businesses before proceeding with any such measure.

The Government should heed those recommendations, as the impacts would likely be far and wide, with local authorities across the country seeking to capitalise on a new source of revenue, and no clear measures in place to safeguard against a levy being imposed and raised with impunity. “We urge the Council not to increase costs for hospitality businesses that already contribute enormously in the way of taxes. Hospitality businesses are already IDFLQJ VLJQLČ´FDQW FRVWV LQFUHDVHV SDUWLFXlarly business rates bills, that are crippling many venues. Bath’s hospitality businesses will still be feeling the impact of the recent revaluation and another tax will just exacerbate cost pressures. “If measures are to be taken forward, then they need to be done with close engagement of Bath’s hotels and hospitality businesses to assess the cost implications of such a move,â€? she concluded.

- News -

ALMR encourages industry action to end plastic straw use The ALMR is supporting steps to reduce the use of plastic straws in venues and is encouraging its members, and the wider sector, to help tackle the issue.

In one of its last acts before the proposed merger with the BHA, ALMR is encouraging businesses to phase out and ban plastic straws following the Government’s plan to tackle environmental waste and other campaigns, such as the London Evening Standard’s to address the problem of plastic waste.

ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “A number of the ALMR’s members have already begun to phase out the use of plastic straws: a sign that the sector is acknowledging the issue and ready to lead the way on reducing harmful waste. Additionally, we have removed them from our own industry and parliamentary events and will continue to be proactive in a move away from the use of plastic straws.

“The Government has already outlined its intention to tackle the use of single-use plastic and the issue is one that many members of the public feel passionately about. There is clearly an appetite for businesses to investigate sustainable alternatives to plastic straws. “The ALMR will be working with the British Institute of Innkeeping to promote alternatives to plastics and encourage more of our members to follow the lead of businesses like All Bar One, Be At One and JD Wetherspoon in ending the use of plastic straws and tackling waste that does environmental damage.�

Plastic pollution has grown dramatically RYHU WKH SDVW \HDUV DQG HQYLURQPHQWDOists say that plastic straws should be targeted, along with carrier bags, single-use plastic bottles and microbeads from cosmetics as LWHPV WR EDQ ΖQ WKH *RYHUQPHQW DQnounced a ban on the use of plastic microbe-

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Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 9 - February 2018

DGV LQ ZDVK RÎ? KHDOWK DQG EHDXW\ SURGXFWV and Scottish MPs announced a plastic bottle deposit scheme, but straws have so far not been targeted by legislation.

- News -

Hospitality businesses target jobseekers as unemployment falls Bed & breakfast and other hospitality businesses in areas of the UK with above-average unemployment have been invited to participate in a discussion with jobseekers about the potential of a career in the sector.

The initiative in Pembrokeshire is organised by the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and is aimed at addressing growing employment concerns, one of these being that the end of free movement when we leave the EU will give rise to a shortage of workers available to support he hospitality sector.

Hospitality businesses in Pembrokeshire will have the opportunity to inspire young jobseekers to take up a career in the industry at the Big Hospitality Conversation due to be held at Bluestone Resorts on Monday 0DUFK 216 Č´JXUHV VKRZ 8. XQHPSOR\PHQW OHYHOV DUH FRQWLQXLQJ DW D UHFRUG ORZ RI DQG ZLWK IUHHGRP RI PRYHPHQW VHW WR HQG LQ on our departure from the EU, businesses are IDFLQJ LQFUHDVLQJ GLÉ?FXOWLHV LQ Č´QGLQJ VNLOOHG

VWDÎ? DQG WKH GHPDQG DPRQJ RSHUDWRUV LV DW an all-time high.

7KH %+$ LV DGGUHVVLQJ WKHVH GLÉ?FXOWLHV through conversations with government urging for hospitality T-levels to be brought IRUZDUG IURP LWV VFKHGXOHG UROO RXW LQ and with initiatives such as the Big Hospitality Conversation; bringing hospitality leaders and young people together to showcase the potentials of a career in hospitality.

To highlight the choice available to young jobseekers, the BHA together with Departnet for Work & Pensions (DWP) and Springboard are bringing the Big Hospitality Conversation to Pembrokeshire, where youth unemployPHQW LV DW /RFDO EXVLQHVVHV ZLOO KDYH WKH chance to talk to jobseekers about the great prospects available and discuss the enormous possibilities for professional development and advancement within the sector.

The Big Hospitality Conversation, which provides a setting that encourages discussion between businesses and jobseekers,

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 10 - February 2018

KDV DOUHDG\ FRQQHFWHG RYHU H[HFXWLYHV and HR directors across the UK with young MREVHHNHUV WR IDFLOLWDWH QHZ KRVSLWDOLW\ FDUHHU VWDUWV VLQFH LWV LQFHSWLRQ LQ 8Č´ ΖEUDKLP FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RI WKH %ULWLVK Hospitality Association said: “There are few industries that can match the career prospects RÎ?HUHG E\ KRVSLWDOLW\ WR HQWUDQWV RI DOO VNLOO levels, but hospitality careers are not actively promoted in the UK as much as they should be. Given the right support from businesses and government, prioritising hospitality recruitment and development of British ZRUNHUV WKH LQGXVWU\ KDV WKH SRWHQWLDO WR Č´OO the gap left by EU workers once freedom of movement has stopped.â€?

Bluestone CEO William McNamara said: "When the British Hospitality Association asked us to host this event, naturally we were delighted. We see this as a wonderful opportunity to work with the BHA and its PDQ\ PHPEHUV WR Č´QG SRVLWLYH VROXWLRQV WR the challenges we all face within the industry. Here in Wales we have the advantage of a great holiday environment, with beautiful countryside and some of the world’s most stunning beaches. The people of Wales are also naturally warm and welcoming. “What we lack sometimes, however, is a positive outlook for the industry and a belief that a career in tourism can be one of the most rewarding. By joining at the Big Conversation event, we can tap into our collective passion for tourism and hospitality, and recognise that together we can create an exceptional resource for all tourism businesses across Wales.â€?

Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard added: “We are pleased to be a partner once again in this important initiative, at a time of particularly acute skills shortages and uncertainty about the economic future.

Springboard is positioned well to connect its employer partners with people looking to gain work experience, learn about apprenticeships or gain employment. The Big Hospitality Conversation and the associated wider communications, provide a valuable opportunity to amplify the voice of the industry and the great work that we do to support it.�

- News -

Hospitality businesses integral to new towns The hospitality sector has welcomed the creation of the All Party Parliamentary Group for New Towns and has called on it to ensure it considers the vital social and economic role of such hospitality businesses as luxury bed & breakfast businesses in communities.

The group was launched in January with the aim of delivering a wave of new towns across the UK. In the last Budget the Housing ΖQIUDVWUXFWXUH )XQG ZDV GRXEOHG WR e EQ DFFRUGLQJ WR VHFUHWDU\ RI state for housing Sajid Javid, who said: “The right infrastructure is vital for new towns.�

ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Pubs, bars and other hospitality venues are valuable social spaces and focal points for communities. ČŠ$V WKH *URXS EHJLQV WR PDNH LWV SODQV IRU QHZ WRZQV RI WKH VW Century, we are reminding them of the positive contribution, both economic and social, that hospitality businesses make to villages, towns and cities. “In any thriving new community, hospitality venues can provide jobs for residents and can be a centre for the communal life bringing people WRJHWKHU ZLWK SXEV SDUWLFXODUO\ ČľRXULVKLQJ LQ WKLV UROH “A new town without a social communal space including pubs, cafes,

restaurants and bars will, in all probability, lack the sense of cohesion and vitality that only hospitality venues can provide. “With a blank slate from which to work, planners also have a great opportunity to ensure they plan positively in a way that gives hospitality venues an opportunity to thrive in an environment free from hassle. “The creation of a new town is a fantastic opportunity to produce a new community with its own identity. Hospitality businesses will be vital to a new town’s success.�

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Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 11 - February 2018

- Core Issues / Insight -

Hospitality growth Last year PwC forecast growth for the hospitality accommodation sector continuing into 2018, a forecast based to an extent on the assumption that the value of sterling would continue to wane.

Evidence continues to mount that this trend in B&B guest and revenue growth is continuing. However, the growth that had been predicted was closely tied to the fall in the value of the pound since mid-2016, and this has fallen into question as we go to press, with the pound recovering most of its value it had lost since the EU Referendum. On press day the stg:USD rate was 1.42, and on 23 June 2016 it stood at $1.46.

A stronger pound has as much to do with the weak dolODU DV DQ\ UHWXUQ WR FRQČ´GHQFH LQ WKH 8. :KLOH LW FRQČľLFWV with the reasoning of those opposed to the UK terminating its

1.5 1.45 1.4 1.35 1.3 1.25 1.2 1.15 1.1 1.05 1

ÂŁ:euro

membership of the European Union, it will not help the number US visitors’ numbers. But the pound has hardly gained ground against the euro, which is still below the level of June

ÂŁ:$

2017 and well below the $1.27 average level of June 2016. It is perhaps this currency pairing that is encouraging more visitors from continental Europe to visit the UK.

Currency is just one factor taken into account when forecasting the fortunes of the hospitality sector, but it is a VLJQLČ´FDQW RQH 7KH QH[W 3Z& report is keenly awaited.

Targeting graduates could be the way to defy employment concerns Last month the Conservative chairman of the Commons select committee Robert Halfon was reported as saying that students who take degrees that do not train them for employment should pay higher fees than those who take work-focused courses.

Hospitality and tourism was UDQNHG DPRQJ WKH Č´YH ZRUVW degrees for students to take in WHUPV RI Č´QGLQJ SURIHVVLRQDO ZRUN VL[ PRQWKV DIWHU JUDGXDWLQJ Some 55% of graduates

with a degree in hospitality/ tourism were still not working in the corresponding sector VL[ PRQWKV DIWHU JUDGXDWLQJ according to the Higher EduFDWLRQ 6WDWLVWLFV $JHQF\ 7KLV compares with 99% of graduates in medicine.

7KLV VXJJHVWV WKDW WKHUH LV DQ untapped source of hospitality graduates out in the market unsuccessful in their quest for fulltime employment in the disFLSOLQH LQ TXHVWLRQ /X[XU\ %HG Breakfast magazine would like to

suggest that identifying a way of targeting this large body of talent PRUH HÎ?HFWLYHO\ WKDQ DW SUHVHQW may go some way to addressing the skills shortfall projected as and when free movement comes to an end when the UK leaves the European Union. $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH 2É?FH IRU National Statistics the number of non-UK nationals employed in the UK had hit record levels and was VWLOO ULVLQJ GHI\LQJ WKH DQWL %UH[LW narrative. As ever the long-term result remains to be seen.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 12 - February 2018

- Core Issues / Insight -

Impact of CMA report on OTAs The Competition and Markets Authority is expected to present a report on its investigation into online accommodation booking sites such as booking.com.

According to the Bed & Breakfast Association chairman David Weston, It is too early to VD\ ZKHWKHU %RRNLQJ RU WKH RWKHU 27$V DUH toning down their behaviour while the CMA LQYHVWLJDWH DOWKRXJK RQH ZRXOG H[SHFW WKDW of course and there seems to be anecdotal evidence of it.

7KH &0$ ODXQFKHG LWV LQYHVWLJDWLRQ ODVW November concerned about the clarity, accuracy and presentation of information on sites, which could mislead people, stop them ȴQGLQJ WKH EHVW GHDO DQG SRWHQWLDOO\ EUHDN consumer law. ΖW LV H[SHFWHG VRRQ WR UHSRUW LWV ȴQGLQJV from its investigation into a variety of practices of great concern to B&B owners, including: ¡ Search results: how hotels are ranked after a customer has entered their search UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU H[DPSOH WR ZKDW H[WHQW

VHDUFK UHVXOWV DUH LQČľXHQFHG E\ RWKHU IDFWRUV that may be less relevant to the customer’s requirements, such as the amount of commission a hotel pays the site. y 3UHVVXUH VHOOLQJ ZKHWKHU FODLPV DERXW how many people are looking at the same room, how many rooms may be left, or how long a price is available, create a false impression of room availability or rush customers into making a booking decision. ¡ Discount claims: whether the discount FODLPV PDGH RQ VLWHV RÎ?HU D IDLU FRPSDULVRQ IRU FXVWRPHUV Č‚ IRU H[DPSOH WKH FODLP FRXOG be based on a higher price that was only available for a brief period, or not relevant to WKH FXVWRPHUȇV VHDUFK FULWHULD IRU H[DPSOH comparing a higher weekend room rate with the weekday rate for which the customer has searched. y +LGGHQ FKDUJHV WKH H[WHQW WR ZKLFK VLWHV LQFOXGH DOO FRVWV LQ WKH SULFH WKH\ Č´UVW VKRZ customers or whether people are later IDFHG ZLWK XQH[SHFWHG IHHV VXFK DV WD[HV RU booking fees.

7KH &0$ DVNHG IRU VXEPLVVLRQV IURP companies across the whole hospitality accommodation sector as it sought information to understand more about their SUDFWLFHV E\ WKH HQRG RI ODVW \HDU 7KH &0$ also wanted to understand the impact that these practices would have on sites’ customers and therefore on customers that use them, and hotels that advertise with WKHP WR VKDUH H[SHULHQFHV ZKLFK FRXOG EH relevant to the investigation. ΖI WKH &0$ ȴQGV WKDW VLWHVȇ SUDFWLFHV RU claims are false or misleading and are breaking consumer law, it could take enforcement action. Anecdotal evidence so far suggests that there may be considerable limitations LPSRVHG RQ WKH ZD\ LQ ZKLFK 27$V DUH

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 13 - February 2018

permitted to conduct their business after the report is published. $FFRUGLQJ WR $QGUHD &RVFHOOL FKLHI H[HFXtive of the CMA, around 70% of people who shopped around for hotels last year used WKHVH VLWHV DQG WKH\ VKRXOG DOO EH FRQČ´GHQW they have chosen the best accommodation for their needs and are getting a good deal.

In today’s increasingly busy world, sites like WKLV RÎ?HU UHDO SRWHQWLDO WR KHOS KROLGD\ PDNers save time and money searching for their ideal get-away. ČŠ7R GR WKLV VLWHV QHHG WR JLYH WKHLU FXVtomers information that is clear, accurate and presented in a way that enables people to choose the best deal for them. But we are concerned that this is not happening and that the information on sites may in fact be PDNLQJ LW GLÉ?FXOW IRU SHRSOH WR PDNH WKH right choice,â€? she said.

7KH FRPSHWLWLRQ DXWKRULW\ȇV LQYHVWLJDWLRQ into this sector was to get to the bottom of these issues, see whether sites are breaking consumer law and make sure they help, QRW KLQGHU SHRSOH VHDUFKLQJ IRU WKHLU QH[W hotel room.

7KH IDFW LV WKDW OX[XU\ EHG EUHDNIDVW RSHUations are not only losing a chunk of the profLWV WKH\ PDNH WKURXJK SD\PHQWV WR WKH 27$V but they are also giving up the invaluable benHČ´W RI EHLQJ DEOH WR RZQ WKH UHODWLRQVKLS ZLWK their guests before they have even reached WKH IURQW GRRU 7KH LPSHWXV WR HQFRXUDJH direct booking has never been greater.

It is early days but it is still hard to envisage how the long-awaited CMA report can do anyWKLQJ RWKHU WKDQ LPSURYH WKH ORW RI OX[XU\ EHG & breakfast owners in the long term, especially if they no longer have to forfeit 15-20% of HYHU\ ERRNLQJ 7KH GLUHFW ERRNLQJV WKDW RXJKW to arise from this will also return ownership of the guest to the venue’s proprietors rather than the anonymous online travel agency.

Roll on Spring, when the landscape should take a change for the better.

- In Depth / Bed & Breakfast Association Comment -

The ‘hidden’ costs of dealing with online giants

Online Travel Agents (OTAs) are the web “platforms� that millions of people use to book their accommodation. The two biggest, Priceline (which owns Booking.com, Kayak and many others), and Expedia (which owns Hotels.com, Trivago and many others), are both giant US corporations (together worth $114 billion), and between them have some 80% of the OTA booking market.

David Weston Chairman of the Bed & Breakfast Association, reports.

T

he good thing is that OTAs provide many B&Bs and hotels with a substantial portion of their bookings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but this ČľRZ RI EXVLQHVV FDQ FRPH ZLWK KLGGHQ FRVWV 2QH LV FDQFHOODWLRQ UDWHV 2QH RI RXU PHPEHUV KDV PHDVXUHG WKHVH DW IRU GLUHFW ERRNLQJV DQG WKURXJK %RRNLQJ FRP /RVing one in three of your bookings near the date RI DUULYDO LV YHU\ FRVWO\ Č&#x201A; IRU D WKUHH URRP % % WKDW FRXOG EH D WKLUG RI \RXU WXUQRYHU 6R DPRQJVW RXU RWKHU FDPSDLJQV RQ EHKDOI RI PHPEHUV ZH REMHFWHG WR WKH UHOHQWOHVV SXVK E\ 27$V WRZDUGV Č&#x160;IUHH FDQFHOODWLRQČ&#x2039; ZKLFK KDV OHG WR % %V EHDULQJ WKHVH KLJK UDWHV RI FDQFHOODWLRQ /DVW -XO\ ZH WRRN JUHDW H[FHSWLRQ WR %RRNLQJ V 79 DG ZKRVH FHQWUDO VHOOLQJ SRLQW ZDV WKH IDFW WKDW \RX FDQ FDQFHO DQ\WKLQJ HDVLO\ :H ZURWH WR %RRNLQJ FRP VD\LQJ Č&#x160;7KLV SURPRWLRQ RI FDVXDO FDQFHOODWLRQ E\ %RRNLQJ KDV DOUHDG\ OHG WR D SHUFHSWLRQ WKDW LW LV 2. WR FDQFHO ODWH LW LV 2. WR PDNH VHYHUDO DOWHUQDWLYH ERRNLQJV DQG FDQFHO WKH RQHV \RX GRQ W ZDQW QHDUHU WKH WLPH WKDW WKH KRWHO RU % % ZLOO DOZD\V SLFN XS WKH WDE IRU WKH FXVWRPHU V ODWH FKDQJH RI PLQG Č&#x160;Î&#x2013;W KDV DOUHDG\ UHVXOWHG SUHGLFWDEO\ DQG indeed inevitably) in our members seeing signifLFDQWO\ KLJKHU FDQFHOODWLRQ UDWHV YLD \RXUVHOYHV WKDQ RWKHU FKDQQHOV DQG YDVWO\ KLJKHU WKDQ LQ GLUHFW ERRNLQJV ZKHUH FDQFHOODWLRQ UDWHV LQ RXU VHFWRU KDYH W\SLFDOO\ EHHQ QHJOLJLEOH <RXU

RZQ WHDP WHOO % %V WR VLPSO\ OLYH ZLWK WKH IDFW WKDW RQH ERRNLQJ LQ HYHU\ Č´YH ZLOO FDQFHO \RXU Č´JXUH QRW RXUV

Č&#x160;:H DUH KHUHE\ FDOOLQJ RQ %RRNLQJ FRP WR VWRS UXQQLQJ WKHVH DGV QRZ DQG DQ\ FDPSDLJQV DLPHG DW SURPRWLQJ ODWH DQG IUHH FDQFHODWLRQV Č&#x2039; 6R ZH ZHUH GHOLJKWHG WR KHDU LQ WKH Č´UVW ZHHN of this year that the Advertising Standards AuWKRULW\ KDV EDQQHG WKDW %RRNLQJ FRP 79 DGYHUW UXOLQJ WKDW LW ZDV Č&#x160;PLVOHDGLQJČ&#x2039; 7KH DGYHUWLVLQJ ZDWFKGRJ XSKHOG D FRPSODLQW DJDLQVW WKH FRPSDQ\Č&#x2021;V DGYHUW ZKLFK ZDV VFUHHQHG ODVW -XO\ SURPRWLQJ Č&#x160;IUHH FDQFHOODWLRQČ&#x2039; RQ WKH %RRNLQJ FRP ZHEVLWH 7KH FRPSODLQDQW ZKR EHOLHYHG WKH FDQFHOODWLRQ IHH ZDV LQFOXGHG LQ WKH SDFNDJH SULFH FKDOOHQJHG ZKHWKHU WKH FODLP Č&#x160;Č?LI \RX KDYH WR FDQFHO FDQFHO 0RVW RI WKH WLPH LWČ&#x2021;V IUHHČ&#x2039; ZDV PLVOHDGLQJ DQG FRXOG EH VXEVWDQWLDWHG %RRNLQJ FRP DUJXHG WKDW WKH SKUDVH LQIRUPHG FXVWRPHUV WKDW WKH PDMRULW\ EXW QRW DOO SURSHUWLHV DOORZHG FDQFHOODWLRQ ZLWKRXW FKDUJH But the Advertising Standard Authority upheld WKH FRPSODLQW DQG UXOHG WKDW WKH DGYHUW PXVW QRW EH EURDGFDVW DJDLQ 7KH $6$ VDLG Č&#x160;:H WROG %RRNLQJ FRP QRW WR GHVFULEH WKH FDQFHOODWLRQ RSWLRQ IRU URRPV DV Č&#x2020;IUHHČ&#x2021; LI D SUHPLXP ZDV SDLG IRU WKDW RSWLRQ Č&#x2039; Č&#x160;:H QRWHG WKDW FXVWRPHUV ZKR ERRNHG WKH IUHH FDQFHOODWLRQ RSWLRQ EXW RSWHG QRW WR FDQFHO Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 14 - February 2018

the booking, would subsequently pay more for WKH VDPH URRP WKDQ WKH FXVWRPHUV ZKR KDG RSWHG IRU WKH QRQ UHIXQGDEOH RSWLRQ Č&#x160;%HFDXVH DW WKH WLPH RI WKH FRPSODLQW WKH DG VWDWHG WKDW FDQFHOODWLRQ ZDV IUHH ZKLFK ZH XQGHUVWRRG ZDV QRW WKH FDVH EHFDXVH D ERRNLQJ ZLWK WKH FDQFHOODWLRQ RSWLRQ ZDV PRUH H[SHQVLYH WKDQ RQH ZLWKRXW ZH FRQFOXGHG WKDW WKH DG ZDV PLVOHDGLQJ Č&#x2039; :KLOH WKLV RQH UXOLQJ ZLOO QRW WUDQVIRUP WKLQJV Î&#x2013; GR WKLQN LW JRHV LQ WKH ULJKW GLUHFWLRQ Č&#x201A; LW LV JRRG QRW WR PLVOHDG FXVWRPHUV DQG LW ZLOO KHOS FKHFN WKH UHOHQWOHVV SURPRWLRQ RI Č&#x160;IUHH FDQFHOODWLRQČ&#x2039; ZKLFK GDPDJHV % %V 0HDQZKLOH WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ ZDWFKGRJ WKH &0$ LV LQYHVWLJDWLQJ 27$V IRU IDOVH GLVFRXQWV PLVOHDGLQJ VWDWHPHQWV PDQLSXODWHG VHDUFK UDQNLQJV DQG SUHVVXUH VHOOLQJ WHFKQLTXHV DQG H[SHFWV WR PDNH DQ DQQRXQFHPHQW LQ WKH 6SULQJ $V \RXU VHFWRUČ&#x2021;V WUDGH DVVRFLDWLRQ ZH ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR EH \RXU YRLFH LQ FDPSDLJQLQJ IRU the fair treatment of small British businesses by WKH JLDQW JOREDO 27$V 7KH SOD\LQJ Č´HOG LV D ORQJ way from being level!

The Bed & Breakfast Association is the UK trade association for B&B and guest house owners, and exists to inform, support & represent owners.

Membership costs ÂŁ60 a year. www.bandbassociation.org

- In Depth / Bed & Breakfast Association Comment -

Default search results on Booking.com for a room in Bath on 12th September 2017 for one night. *(Search made on 25th July 2017 at 9.39am)

Default ranking is NOT by price or quality or closeness to city centre - it is to maximize revenue for Booking.com: other accommodation is available but is NOT listed here because Booking.com would not earn commission on it.

Fake discount*

Fake discount*

Urgency

Fake discount:

Fake discount*

refers to price in a 30 day window*

False: there are actually five rooms left Promoting free canc ca ncel ella lati tion on cancellation

*FAKE DISCOUNTS: The above "discounts" do NOT apply to the dates shown, as Booking.com admits in a block of smallprint that appears if you 'hover' your cursor over the tiny '?' next to the prominent "-41% TODAY" flash. The higher price for Sunday 8th January as a "discount" based on the hotel's New Year's Eve or Christmas Day price.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 15 - February 2018

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 16 - February 2018

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

French Connection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Running a Luxury B&B in France

Most people celebrate their 40th birthday with a party or perhaps a special holiday, but not Peter Friend and Mark Barber. They decided that by the time they were 40 they wanted to own and run their own luxury B&Bâ&#x20AC;Śin France. As they approach their 10th season running la Villa de Mazamet, co-owner Peter provides a valuable insight into successfully opening and running a bed & breakfast in France.

a

fter a 12-month search and subsequent three-year renovation, we opened our doors to paying guests in May 2009. When we re-open for Easter 2018, we will commence our 10th season across the Channel and do not regret, for one minute, the decision made to start a new life on the continent. We know that many people still consider, and make, the same decision every year, despite the uncertainly that Brexit presents. The quality of life, the food and culture still make France an attractive and enjoyable place to live and work.

THE PROPERTY SEARCH As with establishing your B&B in the UK, you have two key decisions to make. Do you buy an existing business, with a view to putting your own stamp on it, or buy a residential property to turn into a B&B? Secondly, in which location?

With the UK being such a condensed island nation, most of us are fully aware of the areas ripe to attract paying guests. By contrast, France is three times the geographical size of the UK,

with roughly the same population, and the diversity of geography, culture and climate much more pronounced. )RU RXU VHDUFK ZH ORRNHG DW IRXU GLÎ?HUHQW regions of France from Brittany in the north, WR WKH 7DUQ LQ WKH VRXWK Č&#x201A; Č´QDOO\ VHWWLQJ IRU the latter due to its great transport links, climate, visitor attractions and proximity for guests to travel onto the likes of Provence, Bordeaux and Spain.

After having narrowed our search to a VSHFLČ´F DUHD WKH VL]H DQG VW\OH RI WKH SURSHUW\ determined by the level of comfort and service we wished to attain, we were led to a stunning 1930s villa in the market town of Mazamet, at the foothills of the Montagne Noire mountain range, and equidistant from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Carcassonne and Albi.

THE PURCHASE The French buying process is relatively simple and very structured. Unlike in the UK, where WKH EX\HU DQG VHOOHU XVH GLÎ?HUHQW VROLFLWRUV LQ France a notaire is used by both parties, which Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 17 - February 2018

helps streamline the process.

Once you have found and agreed a price on the property/business, a 10 to 20% deposit is sent by the purchaser to the notaire. $ FRROLQJ RÎ? SHULRG QRUPDOO\ WHQ GD\V WKHQ ensues, after which the seller is not permitted to amend the price nor sell to anyone else; you as the purchaser are not able to pull out of the sale without losing your deposit - the exception being on the occasion that, if a mortgage is required, you are unable to obtain one.

A further set period then allows the notaire to pull all the paperwork together to complete the sale. On the day of exchange, both you and the VHOOHU VLW LQ WKH QRWDLUHČ&#x2021;V RÉ?FH DQG HDFK OLQH RI the contract of sale is read through (in French) with every page signed by both parties. The notaire will check that the electronic transfer of funds has been paid, by you or your mortgage company; you then you shake hands with the seller, who hands over the keys to the property.

As the purchaser, if you buy via an estate agent, you pay them commission (anywhere from 3-7%) in addition to the notaire fees, which

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

cover the conveyancing process including land registration. Notaires in France all charge the same fees as set down by government for both the sale and purchase of properties, which take into consideration the age, location and value of the property. The process from the paying of the deposit to you collecting the keys normally takes three months.

SETTING UP AND RUNNING YOUR FRENCH B&B In the UK the entity in which you set up and run your B&B is very straightforward. In France, by contrast, there are a number of entities which may seem very complex, and here the guidance and advice of a bi-lingual business advisor/accountant is crucial.

You will already have decided whether it is your aim to run your B&B as a full-time, sole income business, or whether you will run a couple of rooms to make some money to help with your retirement. From this, and the length of time for which you intend to run

your business and/or remain in France, the business advisor will set out for you the entity RSWLRQV DQG WKH WD[ SHQVLRQ DQG RWKHU Č´QDQcial implications for each.

7KH GHFLVLRQ RQ WKLV HQWLW\ ZLOO DOVR EH LQČľXenced by the way in which you have purchased your property, whether that be that just privately with you and your partner; with another couple(s); or with investors.

It is also key to position your business in the market: at which level of comfort, service and price do you hope to attain and operate within?

We opened our business in a town that had no accommodation above 85â&#x201A;Ź per night, and our vision was to be at the luxury end of the market and become the leading B&B accommodation, not RQO\ LQ 0D]DPHW EXW WKH UHJLRQ ZLWKLQ Č´YH \HDUV From our experience to date, the ups and GRZQV RI WKH Č´QDQFLDO PDUNHW DQG LPSOLFDWLRQV of Brexit have certainly had more of an impact on the budget end of the B&B market in France; whereas, at the luxury end, the impact has not been as noticeable, as those selecting higher Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 18 - February 2018

quality properties are not so price sensitive.

Whilst the day to day running of a B&B in France is less regulated in the UK, there are some elements which are key: Č? <RX FDQ RQO\ RSHUDWH ZLWK D PD[LPXP RI Č´YH letting bedrooms, accommodating a maximum of 15 guests. Above this level you are technically an hotel, attracting rafts of regulations and Č´QDQFLDO LPSOLFDWLRQV \RX UHDOO\ ZDQW WR DYRLG Č? Î&#x2013;I \RX DUH RÎ?HULQJ GLQQHU RQO\ D Č&#x160;WDEOH GČ&#x2021;KÂśWHČ&#x2039; VLQJOH PHQX PD\ EH RÎ?HUHG ZKHUH DOO JXHVWV dine at the same time. Only resident guests may be served dinner. You are also not permitted to charge for breakfast: it must be included in your nightly rate. â&#x20AC;˘ You will need to attend an approved local health and hygiene course, normally two-days, and a one-day course for the serving of alcohol, accompanied by a licence to serve alcohol, if indeed, you plan on serving it.

- In Depth / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

When a reliable, all-purpose coffee machine is needed

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Ideal areas of use: Hotel restaurants and bars, breakfast lounges, private function areas, employee areas Recommended maximum daily output: 80 cups

JURA – If you love coffee

JURA Products Ltd., Vivary Mill, Vivary Way, Colne, Lancashire, BB8 9NW, Tel: 01282 868266, Fax: 01282 863411, sales@uk.jura.com, uk.jura.com

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 19 - February 2018

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

If, like us, you have a period of renovation before opening, use this time to put everything in place so you open hitting the ground running.

Register your business with the local mayor and chamber of commerce; ensure you have good private and public liability cover - there are a SOHWKRUD RI LQVXUDQFH RɝFHV LQ HYHU\ )UHQFK WRZQ VHW XS \RXU ZHEVLWH DQG RQOLQH SUHVHQFH and start networking with local businesses, the WRXULVW RɝFH DQG ORFDO RUJDQLVDWLRQV The actual day-to-day running of your B&B in France will vary little from the UK. The one aspect to be conscious of is whether you intend to trade below or above the TVA (VAT) limit, which is much the same as the UK at 82,200€ per annum. If you are buying an established business, it may well be that the turnover already means you are trading beyond the threshold. If you are starting from scratch, it may take you into your second year of trading before you exceed

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 20 - February 2018

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

the limit (if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your intention) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; however, by FRQWUDVW WR WKH 8. WKH EHQHČ´W RI EHLQJ DEOH WR RÎ?VHW SUDFWLFDOO\ DOO WKH 9$7 RQ SXUFKDVHV PDGH for the running of your business - from orange MXLFH WR OLQHQ FDQ EH EHQHČ´FLDO The other nuance with VAT in France is that there are two levels that apply to running a B&B: 10% on the actual B&B accommodation and food; and 20% on alcohol and sundries (for example, cycle hire, massages, etc.)

Our move to France at the age of 40 was for a complete change of lifestyle and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret one minute of that decision; however, running a B&B as a business (and as your sole income) is extremely hard work, with days VWDUWLQJ IURP WKH PLQXWH WKH DODUP JRHV RÎ? DW 6.45am until you say bon nuit to the last guest at around 11pm. Serving dinner, which we do VL[ QLJKWV D ZHHN VLJQLČ´FDQWO\ DGGV WR \RXU workload and extends the working day by a good few hours.

To anyone who is considering a similar path, it certainly is a wonderful way in which to live, to make a living and to meet great people. We regularly, and happily, give tips and advice to people who call or email to say they would like to make such a move. )LUVW DQG IRUHPRVW Č&#x201A; OHDUQ )UHQFK Î&#x2013;W PD\ seem so obvious a statement, but having the basics of the language, from the outset, will help enormously with paperwork and engaging with the local community.

To those who are still in the initial stages of Č´QGLQJ D SURSHUW\ WKH ORFDWLRQ DQG DFFHVVLbility to good transport links cannot be under estimated. It may seem idyllic to live miles from your nearest neighbour, but think too of your paying guests and the fact they have to drive a distance every time they want to pop out for a FRÎ?HH RU VHH D ORFDO PDUNHW DQG DOVR IRU \RX getting supplies to run your business: imagine needing a litre of milk and the nearest shop is a 15-minute drive.

Consider also how you want to live your life when not open for business, be that proximity to a larger town/city for the theatre, cinema or near a golf course and other sports facilities.

Remember that making the decision to move to France is as much about your lifestyle as it is your business and attaining the right balance is key.

Get involved with your community, local WUDGHV SHRSOH WRXULVW RÉ?FH HWF IURP D YHU\ early stage so that they engage with you and support your business. Part of our ethos has always been to make sure we support the

community in which we are based: for every 1â&#x201A;Ź we spend on running the business, 85 cents are spent in the town of Mazamet. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to shout about that too, especially WR \RXU ORFDO 0D\RU 7KLV KDV EHHQ LQYDOXDEOH to building relationships and, especially as expats, in both engaging and integrating us into the community.

Listen to your guests and ask for feedback on their stay, your amenities and facilities. Plough VRPH RI \RXU SURČ´WV EDFN LQ HDFK \HDU WR PDNH sure you not only keep on top with the dĂŠcor and maintenance of your property but also add to the guest experience. Return guests will always notice the smallest of detail and love it

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 21 - February 2018

when you have taken their feedback on board.

Get your website and marketing plan in place at least a year prior to opening your doors and engage with guests via social media and E-newsletters to help develop return visits. See your website as the main marketing tool, and invest in professional photography. This is a SRWHQWLDO JXHVWČ&#x2021;V Č´UVW HQJDJHPHQW ZLWK \RX DQG your B&B, so you need to get it right.

Also invest in professional translation for your website and other marketing materials - it does not cost that much but is essential to get right - and make sure the reservation process is simple and online.

Work with other B&Bs locally and regionally

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just see them as competition, as you can work with them during busy periods or when you might need them to take a loyal guest you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accommodate. Also make sure you stay at other B&Bs on your travels. Every year we will book a stay in at least two B&Bs of a similar SULFH WR VHH ZKDW WKH\ DUH RÎ?HULQJ WKHLU JXHVWV and we learn from the experience.

La Villa de Mazamet has been a dream come true for us. We love welcoming guests from around the world and have met some truly wonderful people, from all walks of life, who have become friends. Guests will often VD\ Č&#x160;LI \RX DUH FRPH WR RXU FLW\ \RX KDYH D SODFH WR VWD\ Č&#x2039; WKH\ JHQXLQHO\ PHDQ LW DQG we have had some wonderful holidays as a result, from Melbourne to Manchester.

As we approach our 10th anniversary season in 2018, writing this article has certainly been a trip down memory lane. We are immensely proud that, today, La Villa de Mazamet has been rated one of the top B&Bs in France for eight consecutive years on Trip Advisor, is included in Le Guide Michelin, the Good Hotel Guide and the Alistair Sawdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and we have enjoyed some wonderful

press from America to Australia.

We had visions of French bureaucracy and paperwork being a mountain to climb; however, hand on heart, once you understand the sysWHP ZK\ LW H[LVWV DQG GRQČ&#x2021;W Č´JKW DJDLQVW LW LW LV no less onerous than those faced in the UK. France is a wonderful country in which to live, own property and run a business, and we Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 22 - February 2018

are so glad that we made the decision, as scary as it may have seen at the time. There are still wonderfully unspoilt areas ripe for setting up a business and enjoying the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;art de vieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Peter Friend La Villa de Mazamet www.villademazamet.com

- Feature / Running a Luxury B&B in France -

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Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 23 - February 2018

- Feature / Add-On Insurance -

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 24 - February 2018

- Feature / Add-On Insurance -

Hole in one insurance Across the UK many bed & breakfast businesses are located close to golf courses. The opportunity to involve guests in golf tournaments is often over-looked but can bring repeat business, group bookings and other great benefits for the B&B business.

o

ne consideration often overlooked is the opportunity a JROȴQJ HYHQW JLYHV WR R΍HULQJ DQ eye-catchingly attractive prize for scoring a hole-in-one. In the world of golf prizes it is not unusual to see a top range %0: RU LQ VRPH FDVHV D )HUUDUL R΍HUHG DV D reward for such a score, valued at perhaps £100,000. Alternatively a more modest prize such as a cruise around the £10,000 mark PD\ EH R΍HUHG If a B&B owner hosting such an event were not prepared for such a result, the prospect of having to come up with such a prize would FHUWDLQO\ WDNH WKH HGJH R΍ DQ\ VHQVH RI celebration. However, as with most eventualities, preparation can be covered by the right insurance policy providing peace of mind. +ROH LQ RQH LQVXUDQFH LV D JHQXLQH ȴQDQFLDO SURGXFW WKDW R΍HUV ȴQDQFLDO SURWHFWLRQ WR JROI WRXUQDPHQW VSRQVRUV ZKR R΍HU expensive prizes to contest winners. It is D IRUP RI SUL]H LQGHPQLȴFDWLRQ LQVXUDQFH that takes its name from the practice of golf WRXUQDPHQWV R΍HULQJ ELJ WLFNHW LWHPV OLNH new cars and Hawaiian vacations to participants who make a hole in one.

7KH FRVW RI WKH SROLF\ LV D RQH R΍ H[SHQVH that is small compared to the uncertain but SRWHQWLDOO\ ODUJH H[SHQVH RI WKH SUL]H R΍HUHG The premium level itself also depends RQ IDFWRUV WKDW LQȵXHQFH WKH OLNHOLKRRG RI someone winning the prize and therefore LQȵXHQFH WKH OLNHOLKRRG RI WKH LQVXUHU having to pay for that prize. These factors include the number of tournament participants, the prize value, and the distance between the tee and the hole, according to specialist UK insurer Hole In One Insurance.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 25 -February 2018 018

- Feature / Add-On Insurance -

The more participants there are, the more valuable the prize and the shorter the distance to the hole, then the more expensive the premium will be. Conversely, the fewer participants there are, the lower the prize value and the longer the distance to the hole, the less expensive the premium will be.

In addition, the premiums will depend on whether the participants will be amateurs or professionals. Hole in one insurers know the relatively low odds of an amateur hitting a hole in one and the much higher odds of a

professional doing so. Knowing these odds allows them to calculate the right premiums.

From the perspective of the underwritHU RÎ?HULQJ WKH SROLF\ SUHPLXPV PXVW EH low enough for tournament sponsors to be willing to pay them, but high enough to keep the specialist insurers in business. At the end of the day if nobody scores a hole in one and therefore no-one wins the prize, then the insurance doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay out anything and the insurer keeps the premium, just as your buildings and contents cover doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 26 - February 2018

return your premium unless you submit a legitimate claim. $ QXPEHU RI Č´UPV RÎ?HU KROH LQ RQH LQVXUance, frequently bundled with other services that golfers commonly buy, such as insurance IRU JROČ´QJ HTXLSPHQW RU SHUVRQDO OLDELOLW\ The odds of an amateur golfer hitting a hole in one on an arbitrary par three hole are estimated at about one in 12,500, but PDQ\ JROI WRXUQDPHQWV RÎ?HU H[SHQVLYH prizes to golfers able to hit a hole-in-one during tournament play. In order to be able WR DÎ?RUG VXFK H[SHQVLYH SUL]HV WRXUQDPHQW hosts can purchase prize indemnity coverage to protect themselves from having to pay for the prize from their own funds.

Typically, these hole-in-one contests operate as part of a marketing promotion.

In many instances, golf tournament hosts ZLOO RÎ?HU D KROH LQ RQH SUL]H WR SURPRWH D tournament sponsor. To claw back the cost of the insurance premium you could get a VSRQVRU IURP D FDU GHDOHUVKLS RÎ?HULQJ WKH car from that dealership as the prize for hitting a hole-in-one and using the insurance payout to buy it, at the same time taking a sponsorship fee from the dealer concerned.

The relationship between the tournament host and the sponsor is usually set up to provide advertising for the sponsor, prominently displaying the sponsor's name next to the prize during the tournament.

If your B&B is close to a nearby golf course and many of your guests turn up with the aim of a game of golf, you are ideally placed to structure a campaign to encourage participation in a golf tournament. The prospect of wining a Ferrari for hitting a hole in one will be too much for some to turn down.

- Feature / Add-On Insurance -

Subscribe today! to receive the UK's best targeted and most informed news and expert advice for owners and managers of bed and breakfasts.

Contact helen.richmond@jld-media.co.uk

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 27 -February 2018

- Feature / Air Conditioning -

Air conditioning bedrooms can ensure a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep One of the biggest and most justifiable gripes of B&B guests arises if they lose sleep because of traffic or other noise outside their window. In the few weeks of the year when it is too uncomfortable to sleep without an open window, you may consider installing an air conditioning unit in rooms affected by outside noise.

T

o install air conditioning in just one room, the owner would need a single system, which connects to the external unit with a single-phase power supply and typically draws 10-16 amps, according to Synecoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HVAC manager Gary Piper.

There are obviously technical issues to consider. He tells Luxury Bed & Breakfast magD]LQH Č&#x160;7R LQVWDOO DLU FRQGLWLRQLQJ LQ XS WR Č´YH rooms, they would need a multi-split system, which runs on the same principal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; single phase power to the external unit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but draws up to 25amps.â&#x20AC;?

Larger VRV systems are suitable for larger

commercial buildings and these work on a three-phase supply. If a three-phase supply is unavailable, you can opt for a larger singlephase system that requires up to 14kw (56 amps) supply, he says.

The amount space taken up by the units depends on unit type, he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are various options to suit the available space.

Packages can vary from bespoke systems with hidden units with a simple grille on show, to wall mounted units, some of which are availaEOH LQ GLÎ?HUHQW FRORXUV Č&#x2039;

COST Piper says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are committed to delivering Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 28 - January 2018

tailored air conditioning systems to meet varying budgets. The overall cost really does depend on the style of units and the product type.â&#x20AC;?

He adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are leasing options availaEOH ZKLFK FDQ RÎ?HU WD[ EHQHČ´WV IRU EXVLQHVVHV )XUWKHUPRUH ZH RÎ?HU D VHYHQ \HDU ZDUranty on air conditioning systems by major brands (Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Daikin) when installed and maintained by Synecore.â&#x20AC;?

Typically, an air conditioning system needs to be checked, cleaned and serviced a minimum of twice a year. This also validates your warranty. With Synecoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maintenance contract, the company contact you to sched-

- Feature / Air Conditioning -

XOH D YLVLW IURP D TXDOLȴHG DLU FRQGLWLRQLQJ engineer. It will also take care of your FGas UHFRUGV DQG 70 FHUWLȴFDWLRQ WR HQVXUH \RX are legally compliant. "External condensing units can be set to a parameter where noise is kept to a minimum. Options are varied, but we are happy to discuss during a site survey," he adds.

Air conditioning has become a standard requirement for hotels and B&Bs. Nowadays guests are accustomed to controlling the temperature of their own room and will highly praise, or criticise their accommodation based on the cooling system in place (or lack of) on popular online review sites. Guests comments include the quality and functionality of the air conditioning system. It’s therefore, not only essential to have a suitable system installed, but maintenance is just as important.

When making plans to install a new system, or to replace an old one, Piper suggests you make sure you seek expert advice from a trusted supplier – one that has all the appropriate Refcom, Fgas, NICEIC, Chas and Safe Contractor accreditations at the very least. Look out for a contractor that is an approved installer of leading air conditioning brands. At Synecore, we are accredited by Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin and Toshiba Air Conditioning," he says.

To get the right system for your business and property is advisable to speak to a team of experts and to ensure they can cater for all of your requirements in your geographical location.

For a full site survey and to discuss the options available visit www.synecore.co.uk or call 0845 241 4953

Examples of the type of units available and their average size:

• Wall mounted units are compact and usually measure 800mm x 300mm (width x height) •Ceiling cassette units can be mounted into a void within a false ceiling. However there must be enough space and access for maintenance. These units measure 256/319mm x 840mm x 840mm (height, width, depth) •If you have opted for a VRF system you can choose a ducted unit that can be disguised within a wall or ceiling panel for complete discretion

The ease of installation depends on internal unit selection and the routes to the services. All air-conditioning systems require an outdoor unit of some description.

Daikin offers a new fully internal system, which we have installed for our client, Leon restaurants.

Modern systems typically from the market leading brands `Yn] Y kh][aÚ[ fa_`l k]l ZY[c eg\] dgo ^Yf kh]]\ Yf\ dgo noise, so comfort is assured.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 29 - January 2018

- Feature / Ventilation -

Peaceful and low energy guest room ventilation Many luxury bed & breakfast owners experience dramatic downgrades on ratings by customers kept awake by traffic when their bedroom windows are left open in the summer. Bill Lumley finds the problem

v

can be solved easily, cheaply and at little cost to the environment with a modern air ventilation unit.

entilation units have been speciČ´HG DQG XVHG DURXQG DLUSRUWV DQG areas with high noise pollution and air pollution. Siegenia supplies wall-mounted air ventilation units for guest houses, hotels and luxury bed & breakfast bedrooms.

The units are decibel-rated and are sup-

plied with a standard system that comes with D IRDP DLU Č´OWHU DOWKRXJK \RX FDQ LQFOXGH D FKDUFRDO Č´OWHU DQG HYHQ LQFOXGH DQ DOOHUJ\ Č´OWHU ZKLFK PHDQV \RX FDQ EULQJ IUHVK FOHDQ air into the bedroom if any of your guests VXÎ?HU IURP DOOHUJLHV The running costs of the unit are low: even when it is set to its mid-operation level its power

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 30 - January 2018

consumption is simply the equivalent to having a television set on standby. The system has low medium and high ventilation it is gauged on medium whether in summer or winter.

When the unit is not in mechanical operation you can close the side vents in winter, so you have no draughts coming in from the side vents, which means you can basically isolate the unit.

- Feature / Ventilation -

and Gatwick airports. The Siegenia Group are scheduled to supply many more air-ventilation units including Heathrow England, Berlin Germany and Sydney Australia where noise is a recognised problem,â&#x20AC;? says Vicker.

7KH XQLWV Č´W GLVFUHWHO\ LQWR D JXHVW EHGroom at 467mm high x 270mm wide x 132 deep. It is a plug and play unit so all that is required is a socket close to where the unit is to be mounted. It also needs an 80mm diameter ventilation hole drilled through the walk to the outside of the building rather like a shower vent, a plastic tube is inserted in the 80mm hole, which constitutes the most GLÉ?FXOW SDUW RI WKH LQVWDOODWLRQ SURFHVV General manager Adrian Vicker tells Luxury Bed & Breakfast PDJD]LQH Č&#x160;6RPH SHRSOH Č´W them DIY, and we also use a subcontract installation company working on our behalf in the UK called Mila Maintenance. They will also VXSSO\ DQG Č´W WKH YHQW EXW LI WKH FXVWRPHU wishes to install it as a DIY installation we can supply the vent ourselves. From the outside of the B&B the only thing you will see is a round disc 80mm in diameter.â&#x20AC;?

Many luxury bed & breakfast owners have experienced the downside of having bedrooms overlooking a main road and as D UHVXOW VXÎ?HUHG SRRU UHYLHZV 2IWHQ JXHVWV in the height of summer needing a cooler room have found themselves unable to sleep RZLQJ WR WKH QRLVH RI WUDÉ?F $V VXPPHU approaches again, the whole process can be completed within four to six weeks - a process all the shorter if one company can manage everything itself, then if the customer has DQ\ RWKHU TXHULHV RU VSHFLČ´F UHTXHVWV LW FDQ discuss these with them.

Crucially they are very quiet when they are running. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are approved for bedroom use.

We have done many houses around Heathrow

owner given the low rate of energy it uses, but it can also be set it on a timer, so the guest wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even get the impression that energy has been wasted on returning to the room.

Luxury bed and breakfast business is now the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s target market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got the idea COST from watching Channel Fourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Four in a bed.

Installation price per unit is from ÂŁ500 depend- They often complain about leaving a window ing on where in the UK and what the building open when it is warm and it being too noisy. is constructed from and how many units are â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the answer - we just need to spread required, but the price will fall the greater the the word,â&#x20AC;? he says.

QXPEHU WKDW FDQ EH Č´WWHG LQ RQH JR WDNLQJ LQWR The German company has been established account installation costs, he says. for over 100 years and have supplied air venti"If someone simply wishes to buy the unit lation units into the UK for 15 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously and install it themselves because they may we have upgraded the models as performance have worked in the trade themselves for and technology has improved certainly on enexample then they can simply buy the units ergy usage. We work very close with companies GLUHFW IURP 6LHJHQLD 7KH VPDOOHVW HÎ?HFWLYH who believe in Green Building technology.â&#x20AC;? unit sells for ÂŁ250 plus VAT and prices range up to ÂŁ700, which would incorporate a heat recovery unit built in. Between the two the Aeropac and the Aerovital ambience there is a third unit, Sensoair, which is the size of a central heating thermostat and which talks to the Aeropac unit or Aerovital ambiance," he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sensoair unit will check constantly the air quality within the room. If the air quality was to fall, the unit would kick in and automatically bring in fresh air until it reaches the required standard again,â&#x20AC;? he says.

If a guest goes out for the day leaving the unit on it is not that much of a cost to the B&B

For further information please send an email to Claire.wainwright@siegenia.com quoting: Luxury Bed and Breakfast magazine to gain these special rates or call 0247662 2000.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 31 - January 2018

- Feature / Mother's Day -

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 32 - February 2018

- Feature / Mother's Day -

Marketing spa and sauna facilities for Mother's Day â&#x20AC;&#x153;The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him/her and sells itself.â&#x20AC;?

m

Peter Drucker â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the founder of modern management

othering Sunday in the UK always falls on a Sunday as is always the fourth Sunday of lent. Here with the help of VIP Worldwide we explore how you can get creaWLYH ZLWK \RXU RYHUQLJKW SDFNDJHV DQG RÎ?HUV in readiness for Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. However, rather than focusing upon just one day for your PDUNHWLQJ HÎ?RUWV ZH VXJJHVW LWČ&#x2021;V EHVW WR KDYH a strategy in place for the year where you can use key milestones such as Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Day to SODQ IRU VSHFLČ´F FDPSDLJQV DQG FRQWHVWV

BACK TO BASICS :H JR EDFN WR EDVLFV EHIRUH VWDUWLQJ RXW RQ any potential marketing campaign. As the marketing guru Peter Drucker says understanding the customer is key to getting your marketing right. It is important to set out your $LPV DQG JRDOV )RU H[DPSOH ZKDW ZRXOG EH your desired outcomes? Are you looking to UDLVH EUDQG DZDUHQHVV RU LQFUHDVH VDOHV" Then you need to look at your target DXGLHQFH DQG WKHLU EHKDYLRXUV Î&#x2013;I \RX KDYH D FXVWRPHU GDWDEDVH \RX FDQ VHJPHQW LQWR categories such as; age, location etc If you DOVR JDUQHU FXVWRPHU IHHGEDFN IROORZLQJ JXHVW VWD\V WKHQ \RX ZLOO DOVR EH DFFHVV LQIRUPDWLRQ VXFK DV WR ZKDW WKH\ Č´QG YDOXDEOH LQ their stay. Traditional review sites are also key information and rich data sources.

Next, it is important if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already to identify your key competitors and look at the reasons why customers may choose them over you.

Following this information gathering exerFLVH \RX VKRXOG EH LQ D SRVLWLRQ WR WKHQ EH DEOH ORRN DW ZKDW \RXU 8QLTXH 6HOOLQJ 3URSRsition is. Why do your customers choose your EXVLQHVV DQG ZKDW PDNHV WKH VHUYLFH \RX SURYLGH XQLTXH" $ 6:27 DQDO\VLV LV DOVR LQYDOXDEOH DV LW

will help you step outside of the day to day RSHUDWLRQDO PDQDJHPHQW RI \RXU EXVLQHVV WR look at your Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats and Opportunities. These often change so it LV DOZD\V EHVW SUDFWLFH WR UH YLVLW \RXU 6:27 within the year.

For example, your marketing messaging PLJKW IRFXV RQ WKH DUHDV \RX DUH GRLQJ EHWWHU than competitors and you can make a start to DGGUHVV DQ\ ZHDNQHVVHV \RX LGHQWLI\ EHIRUH you start on a new marketing campaign.

Next you will need to take a closer look at your Marketing channels especially which RQHV ZRXOG EH DSSURSULDWH WR \RXU WDUJHW audience and shortlist to your Top 3 which add the most value to your customers. These PLJKW EH (OHFWURQLF 0DLO 1HZVOHWWHU Î&#x2013;QVWDJUDP DQG )DFHERRN You now will have gained essential informaWLRQ DERXW \RXU EXVLQHVV DQG \RXU FXVWRPHUV you need to start to look at your desired messaging and any potential calls to action for your marketing campaigns.

We can then start to move into the next stage to get your campaign up and running and ensure maximum reach and engagePHQW 0DQ\ EXVLQHVVHV ZLOO ORRN WR OHYHUDJH FDSDELOLWLHV WKH\ GR QRW KDYH DQG ORRN DW D FROODERUDWLRQ RI PXWXDO EHQHČ´W $ YLWDO FRQVLGHUDWLRQ LV EXGJHW DQG WR ORRN DW KRZ PXFK \RX DUH DEOH WR VSHQG RQ \RXU FDPSDLJQ V /DVWO\ \RX ZLOO QHHG WR EXLOG LQ ERWK DQ element of measurement & review to judge the success of your campaign and set key timescales.

LEARNING FROM THE DISRUPTORS )RUZDUG WKLQNLQJ JLDQWV OLNH $LUEQE KDYH and will continue to disrupt the hospitality economy through innovation. Many properWLHV OLVWHG RQ WKHLU VLWH DOUHDG\ RÎ?HU DFFHVV WR guests staying at the property to Spa facilities Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 33 - February 2018

DV D XQLTXH VHOOLQJ SRLQW $ /X[XU\ EDUQ OLVWLQJ LQ 6WRNH $VK DOVR RÎ?HUV D KRW WXE PDVVHXU VSD J\P RÎ?HU LQ their write up. $ EHDXWLIXO EDUQ ZLWK SULYDWH KRW WXE SHUIHFW IRU D URPDQWLF EUHDN IRU UDPEOHUV DQG F\FOLVWV H[SORULQJ 6XÎ?RON DQG 1RUIRON DQG IRU SURIHVVLRQDOV EDVHG ORFDOO\

- Feature / Mother's Day -

They have looked at their target audiHQFH Č&#x160;&RXSOHV 5DPEOHUV &\FOLVWVČ&#x2039; DQG WKHLU guest information and have positioned the marketing message to speak directly to them.

They have also demonstrated high-levels of customer understanding and appealed to WKHLU GHPRJUDSKLFV DQG EHKDYLRXUV 7KHLU 863 WKH\ RÎ?HU LV DOVR D NH\ GLÎ?HUHQWLator and sets them apart from their competiWRUV DQG LV EDVHG XSRQ JXHVWČ&#x2021;V SUHIHUHQFHV $ PDVVHXU FDQ EH ERRNHG IRU Î&#x2013;QGLDQ head, hot stone, therapeutic and sports massages on site.

7KH\ KDYH DOVR XVHG WKHLU FROODERUDWLRQ VNLOOV WR ZRUN FORVHO\ ZLWK D QHDUE\ J\P It is important to keep up to date with latest GHYHORSPHQWV DQG VSHFLČ´F WUHQG UHSRUWV 5HFHQWO\ 3LQWHUHVW SXEOLVKHG WKHLU SUHGLFWHG ZHOOQHVV WUHQGV IRU EDVHG XSRQ DQ analysis of the most pinned pins. Many of these emerging trends and themes could also ZRUN WR GLÎ?HUHQWLDWH \RXU RÎ?HULQJ 6XFK DV WKH SURPRWLRQ RI Č&#x160;VHOI FDUH VWD\FDWLRQVČ&#x2039; WKLV GRHV QRW KDYH WR EH OLPLWHG WR 0RWKHUČ&#x2021;V 'D\ Self-care is a growing trend for 2018 that you can tap into throughout year. Î&#x2013;W ZDV DOVR UHSRUWHG WKDW ZLOO EH WKH year we all start doing Tai Chi. Pin saves for WKH H[HUFLVH KDYH JRQH XS E\ 2Î?HULQJ 7DL &KL FODVVHV RU WKH DELOLW\ WR KDYH D FODVV ZRXOG EH D 863 IRU \RXU JXHVWV

7KH DELOLW\ WR OHYHUDJH \RXU EUDQG WKURXJK HQWUHSUHQHXULDO FDSDELOLWLHV ZLOO XOWLPDWHO\ lead to a competitive advantage.

NHWLQJ EHFDXVH LW LV DÎ?RUGDEOH FRVW HÎ?HFWLYH and it makes developing relationships with partners that much easier.

COLLABORATIONS

CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS

7R VXFFHHG LQ IRUPLQJ VXFFHVVIXO FROODERUDWLRQV PDNH VXUH \RX FDQ DOVR RÎ?HU YDOXH WR \RXU SDUWQHUV )RU WKH EHVW UHVXOWV GR WKRURXJK UHVHDUFK EHIRUH VHWWOLQJ RQ D SDUWQHU Look for partners who share the same ethics and you stand for similar values.

Contests and competitions are good strategies WR LQFUHDVH YLVLELOLW\ IRU DQQXDO HYHQWV H[FOXVLYH RÎ?HUV DQG DFFRPPRGDWLRQ SURPRWLRQV Planning any social media competition, it is important to ensure they are run in line with the guidelines of each platform and they have a set of terms and conditions. You will Č´QG FRQWHVW JXLGDQFH WR IROORZ RQ HDFK RI WKH social media channels.

Local, Regional & National Tourism Strategy â&#x20AC;˘ Local and regional Tourism Destinations Č? 7DNH SDUW LQ D QXPEHU RI PDUNHWLQJ RSSRUtunities through the year, helping to promote \RXU EXVLQHVV WKURXJK ZRUNLQJ ZLWK WKH ORFDO WRXULVW ERDUG Once you have a campaign in place then you need to explore which marketing and social media channels you will use. You will also need to consider how you engage with your existing followers and reach new followers. There are various ways RI GRLQJ WKLV EXW LW FRXOG LQYROYH RUJDQLF marketing, paid marketing or even working with key influencers to have target your DXGLHQFH E\ DVVRFLDWLRQ

SOCIAL MEDIA Social media is a powerful method for marLuxury Bed & Breakfast - 34 - February 2018

VIDEO CONTENT We saw the importance of social media video content grow in 2017 and in 2018, video PDUNHWLQJ VKRXOG EH DQ HYHQ PRUH LPSRUWDQW part of your content strategy. Social media YLGHRV JHQHUDWH PRUH VKDUHV WKDQ WH[W DQG LPDJHV FRPELQHG 8VH YLGHR HGLWHG to suit each platform and their ideal lengths for increased engagement. There are many software applications you can download to PDNH YLGHR DÎ?RUGDEOH IRU DOO EXVLQHVVHV

CONTENT MARKETING So now you have a campaign idea or a contest in mind you will need to explore what content you will need to drive your

- Feature / Mother's Day -

marketing message, and where you will host it. You will need to consider all of these elements to ensure your campaign is a success and reaches your target audience at the right time.

HOW CAN YOU GET CREATIVE AND WOO YOUR GUESTS? IDEAS FOR 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ If you have a garden you could look to FUHDWH D Č&#x160;ZHOOQHVV *DUGHQČ&#x2039; IXOO RI SODQWV ZLWK healing and sensor y properties. Provide a EULHI JXLGH WR WKH JDUGHQ DERXW ZKDW SODQWV you have and what to look out for. Č? &ROODERUDWH ZLWK DQ DURPDWKHUDSLVW WR ensure you have a mix of essential oils to enhance your guests stay with a scent that will invigorate, relax or uplift your moods. â&#x20AC;˘ Follow one of Pinterest trends and have a room with a range of air purifying plants for the ultimate in relaxation and sleep. Č? :RUN ZLWK D ORFDO RU UHJLRQDO LQČľXHQFHU 7KH ULJKW Î&#x2013;QČľXHQFHU FDQ KHOS \RX 1. Improve your search ranking - Good 6(2 UHOLHV RQ KLJK TXDOLW\ RUJDQLF OLQNV IURP high-authority sites.

2. Engage a new customer base of loyal followers Î&#x2013;QČľXHQFHUV WHQG WR KDYH UHDOO\ engaged followers who trust them and want to emulate their lifestyle.

3. Generate content 0RVW LQČľXHQFHUV WHQG WR EH JUHDW SKRWRJUDSKHUV RU KDYH D WUDYHling companion who is great at photography DQG RU YLGHRJUDSK\ 4. Drive engagement :RUNLQJ ZLWK LQČľXencers to run competitions or promote content where the mechanic involves following WKH EUDQG DQG XVLQJ VSHFLČ´F KDVKWDJV GULYHV consumer engagement 5. Boost credibility - Association with well-reJDUGHG LQČľXHQFHUV ZKHWKHU WKH\Č&#x2021;UH EORJJHUV RU ZHOO NQRZQ FUHDWLYHV LQ WKHLU Č´HOG HOHYDWHV \RXU EUDQG DV WKHLU IDQV WUXVW WKHLU UHFRPmendations 6. Extend your reach :RUNLQJ ZLWK LQČľXHQFers allows you to get on the radar of future customers who otherwise wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come across your property 7. Create brand awareness and boost visibility - If you keep cropping up on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeds, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more likely to want to engage ZLWK \RXU EUDQG

8. Seasonality; work with the seasons to SUHVHQW VXLWDEOH RÎ?HUV DQG WKHPHV IRU H[DPSOH \RX FRXOG RÎ?HU D FRV\ +\JJH VWD\ DQG furnish the room with hygge items such as FDQGOHV ZDUP EODQNHWV ČľXÎ?\ VRFNV Č? 2Î?HU D XQLTXH ORFDWLRQ %DVHG H[SHULHQFH with a nod to your local surroundings. Such DV VXQULVH <RJD FROODERUDWLQJ ZLWK D ORFDO Č´VKHUPDQ 'U\ VWRQH ZDOOLQJ )RU WKRVH ZKR are environmentally conscious they may wish WR MRLQ D ORFDO JURXS ZKR PD\ EH FOHDQLQJ XS WKH ORFDO EHDFK HDUO\ RQH PRUQLQJ â&#x20AC;˘ As people live more and more complex lives with constant digital distractions. The TXDOLW\ RI D QLJKWČ&#x2021;V VOHHS LV D NH\ IDFWRU RI FKRRVLQJ ZKHUH WR VWD\ <RX FRXOG RÎ?HU D certain sleep inducing mattress and sleep light or even a light therapy light in the rooms to help re-set your guests internal clock each morning.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 35 - February 2018

VIP WORLDWIDE $V OHDGLQJ VSHFLDOLVWV LQ EULQJLQJ Č&#x2020;OX[XU\ WR OLIHČ&#x2021; DQG Č&#x2020;VWRU\WHOOLQJČ&#x2021; WKURXJK FRPPXQLFDWLRQ ZH DUH VSHFLDOLVWV LQ SXUVXLQJ HÎ?HFWLYH VRFLDO PHGLD VWUDWHJ\ WKDW LV DFFHVVLEOH DQG HQJDJLQJ to the right audience, as well as maintaining RXU FOLHQWVČ&#x2021; GLVWLQFW EUDQG 7KURXJK WKH DUW of digital storytelling the aim of social media PDUNHWLQJ LV WR KHOS HPSRZHU DQG LQČľXHQFH prospective guests, existing guests and stakeKROGHUV WR EHFRPH EUDQG DPEDVVDGRUV DQG LQFUHDVH UHYHQXH DQG ERRNLQJV Kirsty Beasley, Director of Marketing MBA MCIM MCIPR Chartered Marketer Kirsty is a multi-award winning Chartered Marketer, CIPR and MBA graduate with over 16 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in strategic marketing. She has a proven record of accomplishment and success in the creation of digital marketing, public relations and social media strategies in international travel and tourism.

- Feature / &RÎ?HH 6QDFNV -

Coffee & Snacks Co-founder of hot Hessian Coffee Neil Clark looks at the role of hot beverages at

B

breakfast and suggests ways that operators can make the most of their offering, while Wellaby's director Sue Warren stresses the importance of guest dietary requirements.

reakfast is well known as the most important meal of the day and, for caterers, it would appear to be one the fastest growing opportunities open to them. Research suggests that Britons spend ÂŁ76m every day on going out for breakfast or brunch, with an average daily spend of around ÂŁ7.31 per person (2015). One in three people HDW WKH Č´UVW PHDO RI WKH GD\ RXWVLGH RI WKHLU homes at least once a week, while as many as 14% do so every day. Nearly half of all consumers will sometimes eat breakfast out of home so, with a UK population of more than 65m, this is a huge potential marketplace.

For many consumers, breakfast will be an essential grab-and-go on their way to ZRUN UHČľHFWLQJ RXU KXUULHG OLIHVW\OHV IRU others, having breakfast out of home is seen as a luxury, more likely to be enjoyed as a weekend treat with friends or family. These two distinct sectors give caterers two very GLÎ?HUHQW FKDOOHQJHV EXW DW WKH VDPH WLPH huge opportunities. +RW EHYHUDJHV SDUWLFXODUO\ FRÎ?HH ZLOO always be a key feature on a breakfast menu. )RU PDQ\ FRQVXPHUV D FDÎ?HLQH NLFN IURP D FXS RI FRÎ?HH PLJKW EH DOO WKH\ ZDQW IRU EUHDNIDVW 7KDWČ&#x2021;V ZK\ \RXU FKRLFH RI FRÎ?HH DQG WKH way you serve it, is a vital part of the breakfast RÎ?HU &RQVXPHUV KDYH EHFRPH HYHU PRUH passionate about what they eat and drink. In order to grab their attention and to win their loyalty, yourhot beverages therefore need to be of a high standard. The quality of your FRÎ?HH ZLOO EH D PDMRU IDFWRU LQ GHWHUPLQLQJ whether your customers enjoy their experience and return for more.

Bearing in mind you might need to cater for WKRVH VLWWLQJ GRZQ IRU D OHLVXUHO\ FXS RI FRÎ?HH as well as those looking to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;grab and goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll SUREDEO\ QHHG WR FRQVLGHU WZR GLÎ?HUHQW VHUYLQJ methods - perhaps a traditional espresso maFKLQH DORQJVLGH D Č´OWHU PDFKLQH 7KH HVSUHVVR EDVHG FRÎ?HH PHQX WDNHV D OLWWOH ORQJHU IRU

the serve, but will deliver consistently excellent ČľDW ZKLWHV ODWWHV FDSSXFFLQRV DQG $PHULFDQRV 7KH Č´OWHU PHWKRG LV LGHDO IRU IDVW VHUYLFH JLYLQJ great results when brewed fresh and held for as short a time as possible. Î&#x2013;Q WHUPV RI WKH FRÎ?HH \RX VHUYH PDQ\ RI our customers pick their drink from a choice RI MXVW WZR RI RXU URDVWHG FRÎ?HHV WR VXLW WKHLU tastes. Both are available as whole beans or SUH JURXQG IRU Č´OWHU (VSUHVVR 1R LV D $UDELFD EOHQG RI WKH Č´QHVW FRÎ?HHV IURP &HQWUDO DQG 6RXWK $PHULFD JLYLQJ VZHHWQHVV DQG ERG\ IRU D EULJKW FLWUXV Č´QLVK DQG URXQGHG SURČ´OH Bourbon Select is Hessianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning VLQJOH RULJLQ FRÎ?HH 7KH $UDELFD FRÎ?HH LV 5DLQIRUHVW $OOLDQFH FHUWLČ´HG DQG VRXUFHG IURP 0RQWH 6LÂľQ LQ (O 6DOYDGRU Whatever the time of day, every beverage sale provides an opportunity to up-sell food, and vice versa. For sit-down, eat-in customers in the morning, the choice of food is huge, from IXOO (QJOLVK EUHDNIDVW ZLWK HJJV WR SDVWULHV DQG PXÉ?QV $ JURZLQJ WUHQG LV IRU KHDOWK\ RSWLRQV to eat, so you should include fruit, cereals and porridge on the menu. Use local or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;homePDGHČ&#x2021; IRRG ZKHUH SRVVLEOH LWČ&#x2021;V D JRRG VHOOLQJ point, tapping in to your customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desire for provenance and sustainability. For grab-and-go customers make sure your takeaway packaging is appropriate and, preferably, recyclable.

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together a breakfast/brunch menu, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that you promote your RÎ?HU HÎ?HFWLYHO\ 8VH VZLQJ VLJQV RXWVLGH \RXU premises and, inside, use table-talkers and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;specialsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; area on your menu board to promote \RXU EUHDNIDVW RÎ?HU %XW \RXU EHVW PHWKRG RI SURPRWLRQ LV WKURXJK \RXU VWDÎ? VR PDNH VXUH they are friendly, attentive and awake.

6ZLWFKHG RQ VWDÎ? ZLOO KDYH D SRVLWLYH HÎ?HFW on your customers, helping to upsell, making recommendations and leaving a lasting memoU\ RI WKH EUHDNIDVW H[SHULHQFH *HW \RXU VWDÎ? WR talk about your menu and invite customers to VDPSOH \RXU RÎ?HULQJV Î&#x2013;QYHVWLQJ LQ VWDÎ? WUDLQLQJ ZLOO QRW RQO\ KHOS Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 36 - February 2018

SURPRWH \RXU RÎ?HU EXW DOVR HQVXUH \RX JHW the most out of your investment in beverage HTXLSPHQW 7KH FRÎ?HH MRXUQH\ WDNHV RYHU Č´YH years of careful nurturing from the seed to the FXS \HW LWČ&#x2021;V DOO WRR HDV\ WR UXLQ WKH GULQN LQ WKH Č´QDO VHFRQGV RI SUHSDUDWLRQ 7KDWČ&#x2021;V ZK\ \RX QHHG WR LQYHVW LQ VWDÎ? WUDLQLQJ EHFDXVH D JRRG barista will ensure the best possible result from WKH FRÎ?HH 7KH\Č&#x2021;OO XQGHUVWDQG H[WUDFWLRQ WLPHV and grind sizes, will be able to foam the milk correctly and will be able to serve the drink just as your customers expect. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll minimise your wastage, maintain stocks, keep the production area clean and workable, and carry out preventative maintenance on your equipment. :H EHOLHYH WKDW VWDÎ? HGXFDWLRQ DQG WUDLQLQJ is so important for your business that we RÎ?HU WKLV WR RXU FXVWRPHUV IUHH RI FKDUJH DQG on your own site. This ensures that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to consistently deliver the highest quality drinks for your customers, keeping them coming back for more, time after time. $V D OX[XU\ EHG EUHDNIDVW RZQHU RU PDQDJHU it is a given that you are set up to serve breakfast for your guests. If it is possible in your business then it makes sense to extend your breakfast RÎ?HU WR QRQ UHVLGHQWV 7KLV LV D VWUDWHJLF PRYH for you to drive revenue. By opening your doors to non-residents, it provides additional turnover, encourages greater replenishment of product ensuring fresher quality, and allows operators to showcase your whole business to new guests.

MAKING BAR SNACKS INCLUSIVE FOR ALL Wellabyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic development director Sue Warren stresses the importance of accommodating guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dietary requirements Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that in the last decade, the cases of food allergies and intolerances have GRXEOHG WR QHDUO\ RQH LQ Č´YH SHRSOH LQ WKH 8. DORQH $FFRUGLQJ WR $OOHUJ\ 8. VRPH RI DOOHUJ\ VXÎ?HUHUV OLYH LQ GDLO\ IHDU RI D reaction, and eating out in pubs and restaurants - whether dining or snacking - can cause

- Feature / &RÎ?HH 6QDFNV -

extreme anxiety for those who live with them.

This puts incredible ongoing pressure on pubs and bars where allergy awareness is just one of the safety issues they need to keep on their radar at all times.

Bar snacks remain ever-popular with snack-loving consumers, particularly snacks that can be shared. Sharing bags have grown in popularity over recent years because they constitute part of the overall social experience for consumers. For some consumers, however, the worry is that they cannot eat some of the more common bar snacks like crisps and nuts due to an intolerance or fear of an allergic reaction. The question is, how can you ensure your range of bar snacks contains a greater array of options, not just in terms of being free from allergens, but also for the many other dietary requirements we must consider today?

CLEANER EATING The trend towards clean eating is growing and shows no sign of slowing as it becomes more important to a growing number of people.

This is largely due to our increased awareness of the foods that we eat, including the allergens present in certain foods, and the way in

ZKLFK WKLV FDQ DÎ?HFW ERWK RXU ZHOOEHLQJ DQG our environment.

Provenance is also an important consideration as we build a greater understanding of where our food comes from and how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s produced, as well as whether it is safe to eat. $V FRQVXPHUV ZH ZDQW IUHHGRP WR HQMR\ RXU snacks and our expectations are increasing.

We want great tasting foods that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t negatively impact our health and snacks that we can feel free to eat and enjoy.

With that in mind, as well as considering allergens present in certain snacks, there is D KXJH RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU SXEV DQG EDUV RÎ?HU a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;better for youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; snack too. People want to eat more healthily these days, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;healthyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the name of the game. Furthermore the number of people following a vegan diet, a gluten free GLHW LQFOXGLQJ WKRVH VXÎ?HULQJ IURP FRHOLDF disease, caused by a reaction of the immune system to gluten, found in wheat, barley and U\H DUH VRDULQJ $OWKRXJK KHDOWK\ VQDFNV DUH QRW D FRPSURPLVH RQ ČľDYRXU LI SXEV DQG EDUV DUH JRLQJ WR RÎ?HU D JUHDWHU FKRLFH of snacks, they have to taste great too: there is no room for empty calories. Healthy but popular snacks such as free-from, lower fat, Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 37 - February 2018

vegan, baked not fried alternatives to the potato crisp are a good choice.

ON THE GO In the case of free from snacks, these are becoming more readily available to pubs and bars and there are societies that can provide VXSSRUW WRR VXFK DV &RHOLDF 8. DQG WKH 9HJDQ 6RFLHW\ HWF $OWKRXJK LQFUHDVLQJO\ WKH OHDGLQJ wholesalers and importers are becoming PRUH Č&#x2020;FDWHJRU\ DZDUHČ&#x2021; DQG FDQ RÎ?HU VXSSRUW and category guidance to pubs and bars more readily when considering these options. $GG WR WKLV WKH WUHQG IRU DQG EH\RQG being all about snacks aimed at on-the-go consumers and it stands to reason that pubs and bars need to start making provisions for this. Plus with so many products out there, it is now much easier for the industry in terms of choice and range.

When it comes to allergens there is nowhere to hide. More and more people are DÎ?HFWHG HYHU\ \HDU DQG HQVXULQJ WKDW \RXU pub or bar is equipped both in terms of the management of allergens information and also providing a range of snacking options for all, is a natural progression.

- In Depth / &R΍HH 6QDFNV -

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 38 - February 2018

- Feature / *XHVW 5RRP $PHQLWLHV -

Guest Room Amenities

Guest room amenities are integral to the holy grail of revenue growth at a luxury bed & breakfast.

Out of Eden provides some key examples integral to the way in which you may boost guest satisfaction.

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uestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expectations are forever on the rise. Providing the right amenities in your rooms can be the key to achieving those outstanding online reviews, repeat ERRNLQJV DQG UHFRPPHQGDWLRQV $W WKH URRW RI \RXU % % VKRXOG EH FRPIRUW FOHDQOLQHVV and convenience for your guests, so ask yourself, are you providing everything you can to please your guests and stand out from the competition?

LUXURY OF LOCALITY Factoring in amenities that relate to your % %Č&#x2021;V ORFDWLRQ QRW RQO\ GHPRQVWUDWHV WKH time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken to ensure you provide quality products but also shows off what your local community has to offer and it gives your paying guests a sense of place. $ VLPSOH JHVWXUH RI D VHOHFWLRQ RI ORFDO history books to allow your guests to learn more about your area helps make you different from the competition.

A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL $GGLQJ OLWWOH WRXFKHV WR \RXU URRPV ZLOO ERWK SHUsonalise your guests' experience and showcase \RXU RZQ DWWHQWLRQ WR GHWDLO &HUWDLQ SHUVRQDO WRXFKHV PDNH D GLÎ?HUHQFH )RU LQVWDQFH OHDYLQJ complimentary water out is a gesture that is often much appreciated, and one that will refresh your guests as soon as they step foot in their room. Providing an alternative to long-life milk, FRXOG \RX RÎ?HU \RXU JXHVWV IUHVK PLON XSRQ DUrival, alongside some homemade baked goodies or fresh treats from your local bakery?

TECHNOLOGY TREATS

The chances are that your guests will not EH IDPLOLDU ZLWK WKH DUHD ZKHUH \RXU % % LV located, so putting together an information pack comprising attractions, restaurants, pubs, transport links and recommended walking routes in your area will highlight your attentive hosting skills and reliable local knowledge. Furthermore updating the pack with details of events in your area that week or month will certainly appeal to many of \RXU JXHVWV DV SHRSOH RIWHQ SLFN D % % DV their accommodation of choice because of the personal nature of the service and the helpful host.

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 39 - February 2018

Not every electrical amenity comes with a huge price tag, but they can still be a huge EHQHČ´W IRU \RXU JXHVWV 7DNH D ORRN DURXQG your rooms and consider whether there are conveniently placed plug sockets by the bed, desk space, or the mirror. For extra brownie points, install USB ports too, to save guests from using up a plug to charge their mobile phones or tablets. To make life easier for you, DW 2XW RI (GHQ ZH SURYLGH SOXJV ZLWK WZR 86% ports while still retaining the original plug VRFNHW ZKLFK PHDQV D VLPSOH FRVW HÎ?HFWLYH ZD\ RI RÎ?HULQJ 86% SRUWV WR \RXU JXHVWV Of course, this is not the be-all and end-all RI \RXU % % DQG \RX NQRZ what is best for your business and your guests.

There are a million and one ways to make \RXU % % VWDQG RXW and adding just a few extra amenities can make all the GLÎ?HUHQFH

- Feature / Bathroom Beauty -

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 40 - February 2018

- Feature / Bathroom Beauty -

Luxurious bathroom beauty When it comes to beauty products in the bathroom, guests paying for high-end accommodation have the highest expectations that mass-market brands simply do not meet.

o

Bill Lumley discovers Temple Spa offers an end-to-end range of luxury products.

ne of the biggest experiential factors that guests can take away from a stay in a luxury B&B is a well-delivered high-end bathroom beauty RÎ?HULQJ 7KH KRO\ JUDLO RI WKH OX[XU\ HQG RI guest houses and B&Bs is the repeat visit, which apart from anything reassures you that \RX DUH GRLQJ WKLQJV ULJKW &HOHEULWLHV KDYH EHHQ NQRZQ WR VLQJOH RXW Č´YH VWDU KRVSLWDOity properties for the sole reason that they provide outstanding quality beauty brands in WKH EDWKURRP )RU WKH SDVW \HDUV 7HPSOH 6SD KDV EHHQ creating and supplying premium bathroom and spa beauty treatments for luxury guest KRXVHV DQG KRWHOV LQ WKH 8. Î&#x2013;W SURYLGHV D wide range of products covering facial and body treatment, holistic, machine facial to full ERG\ SDFNDJHV 0DUNHWLQJ VSRNHVSHUVRQ $OH[ &KDUPDQ tells Luxury Bed & Breakfast magazine: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We provide products and treatment both for JXHVW EHGURRPV DQG IRU VSDV â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are really focused on the whole of the guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey, and from the moment they arrive at the luxury B&B, guesthouse or hotel, all the senses are covered by the touchpoints WKURXJKRXW WKH MRXUQH\ Č&#x2039; VKH VD\V As soon as guests arrive in reception they will encounter a candle burning with an aroma that envelops them as soon as they HQWHU WKH SUHPLVHV 7KH\ PD\ WKHQ EH RÎ?HUHG a drink or something with which to freshen up RQ DUULYDO 6KH VD\V Č&#x160;)RU H[DPSOH LI \RX FDPH WR RXU KHDG RÉ?FH 6SLULWXGH LQ WKH ZLQWHU \RXČ&#x2021;G EH JLYHQ D KHDWHG ČľDQQHO ZKLFK ZRXOG DOVR have one of our fragrances or Quietude, ZKLFK LV DERXW SHDFH DQG UHOD[DWLRQ 6SLULtude is a zesty fresh mist and is the perfect SLFN PH XS IRU WLUHG ERGLHV %RWK DQ DLU DQG body fragrance, it creates a rejuvenating

environment, like a luxury spa or bathroom RU DW KRPH â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have another product called breath of life, our inhalation essence for you to carry around on your person and take a breath if you need a moment of calm to reFRYHU Î&#x2013;WČ&#x2021;V 3RUWDEOH DQG HDV\ WR XVH RQ WKH JR A breath of aromatic fresh air for when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re IHHOLQJ VWXÎ?HG XS DQG QHHG VRPH HQHUJLVLQJ FODULW\ RI PLQG Č&#x2039; $OVR LQ WKHLU EDWKURRP JXHVWV PD\ Č´QG WKH EUDQGČ&#x2021;V IRXU RI 7HPSOH 6SDČ&#x2021;V DPHQLW\ SURGXFWV ZKLFK LQFOXGH *RRG +DLU 'D\ Î&#x2013;Q *RRG &RQGLWLRQ /D /D /DJRRQ DQG 3HDFH %H 6WLOO an aromatherapy and skincare in one - with extracts of coriander, lemon and nutmeg, antioxidants and a fusion of relaxing essential RLOV DQG YLWDPLQ % *RRG +DLU 'D\ LV 7HPSOH 6SDČ&#x2021;V VKDPSRR ZKLOH Î&#x2013;Q *RRG &RQGLWLRQ LV LWV FRQGLWLRQHU both of which come in a variety of sizes LQFOXGLQJ PO PO PO DQG PO 7KHVH are also quite often taken by guests to be used in changing rooms if the B&B, hotel or guesthouse has any gym or spa facilities, she VD\V Č&#x160;7KHQ WKHUH LV ERG\ PRLVWXUL]HU ZKLFK can also be used on the face afterwards, FDOOHG 3HDFH %H 6WLOO Č&#x2039; VKH DGGV 6RPH JXHVWKRXVHV DQG KRWHOV ZLOO WDNH

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 41 - February 2018

on additional products such as the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s $DDKKK %DOP VKH VD\V Č&#x160;Î&#x2013;WČ&#x2021;V D FRROLQJ EDOP that you might massage onto your feet up your lower calves or onto any other aching PXVFOH 3DUWLFXODUO\ LI \RX KDYH EHHQ RXW IRU the day shopping or playing out on the golf course, or if you have simply been travelling a long distance and have achy calves, then LWČ&#x2021;V WKH SHUIHFW WKLQJ WR FRRO GRZQ ZLWK Î&#x2013;W UHDOO\ HDVHV DQ\ PXVFOH WHQVLRQ 4XLWH D ORW of luxury hotels like to take that and some of them serve it on a tray of ice when you have come back out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another way to make that guest feel special, cosseted and cared for,â&#x20AC;? &KDUPDQ VD\V Č&#x160;$QRWKHU RI 7HPSOH 6SDČ&#x2021;V SURGXFWV LV SDOP balm, a nourishing hand moisturiser and a lovely product for people to carry around with WKHP RXWVLGH WKH EDWKURRP GXULQJ WKHLU VWD\ Č&#x2039; Î&#x2013;Q WKH EDWKURRP JXHVWV PD\ DOVR Č´QG WKH brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand wash and hand lotion, All in +DQG DQG $OO LV :HOO Č&#x160;7KHVH DUH QRW MXVW IRU WKH EDWKURRP EXW also connect the guest through the whole journey through the hotel and spa: there is a connection to it rather than feeling a bit GLVMRLQWHG Č&#x2039; VKH VD\V â&#x20AC;&#x153;When guests return to their room in the evening if they have a turndown service some

- Feature / Bathroom Beauty -

of the luxury guest houses and B&Bs will RÎ?HU D SURGXFW ZLWK WKDW DQG RQH RI WKH PRVW popular is our product Repose, an aromatherDS\ UHVWLQJ FUHDP $V SDUW RI WKH WXUQGRZQ service, they will lay a tube of this product on your pillow, so as guests go through their bathroom bedroom ritual as they are getting into bed this is a lovely balmy texture that they pop over face and massage over their neck and chest, and it really helps aid a good QLJKWČ&#x2021;V VOHHS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your skin gets nicely nourished and looks radiant, so you wake up feeling amazing as well when you come to look in the mirror,â&#x20AC;?

VKH DGGV 7HPSOH 6SD RÎ?HUV RWKHU W\SHV RI SURGXFWV that some luxury guest houses hotels will take LI WKH\ DUH RÎ?HULQJ SDFNDJHV GHSHQGLQJ RQ

WKH VWD\ WKDW D JXHVW PLJKW KDYH Č&#x160;:KHWKHU they are coming for a particular occasion or they are coming as part of a Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; day gift, they may have the package boosted with RWKHU JLIWV DV ZHOO :H KDYH D YDULHW\ RI JLIWV LQ WKLV UHJDUG 'R 1RW 'LVWXUE DQG 6SD 5HWUHDW DUH TXLWH SRSXODU 'R 1RW 'LVWXUE LV D NLW WKDW FRPSULVHV D UDQJH RI GLÎ?HUHQW SURGXFWV that are all about taking that me-time, and LW FRPHV ZLWK D OLWWOH SLOORZ WKDW VD\V 'R 1RW 'LVWXUE WKDW \RX KDQJ RQ \RXU GRRU â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have all the products there to have a relaxing time, whether it is in the bath or just LQ WKH EHGURRP 7KDW LV VRPHWKLQJ D JXHVW might either take home or use in the room,â&#x20AC;?

VD\V &KDUPDQ Č&#x160;$OO WKH SURGXFWV 7HPSOH 6SD SURYLGHV DUH unisex: we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a separate male/female SURGXFW UDQJH 7KHUH DUH D QXPEHU RI RXU products that many guys really like from us EHVLGHV REYLRXVO\ WKH FOHDQVHUV DQG WRQHUV $ particularly popular product for post-activity such as golf our moisturiser Life Defence, a OLIH SURWHFWLQJ PRLVWXUL]HU ZLWK DQ 63) VXQ protection factor) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an ideal product to recomPHQG LI \RX DUH WDONLQJ DERXW JROI Č&#x2039; VKH VD\V 6R GRHV 7HPSOH 6SD GLÎ?HUHQWLDWH LWV SURGXFW UDQJH IURP WKH WUDGLWLRQDO RÎ?HU RI toiletries and beauty products in the guest EDWKURRP RÎ?HU" &KDUPDQ VD\V Č&#x160;7KHUH DUH TXLWH D IHZ IDFWRUV WKDW GLÎ?HUHQWLDWH RXU EUDQG IURP RWKHU OX[XU\ EUDQGV 7KHUH LV WKH IRUPXOD LWVHOI WKH\ are all professional-strength formulas, so if you are having treatment in your room they

Luxury Bed & Breakfast - 42 - February 2018

are all the same product so the impression \RX JHW LV DOZD\V UHSHDWHG DORQJ WKH MRXUQH\ 7KH VPHOOV WKH DURPD DQG WKH WH[WXUH RQ the skin and what it delivers for your skin is LPSRUWDQW 2XU SURGXFWV DUH %ULWLVK PDGH Č&#x2039; VKH DGGV 7KHUH LV DOVR D VRDS WKDW 7HPSOH 6SD RÎ?HUV DV ZHOO DQG PDQ\ OX[XU\ % %V JXHVWhouses and luxury hotels will take the full RÎ?HU WRJHWKHU WKH VRDS EHLQJ DQ DOWHUQDWLYH WR RÎ?HU LQ DGGLWLRQ WR WKH VKRZHU JHO IRU H[DPSOH VKH VD\V 7KH SULFLQJ RI WKH EUDQGČ&#x2021;V UDQJH RI SURGXFWV LV YHU\ FRPSHWLWLYH VKH PDLQWDLQV Č&#x160;7KH products are obviously priced noticeably more than mass market brands as a high-end OX[XU\ EUDQG Č&#x2039; 6KH FRQFOXGHV Č&#x160;:H DUH GULYHQ E\ LQWHJULW\ LQQRYDWLRQ UHVXOWV DQG H[FHOOHQFH :H RQO\ work with the best of the best, including LQJUHGLHQWV WHFKQRORJ\ DQG SHRSOH Č&#x160;7KH SURGXFWV FRPH LQ FRQWHPSRUDU\ packaging, anti-ageing formulas, textures like cashmere, feel-good factor aromas and QDPHV WR PDNH \RX VPLOH 7KH\ DUH ULFK LQ ERWDQLFDOV WUDGLWLRQDOO\ IRXQG LQ WKH ULFK Č´HOGV DQG ZDWHUV RI WKH 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ 6RXUFHG IURP WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ FURSV 7KH SURGXFWV are free from parabens and petrochemicals DQG WKHUH LV QR WHVWLQJ RQ DQLPDOV Č&#x160;7KH SURGXFWV DUH GHYRWHG WR GH VWUHVVLQJ re-balancing and restoring against everyday stresses, with absorbing, modern, feel-good textures and aromas that are agreeable to all WKH VHQVHV Č&#x2039;

Insurance for Bed & Breakfast Owners >L \UKLYZ[HUK [OH[ L]LY` ) ) PZ \UPX\L [OH[ PZ ^O` ^L ZLHYJO [OL PUZ\YHUJL THYRL[ [V Ã&#x201E;UK the right policy for your property. Our specialist insurance brokers provide a discreet and WLYZVUHSPZLK ZLY]PJL HUK ^PSS SVVR H[ L]LY` HZWLJ[ VM `V\Y I\ZPULZZ [V Ã&#x201E;UK [OL YPNO[ JV]LY MVY `V\ and your home. ;V Ã&#x201E;UK V\[ TVYL HIV\[ OV^ ^L JHU OLSW `V\ WYV[LJ[ [OL [OPUNZ `V\ JHYL HIV\[ JVU[HJ[ \Z! 5H[HZOH :HKSLY VU VY UH[HZOH ZHKSLY'ZJY\[[VUISHUK JV \R

Call: Cambridge: 01223 928065 Colchester: 01206 838400 Diss: 01379 643444 Ipswich: 01473 267000 www.scruttonbland.co.uk

bland Scrutton Bland Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Sealy is the world’s No.1 bed brand. With a global presence and over half a century’s experience in contract beds, we know a thing or two about designing beds specifically for the hospitality sector.

Whether it’s a business trip, romantic break or their family holiday your guests desire a great night’s sleep.

With Sealy Contract Beds in your business you’ll give them a night to remember. They’ll want to tell their friends, family and followers about it and will come back and stay with you time and time again.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES A

YOU GET

FREE SITE SURVEY

DIRECT FACTORY PRICING

BUY ONLINE 24 HOURS A DAY

A WIDE RANGE OF

CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT’S

FREE DELIVERY NO MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY

COMFORT OPTIONS, BASE HEIGHTS and FABRICS

AWARD-WINNING

Proud suppliers to: ALTON TOWERS CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL DU VIN SAVOY

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CENTER PARCS .

CUNARD

HYATT

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CITIZENM

FOUR SEASONS

LANGHAM

STAYBRIDGE SUITES

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MALMAISON

VILLAGE

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P&O

WETHERSPOON

CONTRACT BEDS Contract Beds Hotline: 016973 24417

www.sealycontractbeds.co.uk