Preparations are well underway for the brand new Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness as a General Manager has been appointed to lead operations.
Experienced hotelier Mark Winter will oversee the launch of the 127-bedroom hotel and restaurant which is due to open its doors this December.
With a hotel management career spanning more than 10 years, Winter was handpicked for the role thanks to his proven track record of leading successful hotel launches – including Holiday Inn Middlesbrough Centre Square in 2015 and Hampton by Hilton Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
His immediate focus will be on carrying out a local search to fill 25 available vacancies as the hotel’s opening approaches.
Situated on the site of the former Barrow in Furness police station, the new hotel has been hailed as having the potential to encourage further development on Market Street and Duke Street by the Furness Economic Development Forum.
Winter said, “Having worked in the industry for a number of years, I can honestly say my passion lies in opening and launching fantastic new properties and I can’t wait to hit the ground running in this role.
“The hotel is in the perfect location within the town and will really add to the local accommodation and restaurant offering.
“My first priority is finding the ideal candidates within the local area to join the team that will open our doors to guests later this year and deliver a first class service for years to come.”
Further details of the recruitment open days for the 25 vacancies at the property will be released over the coming months.
Neil Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at RBH, said, “With a proven track record of maximising profitability, team engagement and increasing revenue for new hotels, Mark is the perfect candidate to build and lead the new hotel team towards a successful opening, and beyond.”
Located in the heart of Barrow in Furness, just 30 minutes from the Lake District, the property will offer perfect destination for business and leisure visitors to the city. The 127 bedrooms will be designed in line with Holiday Inn Express’ Next Generation hotel model, which focuses on providing all the facilities today’s smart traveller requires.
Holiday Inn Express Barrow in Furness will be operated by RBH, the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, and developed by Ashall Projects Ltd.