Unwind, create, and celebrate: a Mother’s Day retreat to remember at Lough Erne Resort
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better way to honour the remarkable women in your life than with a serene escape to the luxurious Lough Erne Resort.
The exclusive Scented Serenity Retreat package promises an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to craft cherished memories together.
Set amidst the captivating countryside of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort is the ideal destination for a well-deserved Mother’s Day retreat. Enjoy an indulgent overnight stay in one of the Resort’s newly refurbished guest rooms, suites, or lodges, all of which act as your own private sanctuary nestled in nature’s beauty.
On Mother’s Day, March 30th, at 3pm, local artisan shop The Natural Beauty Pot will lead a two-hour wax melt and candle workshop. Upon arrival, guests can relax with a refreshing glass of prosecco and a delectable charcuterie board – perfectly setting the scene for a creative adventure. Under the expert guidance, attendees will blend their own signature fragrance using natural, sustainable wax and dried botanicals.
To make the experience even more memorable, guests can name their very own unique scent—a personal touch that transforms the workshop into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. As the creative journey unfolds, attendees can express their inner artist by decorating a soy pillar candle with a spectrum of colours to craft a stunning masterpiece.
After the workshop, guests will have the chance to revive their mind, body, and soul with a leisurely dip in the resort’s Thai Spa infinity pool—a true haven for relaxation.
Alternatively, you can embrace adventure with an energising stroll around the 600-acre peninsula, where the wild places, green spaces and enchanting woodlands of Lough Erne Resort’s grounds come to. As the evening approaches, warm up by the roaring open fires in the main hotel, offering a cozy retreat from the crisp spring air.
After a day filled with creativity and exploration, delight in a mouth-watering meal at one of Lough Erne Resort’s three restaurants, where seasonal produce and local flavours are sure to win Mum’s approval.
The retreat concludes with a delightful breakfast served the following morning, overlooking the tranquil Fermanagh Lakelands—a perfect start to a day of discovery and relaxation.
For those who can’t stay the night but still want to take part in this unique experience, a limited number of day tickets are also available, allowing guests to enjoy the full workshop experience without the overnight stay. Tickets for The Natural Beauty Pot Mother's Day Workshop are available for £60.00 at https://lougherneresort.wearegifted.co.uk
Lough Erne Resort General Manager, Gareth Byrne says: “At Lough Erne we want to celebrate the extraordinary women in our lives. Uniquely nestled within an abundance of nature, the resort is an idyllic testament to the gifts bestowed on us from Mother Nature herself.
“Our wonderful 600-acre peninsula is the ideal place to experience the nurturing aspects of nature whilst reconnecting with our loved ones and creating special memories together.”
For bookings and more information, visit www.lougherneresort.com or call +44(0)28 6632 3230.
Exclusive Partnership Unveiled: DOCUMENTS and ADA Cosmetics Debut World Premiere at Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai
As the market leader in hotel amenities, ADA Cosmetics will showcase its latest brands and innovations at Hotel & Shop Plus in Shanghai. Visitors can explore prestigious collections, including Balmain and Yon-Ka, alongside the unveiling of an exclusive partnership with China-based fragrance brand DOCUMENTS. The exhibition will also feature the Asian premiere of SmartCare – the world’s most hygienic and sustainable dispenser, in the Balmain Signature Hotel Collection.
Partnership With Chinese Premium Brand DOCUMENTS Revealed
At this year’s Hotel & Shop Plus trade fair in Shanghai, ADA Cosmetics’ exciting new collaboration with the fragrance brand DOCUMENTS will debut in China.
Founded in 2020, DOCUMENTS blends traditional Oriental culture with modern design aesthetics, pioneering its signature “Bold-Zen” style. The brand’s name, which translates to “smells and gifts worth remembering”, reflects its mission to create unforgettable fragrance experiences that linger long after guests depart. With its motto “Be Scented, Be Remembered”, DOCUMENTS promises to offer a distinctive and memorable scent journey for hotels aiming to elevate their guests’ experience.
Outstanding Brands for an Extraordinary Hotel Experience
In addition to this exciting launch, visitors are invited to experience exquisite new hotel amenities from the French haute couture house Balmain. For the first time in Asia, ADA Cosmetics will introduce SmartCare dispensers to the Balmain Signature Hotel Collection, allowing guests to enjoy all the benefits of the world’s most hygienic and sustainable dispenser system.
ADA Cosmetics will also showcase the renowned French spa brand Yon-Ka, which is celebrated for its holistic skincare approach. Furthermore, exciting new brands from ADA Cosmetics will make their debut. The Curious Botanist is a sensory journey through the wonders of nature; ELEMENT_RY is pure and conscious skincare for the urban traveler, and the relaunched Naturals line brings an updated formulation with an invigorating scent. These new collections feature carefully crafted formulas infused with innovative Actimood® technology, designed to provide scientifically proven emotional benefits and enhance the overall hotel experience.
Another highlight in Shanghai will be the renowned local avant-garde brand handhandhand, captivating visitors with its cutting-edge design showcased at the event. This exclusive collection gives hotel professionals a unique opportunity to experience distinctive, scent-driven hotel amenities firsthand.
Introducing Pump Dispensers Made from New Materials
Three stunning new dispenser designs will debut, blending exquisite design with eco-friendly innovation. Crafted from lightweight aluminum, durable ceramic, and fire-polished glass, these premieres from ADA Cosmetic offer hoteliers elegant and sustainable solutions that meet the elevated expectations of modern guests.
Patented Hygiene Pump – A Breakthrough in Safety and Sustainability
As a pioneer in dispenser systems for over four decades, ADA Cosmetics will present its new mono-material hygiene pump featuring a patented drainage system that ensures perfect hygiene by separating air and liquid. This state-of-the-art innovation will be showcased alongside SmartCare, recognized by the renowned Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Germany as the world’s most hygienic and sustainable dispenser system.
Discover the Market Leader in Hotel Amenities at Hotel & Shop Plus
ADA Cosmetics invites industry professionals to experience four exciting days in Shanghai. Visitors can look forward to an immersive showcase at the company’s impressive stand, where digital backdrops will highlight the brand’s latest innovations. The oversized models of SmartCare and the new pump dispensers, enhanced with interactive screens, promise to deliver a one-of-a-kind visual experience.
Meet ADA Cosmetics at Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai, CNIEC, stand W5G12.
For more information about ADA Cosmetics, please visit ada-cosmetics.com.
Mandarin Oriental Announces the Appointment of New Chief People & Culture Officer
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is pleased to announce the appointment of ShaoWei Ong as Chief People & Culture Officer, effective 17 March 2025. ShaoWei will report directly to the Group Chief Executive, Laurent Kleitman and join both the Executive Committee and the Group Leadership Team, reflecting the Group’s commitment to placing its people at the heart of its operations. Amanda Hyndman, who has held the dual roles of Chief People & Culture Officer and Chief Operating Officer, will now focus fully on her responsibilities as COO.
With over 22 years of human resources leadership experience, ShaoWei has developed her expertise across a diverse range of industries, including hospitality, banking, fintech, music and engineering. Her broad expertise includes HR transformation, organisational redesign, culture building, leadership development and digital transformation - aligning seamlessly with Mandarin Oriental’s vision to deliver exceptional experiences for colleagues and guests alike.
Joining Mandarin Oriental from Jardines, ShaoWei previously served as Group Human Resources Director at both Jardine Schindler and Livi Bank. Her previous roles include Vice President of HR for Sony Music Group across Asia and the Middle East and Head of the Starwood Academy Asia Pacific in Shanghai, where she helped shape the next generation of hospitality leaders. Her impressive career also includes senior leadership positions at Secoo Group, Wyndham Hotel Group in Asia, and United Overseas Bank (Malaysia).
This appointment reinforces Mandarin Oriental’s people centric philosophy, which is a foundation of its ten-year strategy. As the Group continues its transformation journey to unfold its full potential, ShaoWei’s leadership will be pivotal in cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation across its global portfolio.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental commented:
"We are delighted to welcome ShaoWei to Mandarin Oriental. Her extensive experience across multiple sectors, combined with her expertise in leadership and culture transformation, makes her an invaluable addition to our team. We are confident that her vision and insight will inspire our colleagues worldwide and further elevate our legendary service and exceptional guest experiences."
ShaoWei Ong added:
"It is an honour to join Mandarin Oriental, a brand that epitomises excellence in hospitality at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working with the talented teams across the globe to build on the Group’s legacy, ensuring our people remain inspired and empowered to deliver the legendary service Mandarin Oriental is known for." ShaoWei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Waterloo and will be based at the Group’s Hong Kong Head Office.
THE LATEST VENTURE FROM TOM BROWN BRINGS BOLD, SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD TO KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Tom Brown at The Capital Hotel opens 10 April
Renowned chef Tom Brown is set to unveil his new flagship restaurant, Tom Brown at The Capital, opening its doors on 10 April in the heart of Knightsbridge.
Marking a return to the prestigious hotel where he first made a name for himself as Head Chef at Outlaw’s, the intimate 28-cover restaurant will champion Tom’s signature style of clean, creative, and flavour-led dishes with a strong emphasis on seafood.
Sustainability is at the core of the restaurant’s philosophy, with Tom dedicated to using responsibly sourced seafood and finding innovative ways to minimise waste by using every part of the fish. From utilising lesser-known cuts to developing unexpected flavour pairings, the seasonal menu reflects a deep respect for the ingredients and the environment.
The restaurant will offer refined dinner tasting menus, showcasing the finest ingredients through Tom’s innovative techniques and bold flavours. Starting at £125 for twelve-courses, the menu begins with Mussel, port, and beetroot, Charcuterie, with an Oyster, followed by dishes such as Wild bass with buttermilk and vanilla, Tuna with soy and quail egg, and the ingenious Cuttlefish “ravioli” crafted entirely from fish. Main courses feature Monkfish with roast chicken and wild garlic, followed by Turbot with smoked eel and black truffle.
To conclude, desserts include the distinctive Chocolate with caviar, olive oil, and capers, alongside a selection of Sweets. A 14-course menu will be available at a supplement, while a reduced 8 and 10-course tasting menu will also be offered at lunch, priced from £80.
As part of a wider refurbishment of The Capital Hotel, the restaurant and adjoining bar will feature a refreshed, contemporary design, blending seamlessly with the timeless elegance of the Knightsbridge destination. The renovation aims to breathe new life into the property while preserving its reputation as a quintessential London landmark.
Tom Brown comments on the new restaurant: "Returning to The Capital feels like coming home. This restaurant is all about pushing boundaries while staying true to what I love—daring flavours, incredible produce, and a real focus on sustainable seafood. Every dish is about showcasing the best ingredients while being mindful of how we use them, I’m so excited to welcome guests from 10 April.”
Solomon Khaddour, General Manager, adds: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Tom Brown back to The Capital. His passion for exceptional produce and innovative cooking, aligns with our vision for the future of the hotel. This opening is a key part of our wider refurbishment, and we’re excited to offer guests an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Knightsbridge."
Tom Brown at The Capital opens 10 April. The restaurant will serve dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and lunch from Tuesday to Sunday. Guests can enjoy an 8 or 10-course lunch menu, while dinner will feature 12 and 14-course tasting menus.
HotelREZ continues double-digit growth
Leading hotel representation company further expands
in UK, North America, Middle East and Europe
HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel representation companies, has continued its double-digit growth in the past 12-months.
With more than 2,500 independent hotels, aparthotels and hotel groups across 100 countries, HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts has expanded its customer base in the UK, North America, Middle East and Europe – reinforcing its position as the 16th largest hotel company worldwide.
Achieving over 12% revenue growth, the consultancy services and technology business has been enjoying continued success, as independent hoteliers and accommodation providers look to diversify their distribution mix and widen demand generation, sales and marketing opportunities.
HotelREZ adds value to accommodation businesses with global partnerships and digital marketing through best-in-class systems, and consultative account management. By taking a multichannel approach, HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts has enabled its customers to increase reservations through the direct booking engine, while driving valuable business through the agency GDS network and OTA Channel Connect.
Regionally, HotelREZ has seen strong revenue growth for its members in the UK market (16%), North America (80%) and Middle East (37%). As a result, the British company has expanded its diverse portfolio mix, seeing a 17.27% increase in the hotel sector, 10.18% for serviced apartments/aparthotels, and 10.12% for pubs with rooms.
Mark Lewis, CEO, HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts said; “These achievements are a real testament to our team’s commitment to our customers, and ability to adapt to market changes. 2024 saw growth in the corporate market which sustained strong booking performance for our hotel members. Along with the investment we are making in our technology products, independent accommodation providers recognise the value of working with an experienced team. We live and breathe hotels to produce high-rated revenue from the most suitable target markets at an attractive cost of sale that allow our customers to truly thrive.”
At the end of 2024, HotelREZ launched its B2C soft brand, Best Loved Hotels®, a collection of unique global individual properties, aimed at the leisure individual and agency market, reinforcing its market-leading representation and distribution offering.
Discover more about HotelREZ at www.hotelrez.com
Turning hotel plastic and soap waste into a force for good – but more must be done
It’s no secret that the scale of waste produced by the UK hospitality industry is staggering, but as more hotels join the fight against plastic and soap waste, the greater the positive impact on the environment and global hygiene efforts. However, there is still more to be done says Tommie Eaton, director of Clean the World UK and Europe.
To mark Global Recycling Day on 18 March, a growing number of UK hospitality businesses are stepping up to reduce their environmental footprint and inspire change by tackling soap and plastic waste in the industry.
The scale of the problem
UK hotels alone generate almost 289,000 tonnes of waste annually which includes soap, plastics and other disposables, and the environmental impact of this is massive.
We have witnessed a surge in plastic production over the past 70 years. In 1950, the world produced just 2 million tonnes of plastic. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 450 million tonnes, with a significant portion ending up in our oceans and landfills[1].
Hotels are a significant contributor to this crisis. Put into context, a single hotel can use up to 300,000 pieces of single-use plastic every month[2], whilst the UK hotel industry discards an estimated 20 million partially used soap bars annually. Globally, an estimated 5 million partially used soap bars are thrown away every single day.
A circular solution - turning waste into impact
The sheer volume of plastic and soap waste generated worldwide is unsustainable, but since its inception in 2009, Clean the World has been pioneering a sustainable solution for hotels, transforming used plastic amenities into plastic flakes which are repurposed into new products, and recycle discarded soap into fresh bars which are distributed to communities in need around the world.
Clean the World’s innovative Global Recycling Programme now partners with 8,300 hotels globally and has diverted 13.2 million kilos of waste from landfills since their inception. Whilst this is an incredible achievement, the need for broader industry-wide change remains urgent. Currently, only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, and plastic production in the EU alone[3] generates 13.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
The important role soap plays to save lives
The power of soap is not to be underestimated. It is an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of basic hygiene and sanitation, and plays a crucial role in saving lives, especially those of children. In 2022, over 1.5 billion people around the globe still lacked access to basic sanitation, contributing to the spread of preventable diseases[4]. Every day, more than 1,000 children under the age of five lose their lives due to poor hygiene and contaminated water[5].
Recycling soap directly addresses this crisis. Since 2009, Clean the World has distributed a staggering 88 million recycled soap bars to those in need thanks to the number of hotels committed to making a difference beyond just environmental sustainability.
Hospitality leading by example
A growing number of hospitality businesses recognise that small actions can have a significant impact. Not only are they reducing their environmental footprint and meeting their ESG targets, but they are quite literally saving lives.
Award-winning hotel group, THE PIG, is one such leader. The UK-based group operates a collection of lifestyle hotels and have long been recognised as a pioneer in sustainable hospitality thanks to their genuine commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
In 2023, THE PIG partnered with Clean the World’s soap-only recycling program, ensuring that all leftover soap was repurposed instead of going to waste. As a result:
- Over 1,100 kg of soap has been collected, which equates to donating 22,236 bars of recycled soap to communities in need
- 1,508 kg CO2e in carbon emissions have been reduced
- 30,650 litres of water have been saved
By donating recycled soap bars to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) the partnership is proof that luxury and environmental responsibility can successfully go hand in hand.
A call to action for the hospitality industry
The hospitality sector has a unique opportunity to drive positive change, not just in reducing waste but in supporting global health. Clean the World is more than a recycling initiative, it is a global movement enabling hotels to reduce pollution, save water, cut carbon emissions and improve – and save - lives.
With only a fraction of hospitality businesses currently participating, there is still so much more that can be done. Will your hotel be part of the solution?
To learn more about Clean the World, its impact and how your business can get involved, visit www.cleantheworld.org.
[2] Sustainable Tourism Network
[3] European Environment Agency
Wiltshire hotel welcomes experienced General Manager and Deputy to drive excellence throughout 2025 and beyond
A luxury Wiltshire hotel, spa and golf resort has appointed two highly experienced professionals to its top management team as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience and solidifying its reputation as a premier resort.
Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, near Calne, has recently appointed Matthew Voyle as its new General Manager and Emma Frankham as its Deputy General Manager, with both bringing a wealth of expertise to the resort’s leadership team.
Matthew joins Bowood with over 30 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry. His diverse career has seen him hone his skills across various roles and with some of the UK’s finest properties. From his early days as a chef to his subsequent career shift into hotel management, Matthew’s journey reflects a passion for excellence and a dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
Before taking on his new role at Bowood, Matthew led the team at the 5-star Nare Hotel in Cornwall for six years, where he successfully propelled the hotel into the prestigious 5-star market. Under his leadership, the hotel earned accolades including ‘Seaside Hotel of the Year 2019,’ ‘Best Hotel for Families 2020’ in the Good Hotel Guide, and the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens’ ‘Sustainability Award 2019’ and ‘Best Service Award 2022.’
Prior to his time at the Nare Hotel, Matthew held significant roles at The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell, Llanerch Vineyard in Hensol, and New Hall Hotel & Spa in Sutton Coldfield, further enriching his leadership experience.
Commenting on his new position at Bowood, Matthew said: “Bowood is an extraordinary destination, seamlessly blending history, elegance and world-class hospitality. I am truly honoured to take on the role of General Manager and to contribute to the legacy of this remarkable venue. With its outstanding reputation, we have a strong platform to build upon as we strive for even greater heights. My vision is to further enhance the guest experience, ensuring that Bowood continues to be the destination of choice for both leisure and business travellers.”
He continued: “Through innovation, attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we will continue to elevate Bowood’s hospitality offering, creating unforgettable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors. We have some excellent people in place to deliver this.”
Emma brings her own impressive experience in the hospitality sector, having worked with leading hotels and resorts across the UK. Known for her strong leadership and attention to detail, Emma will play a key role in supporting the resort’s management team and ensuring the seamless delivery of luxury services to Bowood’s guests.
Emma’s career began in the travel sector, where she spent seven years as a travel agent, swiftly progressing from trainee to manager in just three years. She then transitioned to Mark Warner, dedicating 11 years to various operational roles – including Finance Assistant, Housekeeper, Customer Services Manager and Hotel Manager – at luxury resorts across Europe and Africa.
Returning to the UK, Emma joined Harbour Hotels, where she managed prestigious wedding venues Northbrook Park and Froyle Park before taking on the role of Deputy General Manager at Guildford Harbour Hotel.
In 2016, she became part of the esteemed Hand Picked Hotels collection, spending three years as Deputy General Manager at Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham, followed by six years at the award-winning St. Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Guernsey. Now, as she steps into her role at Bowood, Emma is eager to contribute her wealth of experience and passion for excellence to one of the UK’s most distinguished countryside retreats.
Commenting, Emma said: "Bowood is truly a dream resort, and I’m thrilled to be joining such a prestigious hotel and playing a part in the legacy of the Lansdowne family. With my passion and drive, I am committed to ensuring that we, as a team, deliver outstanding service and create unforgettable experiences for our guests. I look forward to collaborating with Matthew and the team to further elevate Bowood’s reputation for excellence in hospitality.”
Other senior appointments at Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort include a new Director of Golf, as well as a Head Greenkeeper to build on its standing as one of the elite golfing destinations in the South West.
Home to the Lansdowne family, the Bowood estate continues to set the benchmark in luxury hospitality. From the historic House & Gardens to the high-end hotel & spa and official PGA golf course, Bowood delivers exceptional experiences surrounded by natural beauty.
For more information about Bowood Hotel, Spa, and Golf Resort, please visit https://www.bowood.org/bowood-hotel-resort/.
Meet the team behind the new Latin American rooftop restaurant coming to Leeds this spring!
Leeds is getting an exciting new addition to its food scene this spring, as Azotea, a new Latin American rooftop restaurant and bar gets ready to open its doors.
Described as an urban rooftop oasis, Azotea, is set to bring together authentic Latin flavours, music, and dance, to create an unforgettable experience for guests.
Located in Sovereign Square, and located on the 12th floor, the restaurant and bar will feature sweeping views of Leeds skyline – with both an indoor restaurant and two outdoor terraces.
As the stunning venue gets ready to officially open its doors, here we meet some of the impressive team behind the launch, working to bring the concept to life.
Jared Webb, Head Chef, Azotea
Jared Webb will be the Head Chef at Azotea. A highly skilled chef with extensive experience in international restaurant openings and UK-based projects, he has spent over a decade leading kitchen teams including at iconic Leeds venues such as The Tetley and Tattu. Jared was also the first Head Chef at iconic Yorkshire restaurant, Stuzzi, bringing the initial concept and menu to life. His expertise extends beyond the kitchen, having also taught specialised cooking classes and earned recognition for his culinary accomplishments.
In his role as Head Chef of Azotea, Jared will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, including menu creation, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients, as well as concept development, design, and recruitment.
Enric Garriga, Sous Chef, Azotea
Enric Garriga is the Sous Chef at Azotea, with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Previously the Head Chef at esteemed Leeds restaurant, Iberica, Enric brings with him a wealth of experience and dedication to culinary excellence. He has a passion for creating flavourful, innovative dishes – meaning diners can expect an exciting and adventurous menu at Azotea!
Gabor Kocsi, General Manager, Azotea
Gabor Kocsi will be the General Manager of Azotea. As a seasoned hospitality professional with over 17 years of experience, Gabor has successfully managed leading restaurant brands including Las Iguanas, Banana Tree, and Pizza Express. With a strong background in successful restaurant launches, Gabor’s focus will be on delivering operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.
Passionate about the hospitality industry and its people, Gabor is also a committed mentor, actively sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with fellow hospitality professionals.
Zoe Yeog, Deputy General Manager, Azotea
Zoe is the Deputy General Manager at Azotea. Originally from Malaysia, she began her career in Singapore before relocating to the UK to pursue a Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality Management.
Now with over a decade of experience, predominantly in the food and beverage sector, Zoe has developed a comprehensive expertise in both hotel and restaurant operations, and is proud to be part of the opening team at Azotea in Leeds.
Mateusz Zaborowski, Bar Manager, Azotea
Mateusz joined Azotea as Bar Manager with a clear vision: to transform one of the best-located bars in Leeds into a dynamic and vibrant destination with a Latino-inspired theme. Driven by his passion for hospitality, Mateusz is focused on assembling a talented team dedicated to delivering an exceptional drinking experience.
While he has a deep appreciation for classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Mateusz is also known for his innovative approach to mixology, with his skills being celebrated in previous roles with Hilton Hotels.
More information can be found here for Azotea.
Spark & Bell Launches “Seraphín” Modular Light
Certified B Corp lighting studio, Spark & Bell, has launched the “Seraphín” chandelier, a modular three-tiered showpiece using its own ““Jewel”” recycled plastic.
“Seraphín” is the new modular chandelier from purpose-driven lighting design studio, Spark & Bell. Designed by Spark & Bell’s founder, Emer Gillespie, the light is the studio’s most opulent piece to date and the first to be designed for commercial interiors.
The “Seraphín” chandelier uses crystalline drops made from Spark and Bell’s unique “Jewel” recycled plastic, giving an ethereal quality to its cascading, multi-tiered design. Adding a sense of weightless movement, these pill-shaped drops diffuse and spread light with an aura-like quality for a mesmerising centre piece.
In keeping with Spark & Bell’s ethos of functional, flexible lighting design, “Seraphín” is available in a full three-tiered version, as well as one and two-tiered options. Letting designers adapt the piece to fit spaces, “Seraphín” is made-to-order from a maximum diameter of 570mm and 850mm height to a minimum of 390mm x 400mm.
Spark & Bell’s “Jewel” recycled plastic is made in-house from CD cases saved from landfill and is unique to the studio. Using a recycling and forming process developed over several years in the studio’s Brighton workshop, every drop is hand-worked for a crafted feel, yet with a consistency of size and finish that ensures every light upholds the requirements for high-quality, durable pieces in hospitality and other commercial settings. With over 120 CD cases in each three-tier chandelier, “Seraphín” keeps over eight kilograms of plastic from going to waste.
“Seraphín” comes in two colours of “Jewel” recycled plastic, oyster with satin brass metal and onyx with bronze metal. Fabricated in the UK, the metal components are locally sourced from within a 200-mile radius. The chandelier is designed to be fully repairable through the studio’s lifetime repair service.
Emer Gillespie, studio founder and designer, explains more about the statement light:
“We’ve been thinking about and designing this light for a while, testing various iterations until we had a light that was both balanced and adaptable. It certainly feels like a Spark & Bell piece in its form and making the drops with our “Jewel” recycled plastic has let us explore the unique quality of the material at scale and with a presence we’ve not explored before.
“It was really important that our biggest-ever piece stayed true to our mentality of responsible material use and enduring quality and the “Seraphín” chandelier has achieved this to give interiors a beautiful statement light made with reclaimed and locally sourced materials. We’re really proud of this showpiece and how it upholds our purpose-driven approach to lighting design.”
Spark & Bell has shown the “Seraphín” chandelier in standalone installations at Plus x Brighton and the Surface Design Show. Project designers interested in the light can contact Spark & Bell directly to arrange a consultation or studio visit.
For more, visit sparkandbell.com or call 01273 230566
Hospitality’s Expectations and Predictions for the 2025 Spring Budget
When the Autumn Budget 2024 was announced, the impact on the hospitality sector was immediately clear. We hear from leaders from the hospitality and events industry on the impact the autumn statement, and what they’re hoping to see in the 2025 Spring Budget.
The Autumn statement has placed real pressure on the hotel industry, and it comes at a time when demand has plateaued. We see the proposed changes to National Insurance Contributions as being a directly regressive employment tax. Unless changes are made to the proposals, we think it is inevitable that the industry will look at cost cutting measures, real wages will be impacted, and investment will be slowed.
We are hoping the Government reconsiders the proposed National Insurance Contribution changes and, in particular, reduces the impact of the threshold reduction by applying a lower rate of employer NICs between £5,000 to £9,100. On business rates, we hope the Government applies a lower multiplier to all hospitality businesses and moves away from the suggestion of a surcharge for properties with a rateable value over £500k. Having such a surcharge would be deeply prejudicial to larger hotels, which have faced significant cost headwinds since the pandemic and are already amongst the most highly taxed businesses.
Richard Hutton, chief financial officer, Clermont Hotel Group
When the Chancellor announced the changes to National Insurance Contributions, it was suggested that shareholders in companies affected would absorb some impact through reduced profits. Unsurprisingly, investors are unwilling to do so, forcing companies to identify mitigating savings elsewhere to offset the increase in costs, especially following an incredibly tough five years of minimising costs to offset the impacts of Covid and then inflation. Having yet another pressure put on hospitality businesses - which are disproportionately affected by these changes - is disappointing and ultimately leading to further negative impact on real wages and employment.
We're still early in the election cycle, so it's unlikely the government will feel pressured to announce any major positive measures purely for political gain. Therefore, I don’t believe we will see anything of note in the Spring Budget that aids the pressure on the hospitality industry - especially given the well-publicised and sudden shift in focus on shoring up the defense budget.
David Hart, CEO, RBH Hospitality Management
The hotel industry once again finds itself in a challenging position. Rising National Insurance Contributions (NICs) present another financial hurdle for businesses that are already navigating a decline in consumer confidence, staffing challenges and shifting consumer expectations.
That is why it is vital that the government listens to our industry and our trade body, UKHospitality, ensuring that any further fiscal policy changes acknowledge the critical role our people play in the sector’s success. Any further staff costs without government support could place further strain on our businesses, already operating within tight margins.
While the budget will inevitably shape the landscape in which we operate, our focus must remain on adapting and providing for our two key audiences, for our guests and our colleagues. While it might feel that it’s the time to stall on investment, I feel we have to continue with investing in our teams and supporting them, providing more access to training, technology and improving our own processes and guest experiences.
Tej Walia, managing director, Foxhills Club & Resort
The impending increase in employers’ National Insurance Contributions is compounding the already significant pressures on recruitment, retention and business viability across the business meetings and events sector. Many are being forced to reassess staffing structures, pricing strategies, and overall operational costs, with some limiting growth plans to avoid reducing staff numbers.
The sector is already grappling with severe workforce shortages, and our latest MIA Insights reveal two thirds of organisations are finding recruitment challenging. These hikes only increase the cost of employment, squeezing budgets and subsequent recruitment and retention strategies. If businesses are left with no choice but to pass on costs to clients, it risks making business meetings and events, a £16.1bn sector vital to the UK economy, less feasible.
To tackle the sector’s deepening recruitment and retention challenge, targeted incentives for training, apprenticeships and visa flexibility are essential to addressing staff shortages. With many teams operating under extreme pressure due to staff shortages, immediate action is crucial to prevent further strain on an already stretched workforce.
While the upcoming budget is unlikely to provide direct relief, we are working closely with government and continue to lobby for sector-specific support in this area. Without immediate support, the ongoing strain on event professionals will worsen, threatening the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Shonali Devereaux, chief executive, The Meetings Industry Association