Experience

Healds Hall Hotel

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Manager

  • Sep 2023 - Present

  Liversedge, England, United Kingdom



Heart of Yorkshire - Selby District (Selby,Tadcaster, Sherburn)

• Chairperson

  • Apr 2019 - Present

  Selby, England, United Kingdom A collective of Selby ambassadors to oversee and influence the successful delivery of the Selby District Visitor Economy Strategy. Providing an ongoing link between the sector and Selby District Council to ensure that all opportunities are being maximised, to provide ongoing intelligence and insight from the market and to encourage/support collaboration across the district.



MATTGRAY Hospitality

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality

• Managing Director

  • Oct 2018 - Present

  North Yorkshire Founder, inspirational and entrepreneurial leader of MATTGRAY Hospitality. Offering full hotel consultancy, strategic management, business mentoring and investment/project management and coordination.



The Inn South Stainley, Harrogate

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Managing Director

  • Apr 2021 - Present

  Harrogate, England, United Kingdom Our third site The Inn South Stainley - cocktail bar, country pub, fine dining restaurant and rooms offering a superior experience, great food, outstanding service and a truly memorable visit.



The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub - Skipwith, Nr York

• United Kingdom
• Restaurants
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Managing Director

  • Nov 2013 - Present

  Skipwith The Drovers Arms is the perfect place for dining, drinking and relaxing and entertaining. Great food, fine ales, plenty of gin and a friendly atmosphere – what more could you want from a restaurant and country pub? The Drovers Arms, set in the tiny, picturesque village of Skipwith only ten miles south of York, is fast becoming one of the areas main destination inns. The delicious homemade food is locally sourced and reflects the changing seasons, mirroring the wonderful walks to… Show more The Drovers Arms is the perfect place for dining, drinking and relaxing and entertaining. Great food, fine ales, plenty of gin and a friendly atmosphere – what more could you want from a restaurant and country pub? The Drovers Arms, set in the tiny, picturesque village of Skipwith only ten miles south of York, is fast becoming one of the areas main destination inns. The delicious homemade food is locally sourced and reflects the changing seasons, mirroring the wonderful walks to be found through Skipwith Common, right on its doorstep. The Drovers Arms has already notched up many awards: 🥇 WINNER - Welcome to Yorkshire, White Rose Awards ‘Pub of the Year’ 2020 🥇WINNER - Selby District Business Awards - Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year category 2020. 🥇Double WINNER - Visit York Tourism Awards ‘Pub of the Year’ 2020 & 2021 Show less



West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Leadership Consultant

  • Jul 2016 - Jun 2020

  York, United Kingdom The group meets quarterly to focus on business needs and concerns in the patch, and how to lobby for improvements. Other partners such as the local authority sit on the group, which is chaired by the York & North Yorkshire Chamber President, Ed Everard. http://york.wnychamber.co.uk/new-faces-on-policy-group/



Hospitality Association York (HAY)

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality

• Chairman

  • Dec 2014 - Aug 2019

  York, United Kingdom York is a world famous city offering visitors an experience you can't get anywhere else. The city boasts amazing attractions, history, retail, bars, restaurants and hotels. Working closely with the Council Visit York and Make it York our Hotels need a voice within the city. Having spent over 2 decades in the Hospitality industry the challenge through 2015 will be to ensure our industry is recognised within York as a career path of choice, offering some of the best available training… Show more York is a world famous city offering visitors an experience you can't get anywhere else. The city boasts amazing attractions, history, retail, bars, restaurants and hotels. Working closely with the Council Visit York and Make it York our Hotels need a voice within the city. Having spent over 2 decades in the Hospitality industry the challenge through 2015 will be to ensure our industry is recognised within York as a career path of choice, offering some of the best available training and experience with some of the best hotels in Yorkshire yet on our doorstep. For further information on the YHA please get in touch. http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/business/news/11648956.Hotelier_takes_the_reins_of_tourism_body/?ref=mac Show less



DoubleTree by Hilton

• United States
• Hospitality
• 700 & Above Employee

• General Manager

  • Feb 2012 - Oct 2018

  York, United Kingdom 143 rooms, 4*AA, city centre, £6.1m redevelopment, refurbishment and re-positioning, http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/doubletree-by-hilton-york-LBAYKDI/index.html Having worked in York a number of years ago it is a delight to come back to this wonderful city. The Best Western Monkbar Hotel was a very settled and robust business on the edge of the city walls. On commencing here this 99 bedroom hotel with 7 meeting rooms catering for up to 140, offers a great base… Show more 143 rooms, 4*AA, city centre, £6.1m redevelopment, refurbishment and re-positioning, http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/doubletree-by-hilton-york-LBAYKDI/index.html Having worked in York a number of years ago it is a delight to come back to this wonderful city. The Best Western Monkbar Hotel was a very settled and robust business on the edge of the city walls. On commencing here this 99 bedroom hotel with 7 meeting rooms catering for up to 140, offers a great base for leisure visitors, conference delegates or association and groups accommodation and dining. Recently re-discovered the 100 seater Cloisters Restaurant & Bar now offers a wonderful dining experience, with an adjoining courtyard being the central sun trap for added enjoyment. This is a challenging business in a very competitive market place, with an 80%+ year on year occupancy the Monkbar certainly holds its head above its competitors. May 2014 see's the start of a very exciting time for the BEST WESTERN Monkbar Hotel with the commencement of a £3m redevelopment, refurbishment and re-positioning in York city centre as a 4 star Best Western Plus hotel, York visitors first choice hotel! May 2017 saw then planned further £3.1m investment, additional bedrooms added and full rebrand to DoubleTree by Hilton. First year KPI's - 25% increase in weddings, £40k reduction in payroll, increase of £70k NOP from previous year, 'Delivering Excellence' program rolled out to develop hotels F&B offering, Green Business Tourism 'GOLD' Award.... but to name a few. During 2014/2015 oversaw and project lead a challenging £3m redevelopment of additional 27 bedrooms and 250 seater function suite, destination restaurant ‘The Yorkshire bar and grill’ full refurbishment and repositioning of this hotel back into the market place as a 4 star Best Western Plus Hotel – Sales forecast 2015/2016 £5.2m Show less



The Craiglands Hotel & Brasserie 1

• General Manager

  • Nov 2009 - Mar 2012

  Ilkley 62 rooms, 3*AA, 77% Country Retreat, £500,000 refurbishment, www.craiglandshotel.co.uk Ilkleys landmark hotel, 62 bedrooms with C&B facilities for just under 1000. This beautiful Victorian Hotel was originally built as on of the countries Hydro establishments and is steeped in history. The hotel offers 7 meeting and conference rooms catering from 10 to 650, due to the market mix of the local area, functions and events was the key driver of the success of this business. With a damaged… Show more 62 rooms, 3*AA, 77% Country Retreat, £500,000 refurbishment, www.craiglandshotel.co.uk Ilkleys landmark hotel, 62 bedrooms with C&B facilities for just under 1000. This beautiful Victorian Hotel was originally built as on of the countries Hydro establishments and is steeped in history. The hotel offers 7 meeting and conference rooms catering from 10 to 650, due to the market mix of the local area, functions and events was the key driver of the success of this business. With a damaged reputation and poor bed stock a full 45 bedroom refurbishment, conference room rejuvenation and solid standards of food, beverage, service and detail was instilled into the team. Significant KPI's of the hotels performance were clear to see - increase in weddings by 15%, reduction of payroll by £25k, development of key 'Leisure market' business to yield better over the weekends, large number of repeat business due to consistent delivery of a quality product and service. Show less



Hand Picked Hotels

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Deputy General Manager

  • Sep 2007 - Aug 2009

  70 rooms, 4 Star 85%, C&B, 2 Rosettes, Luxury Spa www.handpicked.co.uk Having worked for Hand Picked Hotels a couple of years ago and for a short term prior to Bespoke Hotels, I was asked to assist in the development of Rookery Hall following a £10m refurbishment and re-development. The property now consist of 70 contemporary bedrooms, Fine Dining Restaurant, Brasserie, C&B for up to 250 and a luxury award winning Spa (7 treatments rooms and 800+ members). The property has an annual… Show more 70 rooms, 4 Star 85%, C&B, 2 Rosettes, Luxury Spa www.handpicked.co.uk Having worked for Hand Picked Hotels a couple of years ago and for a short term prior to Bespoke Hotels, I was asked to assist in the development of Rookery Hall following a £10m refurbishment and re-development. The property now consist of 70 contemporary bedrooms, Fine Dining Restaurant, Brasserie, C&B for up to 250 and a luxury award winning Spa (7 treatments rooms and 800+ members). The property has an annual turnover of £5.2m, responsible for all operational departments and supporting the revenue, sales & marketing and accounts departments, control, revenue capture, forecasting and budgets. Show less



Bespoke Hotels

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Designate General Manager

  • Mar 2007 - Sep 2007

  14 Hotels and 2 Private Member Clubs www.bespokehotels.com / www.homehouse.co.uk I was employed by Bespoke Hotels to manage in the acquisition, refurbishment and opening of 20 Church Street in Sheffield (54 room boutique Hotel and Restaurant) and of the conversation, refurbishment and opening of Hotel Layla in Liverpool (85 room 5 star Hotel and Restaurant). While waiting for these contacts to confirm I took on various projects at our 2 private members clubs, the last 4 months of my… Show more 14 Hotels and 2 Private Member Clubs www.bespokehotels.com / www.homehouse.co.uk I was employed by Bespoke Hotels to manage in the acquisition, refurbishment and opening of 20 Church Street in Sheffield (54 room boutique Hotel and Restaurant) and of the conversation, refurbishment and opening of Hotel Layla in Liverpool (85 room 5 star Hotel and Restaurant). While waiting for these contacts to confirm I took on various projects at our 2 private members clubs, the last 4 months of my time was training the General Manager for a property in Edinburgh. Show less



SVB Recruitment Ltd

• Hotel Account Manager

  • May 2006 - Feb 2007

  www.svbrecruitment.co.uk I was approached by owners Matt and Sally to create and develop a hotels division within SVB who for the last 5 years had very successfully recruited for Management positions within Bars (gastro, late night venues, high street concepts) and Restaurants (branded, high street concepts, national chains). Responsible for all financial and revenue targets, sourcing new clients and accounts, working with 2,3 & 4 Rosette and Michelin Star properties in Yorkshire… Show more www.svbrecruitment.co.uk I was approached by owners Matt and Sally to create and develop a hotels division within SVB who for the last 5 years had very successfully recruited for Management positions within Bars (gastro, late night venues, high street concepts) and Restaurants (branded, high street concepts, national chains). Responsible for all financial and revenue targets, sourcing new clients and accounts, working with 2,3 & 4 Rosette and Michelin Star properties in Yorkshire and across the country, recruiting at all levels however with previous experience of the industry I specialized in Rosette/Michelin Star hotels at Senior Management level (F&B Managers/DGM and GM’s) Show less



Great Victoria Hotel Bradford

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• General Manager

  • Nov 2005 - May 2006

  60 rooms, Aiming for 4 star luxury following a £5m re-furb www.tomahawkhotels.co.uk Working for a rapidly growing hotel group Tomahawk Hotels I was employed for the purchase, redevelopment and £5m refurbishment of this stunning Victorian hotel in Bradford City Centre aiming for a 4 star luxury market. With Corniche Restaurant Bar & Grill (100), R Bar (70), 4 Function rooms (10 – 200) 20 out of 60 rooms refurbished, £27 increase on ARR, 38% increase in occupancy, set up of all… Show more 60 rooms, Aiming for 4 star luxury following a £5m re-furb www.tomahawkhotels.co.uk Working for a rapidly growing hotel group Tomahawk Hotels I was employed for the purchase, redevelopment and £5m refurbishment of this stunning Victorian hotel in Bradford City Centre aiming for a 4 star luxury market. With Corniche Restaurant Bar & Grill (100), R Bar (70), 4 Function rooms (10 – 200) 20 out of 60 rooms refurbished, £27 increase on ARR, 38% increase in occupancy, set up of all account, sales and marketing procedures and recruit and train a complete team, this was a fantastic yet challenging opportunity! Show less



The Grange Hotel York

• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee

• General Manager

  • Nov 2003 - Nov 2005

  30 rooms, 3 Red Star AA, 82% Country House, 2 Rosette www.grangehotel.co.uk Manager of this beautiful 18th century Regency Town House Hotel with a turn over in excess of £1.7m. Property comprises of The Ivy Restaurant (30), Seafood Bar (16), Brasserie (65), 2 private dining rooms (20 – 65) and 30 luxury bedrooms all based in the historic city centre of York. Reporting to the Managing Director, driving and motivating a team of 60, producing fabulous food, great service, increasing… Show more 30 rooms, 3 Red Star AA, 82% Country House, 2 Rosette www.grangehotel.co.uk Manager of this beautiful 18th century Regency Town House Hotel with a turn over in excess of £1.7m. Property comprises of The Ivy Restaurant (30), Seafood Bar (16), Brasserie (65), 2 private dining rooms (20 – 65) and 30 luxury bedrooms all based in the historic city centre of York. Reporting to the Managing Director, driving and motivating a team of 60, producing fabulous food, great service, increasing sales, and most of all delivering the wow factor to all guests. Show less



Hazlewood Castle Hotel

• Hotel Manager

  • Nov 2001 - Nov 2003

  21 rooms, 3*AA, 80% Country House, 2 Rosette www.hazlewood-castle.co.uk Controller of the complete £2.7m business, a 1000 year old castle, made up of Restaurant ‘1086’ (85-120), Prickly Pear Café (45), Banqueting in 4 elegant rooms (200), Cookery School, 21 luxury bedrooms and 77 acres of grounds. Being the driver of all areas including sales and marketing of this very renowned Castle. Reporting to the Director, John Benson-Smith, my role encases all possible areas of the… Show more 21 rooms, 3*AA, 80% Country House, 2 Rosette www.hazlewood-castle.co.uk Controller of the complete £2.7m business, a 1000 year old castle, made up of Restaurant ‘1086’ (85-120), Prickly Pear Café (45), Banqueting in 4 elegant rooms (200), Cookery School, 21 luxury bedrooms and 77 acres of grounds. Being the driver of all areas including sales and marketing of this very renowned Castle. Reporting to the Director, John Benson-Smith, my role encases all possible areas of the property. With a team of 60 full time and 40 part-time, ‘Excellence’ is only acceptable. Show less



Hand Picked Hotels

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Food & Beverage Manager

  • Sep 1999 - Nov 2001

  43 rooms, 3*AA, 78% Country House, 2 Rosette www.handpickedhotels.co.uk Managing the hotels £1.4m food and beverage department which includes a variety of different outlets, from fine dining (65), banqueting (140), Conference rooms (7), night and day portering, bar, lounge and room service. Increasing food and beverage sales, customer satisfaction, budget/forecasting, manning and to create service “Excellence” throughout the property.