Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, named among the world's leading sustainable accommodation providers
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce that Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, has been recognised in the prestigious Wanderlust Travel Green List 2026, a global celebration of travel organisations and destinations leading the way in sustainable tourism.
The announcement comes as the hotel prepares to mark its first anniversary. The property is one of only four hotels in Europe to be included in this year’s list and one of just two accommodation providers in the UK to receive the distinction. Compiled by Wanderlust, the UK’s longest-running travel magazine, the Travel Green List highlights organisations that are delivering meaningful environmental and social impact while helping shape a more sustainable future for travel.
The recognition further reinforces Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel’s position as one of the UK’s leading examples of sustainable hospitality, ahead of its first birthday. As the first hotel in Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio to achieve Verified Net Zero status, when it first opened to guests one year ago- and the first hotel in the world to open as Verified Net Zero, independently verified by TUV Rheinland – theproperty demonstrates how hotels can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional guest experiences.
The hotel operates entirely on 100% renewable energy, with all fossil fuel-based systems removed and replaced through full electrification and heat pump technology. Emissions across operations and the hotel’s supply chainsare significantly reduced and any remaining footprint addressed through nature-based carbon removal credits. Sustainability considerations extend throughout the guest experience, from low-carbon menus for buffets, restaurant and meetings & event, minimal waste operations and responsible sourcing practices and energy-efficient operations.
Jens Brandin, General Manager of Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel, said: "To be recognised by Wanderlust in its Travel Green List 2026 is an honour. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition demonstrates that meaningful environmental action can be successfully integrated into every aspect of hotel operations. We are proud to represent both Manchester and the UK on a global platform that celebrates organisations making a genuine difference."
The Wanderlust Travel Green List is curated by a panel of sustainability experts and travel specialists who assess organisations making measurable contributions towards environmental protection, community engagement, conservation, and responsible tourism. Inclusion on the list reflects not only a commitment to sustainability but also evidence of tangible outcomes and industry leadership.
For Manchester, the recognition further strengthens the city’s reputation as a destination embracing innovation and sustainability. For the hospitality sector, it highlights the growing importance of independently verified environmental credentials and demonstrates the viability of delivering net-zero hospitality at scale.
Formerly Park Inn by Radisson, the property underwent an extensive renovation and reopened in May 2025 as Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel. Located adjacent to AO Arena and Manchester Victoria station, the hotel features 252 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar with terrace, spa and indoor pool facilities, and flexible meeting and event spaces. Combining contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design with industry-leading sustainability practices, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a city-centre stay while supporting a lower-carbon future for travel.
For more information or to book, click here.
Bar Prince at The Balmoral Named to Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Hotel Star Bars List
One of just 37 hotel bars worldwide recognised through Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspections
Bar Prince, located within The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, has been named to the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Hotel Star Bars List, earning recognition as one of just 37 hotel bars worldwide to receive the honour.
Compiled by Forbes Travel Guide, the annual list celebrates bars that excel in beverage quality, service, atmosphere and guest experience. Selected through FTG’s anonymous inspections for its 2026 Star Ratings, this year’s honourees span 16 countries.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Bar Prince is known for its elegant yet welcoming atmosphere and its Connected Icons cocktail menu, inspired by The Balmoral’s heritage, notable guests and iconic surroundings. The drinks offering is complemented by elevated bar bites from Brasserie Prince.
Giovanni Cassino, Bar Manager at Bar Prince, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide as one of the world’s Hotel Star Bars for 2026. This award reflects the passion, creativity and dedication of our entire team, who strive every day to create memorable experiences for our guests. From our Connected Icons cocktail collection to the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Bar Prince, we are honoured to see our commitment to hospitality celebrated on a global stage.”
Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, said: “The 2026 Hotel Star Bars reflect how today’s most exceptional hotel bars enrich the overall guest experience. From distinctive beverage programmes to thoughtful service and atmosphere, these enclaves within beautiful hotels create moments that extend far beyond the glass and leave lasting impressions and memories.”
To view the full list of 2026 Hotel Star Bars winners, visit Forbes Travel Guide Hotel Star Bars List, and to book your next visit to Bar Prince and The Balmoral, visit https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/.
Red Carnation Hotels Celebrates 10 Travelers’ Choice® Awards and 4 Best of the Best Awards Tripadvisor 2026 Rankings
Red Carnation Hotels is delighted to announce that 10 of its properties have been recognised with the TripadvisorTravelers’ Choice® Award 2026, with an additional four properties receiving Tripadvisor’s highest accolade, the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award 2026.
Among those awarded the Travelers’ Choice Award 2026 are a selection of the collection’s London properties, including The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge, The Chesterfield Mayfair, The Rubens at the Palace in Victoria and The Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury, alongside Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset, The Old Government House Hotel & Spa in Guernsey, Hotel d’Angleterre Geneva, The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Ireland and South Africa’s The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa and The Oyster Box.
The celebrations continue with further recognition with Hotel 41 in Victoria, The Milestone Hotel & Residences, Kensington, 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh, and Ashford Castle, Ireland, all receiving Tripadvisor’s highest accolade, the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026 Award. This prestigious honour places them among the top one percent of hotels worldwide, as determined by the reviews and experiences shared by guests.
The Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026 and Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026 recognise the highest‑rated hotels globally, based on consistently outstanding guest reviews and ratings over the past year. While Travelers’ Choice celebrates properties that deliver exceptional experiences, the Best of the Best distinction represents Tripadvisor’s highest honour.
Jonathan Raggett, CEO of Red Carnation Hotels, comments:
“These Travelers’ Choice recognitions are a testament to the extraordinary people at the heart of Red Carnation Hotels. Inspired by the values established by our founders, Stanley and Beatrice Tollman, our teams create deeply personal experiences shaped by a rich sense of family legacy, thoughtfully curated discoveries, distinctive character, and a genuine generosity of spirit. We are incredibly grateful to our teams for the care they bring to every guest experience, and to our guests for the trust and loyalty they continue to show us.”
Alongside these award recognitions, 2026 has seen significant developments and enhancements introduced across the collection. Recent additions include The Family Suite at The Milestone Hotel & Residences, unveiled just this month; the redesigned Presidential Suite, now the Beatrice Suite, at Hotel d’Angleterre; and Stanley’s Rooftop Bar, which opened earlier this year at The Chesterfield Mayfair. Each reflects Red Carnation Hotels’ enduring approach to hospitality, where considered design and inspired details come together to create truly memorable stays.
About Red Carnation Hotels
Founded on a legacy that extends over four generations, Red Carnation Hotels is a family-run hospitality collection of 14 exceptional properties across the UK, Ireland, Europe and Africa. Each a living story rich in character and deeply rooted in its local surroundings, the hotels span some of the world’s most iconic locations and proudly showcase their communities.
Led by heart at every level and brought to life by remarkable people delivering sincere and intuitive service, teams are guided by a long-standing tradition of hospitality, where thoughtful gestures and personal touches create a sense of warmth and individuality that defines the guest experience.
An ethos of uncompromising quality, defined by generosity and a commitment to making every stay feel truly special, continues to guide the evolution of the collection. From the legendary Ashford Castle in Ireland to the recently opened 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh, and the iconic Oyster Box in South Africa, each property celebrates character, craft and connection. Across the portfolio, Red Carnation Hotels remains deeply committed to sustainability, with a focus on honouring both people and planet at every touchpoint.
For further information, please visit: redcarnationhotels.com
DELICE DE FRANCE BLENDS SUSTAINABILITY AND SUMMER FLAVOUR TRENDS WITH NEW WILDFARMED TRAYCAKES
Delice de France, the leading supplier of bread, bakery and food to go, has bolstered its range of Wildfarmed products with a trio of traycakes, which capture three fast-growing on-trend flavours for summer 2026.
Inspired by the classic Vietnamese drink, Vietnamese Iced Coffee Traycake is finished with smooth condensed milk frosting and delicately decorated with coffee swirls. Rich yet balanced, it is best served alongside a freshly brewed coffee to enhance the flavour experience.
Meanwhile, Peach and Turmeric Traycake is a golden turmeric sponge layered with succulent peach slices, topped with a smooth peach and custard cream cheese frosting, and finished with vibrant yellow and orange marigold petals for a striking visual appeal.
Finally, Dirty Chai and Matcha Traycake is a fragrant chai and coffee sponge infused with warming spices. It is topped with a silky matcha condensed milk frosting and finished with a cascade of vibrant, exotic petals for a striking presentation, delivering a balance of aromatic, spiced, and subtly sweet flavours.
Aimed at cafes, garden centres and afternoon tea menus, each traycake arrives pre-portioned into 18 servings, sliced using a water jet to create a clean cut and premium finish. Each unit costs £42.97, with a unit price of £2.39.
Each traycake is supplied frozen and can be defrosted in two hours, with a shelf life of five days.
The trio brings Delice de France’s Wildfarmed traycake range to six, sitting alongside Red Velvet Traycake, Lemon & Blueberry Traycake and Carrot Cake Traycake. Launched in 2018, Wildfarmed produces flour made with regenerative farming practices, which improve natural farming ecosystems leading to more resilient crops.
Commenting on the launch, Thierry Cacaly, Delice de France CEO, said: “These traycakes enable operators to capitalise on three of the biggest cake flavour trends for summer 2026, with a product that appeals directly to eco-conscious consumers.”
Outlets can order the range via Delice de France’s webshop or by calling 0208 917 9600. They can discover more new products from Delice de France in its Spring/Summer 2026 Catalogue, which launched in April.
RBH Hospitality Adds Radisson Hotel Group Property Through New Liverpool Signing
RBH Hospitality Management has announced the addition of the Radisson Hotel, Liverpool to its growing portfolio, following the appointment by the hotel’s owners to manage the property.
RBH’s appointment further diversifies the leading UK management company’s portfolio, while also expanding its presence in Liverpool alongside existing hotels, The Municipal Hotel, Liverpool – MGallery, Aloft Liverpool and the recently added Staybridge Suites Liverpool.
The addition of Radisson Hotel, Liverpool marks a new partnership for RBH and the owner of the hotel, further strengthening RBH’s market leading reputation. The relationship between RBH and Radisson Hotel Group also builds on long-standing relationships with global hospitality groups including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor and Wyndham Worldwide.
The recently refurbished Radisson Hotel, Liverpool is located in the heart of the city, with views of the River Mersey and offers 194 hotel rooms across a variety of accommodation types, as well as an on-site bar & restaurant and meetings and events spaces.
The new signing continues RBH’s strong momentum this year, as the company continues to grow its portfolio and make progress against its strategic objectives by working with new partners, expanding its presence in key UK cities and diversifying the portfolio across a mix of branded, independent and luxury hotels.
David Hart, CEO, RBH Hospitality Management said: “The addition of the Radisson Hotel, Liverpool marks a significant milestone in the growth of our portfolio. The appointment reflects the strength and breadth of our partnerships and opens up new avenues as we continue to grow our business. We remain focused on working with leading brands and look forward to working with the owners and Radisson Hotel Group as their new management partner.”
Allan Davidson, Managing Director for Stonemoss Hospitality Asset Management, who supported the owner through the transaction, said: “This appointment represents a positive step forward for the recently refurbished hotel and reflects the confidence both ownership and Stonemoss Hospitality Asset Management has in RBH’s operational expertise and market presence. Liverpool continues to be one of the UK’s most dynamic hospitality destinations, and we believe this partnership positions the hotel strongly for long-term success while building on the significant investment already made into the property.”
Express & Star Business Awards 2026: Meet the finalists - Business of the Year
The shortlisted finalists have been announced for the Business of the Year category of the Express & Star Business Awards 2026.
The award, sponsored by Doocey Group, aims to celebrate top performing businesses. Judges have been looking at commercial performance, leadership and management skills, commitment to customers, innovation, as well as investment in staff and commitment to the local community.
Pallet-Track, part of northstarr Group, enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2025, with industry leading service standards, record revenues, record profits while also undergoing its biggest ever operational change by moving its central hub.
Through strategic innovation, operational precision, and an unwavering commitment to shareholder and customer success, Pallet-Track in Wolverhampton has transformed complex logistical challenges into measurable value for its colleagues, customers, shareholder members and stakeholders.
From 2023 to 2025, the business has achieved a 22.5 per cent growth in top line revenue. Market share has also been taken with 11.1 per cent growth in volumes, versus just 1.6 per cent growth across the sector.
The business has prioritised improving service performance while cutting costs and its environmental impact. Its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy reflects its belief that logistics plays a vital role not only in the movement of goods but also in supporting the local communities.
The business also engages with the community through several initiatives and charity partnerships and to date has raised more than £90,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance, with a total pledge of £150k by the end of 2028.
The company has also provided more than 500 free match day experience tickets with the Walsall FC Foundation and completed more than 100 volunteer hours in 2025, among other sponsorships of local causes.
Pallet-Track prioritises health and wellbeing and is proud of its high staff retention rate, with 51 per cent of office colleagues having been with the company more than five years.
The organisation’s business model means 25 per cent of the business is owned by shareholder members - hence its motto ‘Stronger Together’.
Coinadrink Limited, in Walsall, thrives on trust, service, and innovation. In recent years the business has achieved growth, introduced the Smart Fridge, and maintained a focus on employee wellbeing.
The company is a leading family-run vending and refreshment provider operating across the Midlands and beyond, with a turnover of approximately £7.7 million and a workforce of 76 employees. Established in 1962, the business has evolved from a traditional vending operator into a technology-led, data-driven refreshment solutions provider.
Today, Coinadrink prides itself on being one of the region’s most established and forward-thinking companies in its sector, combining strong commercial performance with innovation, service excellence and long-term customer relationships.
The business is led by managing director Tom Williams, supported by a highly capable eight-strong management team with decades of combined industry knowledge.
Commercially, Coinadrink has delivered strong and resilient performance through a diversified customer base spanning manufacturing, corporate offices, healthcare, education and specialist sectors. This diversification proved critical following disruption in the automotive sector caused by a cyber-related shutdown affecting Jaguar Land Rover’s supply chain.
Innovation is a defining feature of Coinadrink’s strategy. Over recent years, the business has invested approximately £500,000 in new technology to transform its service offering. Central to this investment is a bespoke live data platform that collects and analyses real-time information from vending machines across the estate. This system enables the business to move from reactive replenishment models to predictive, data-led service planning. By analysing sales trends, machine performance, and site-specific consumption patterns, Coinadrink can anticipate demand and optimise service routes with greater precision.
Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics now play a key role in forecasting customer usage.
Meanwhile, the company’s commitment to customers is reflected in its consistently high service standards and measurable operational performance.
Community engagement also remains an important part of Coinadrink’s identity. The business actively supports charitable initiatives and encourages employee participation in fundraising and volunteering activities.
A modern-day Black Country business success story, S&R Construction is one of the UK's fastest growing multi-utilities and groundworks providers.
The family-run business has evolved from three people and a van to one that provides the foundations for some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK, completing gas reinstatement works, laying cabling and water pipes.
Approaching 30 years in business, S&R Construction employs more than 350 people at its HQ in Kingswinford and across multiple live sites in the Midlands, the North and South.
The last 12 months have been a record year for the business, with revenues rising past £51m for the first time, a seven per cent growth from 2024 and 150 per cent growth since 2020.
It has also introduced its own traffic management arm, and this has gone from a standing start to £1.8m in just 18 months.
Group operating profits increased to £4.6m due to a combination of contract successes and operational efficiency gains introduced across the business, which prides itself on 98 per cent of jobs being completed on time, to budget and with the highest health and safety standards.
Earlier this year the company celebrated the transformation of the dilapidated 2.3-acre ‘William Press’ site in Kingswinford into a state-of-the-art £8m headquarters, designed with employee wellbeing in mind, with staff invited to shape the new facilities which include a fully-equipped gym on site. It also has its own training academy.
The company has created 50 new jobs since 2025 and, through partnerships with local colleges, has welcomed 10 apprentices.
Topgear Tuning has been transforming the global automotive performance industry through innovation, scalable growth, and a strong commitment to customer excellence.
It operates more than 750 dealers worldwide and has delivered advanced ECU remapping solutions to more than one million vehicles.
The business has achieved exceptional commercial growth by combining a high demand service with a scalable, technology driven business model. Operating across B2B and B2B2C channels, the company enables independent garages and entrepreneurs to unlock new, high margin revenue streams through its proven remapping platform.
Its global dealer network continues to expand rapidly, driven by strong partner retention and demand for performance and efficiency solutions - offering gains of up to 30 per cent in performance and up to 15 per cent in fuel efficiency.
Recurring revenue through dealer subscriptions, software licensing and ongoing support services ensures financial resilience and long term sustainability and this positioned Topgear Tuning as a market leader and a growth engine within the automotive aftermarket sector.
Customer experience is also a defining strength of Topgear Tuning, with every service designed to deliver tangible, reliable improvements, enhancing vehicle performance, drivability and efficiency without compromising safety.
Trust is further reinforced through warranties and a commitment to safe, tested software.
The company continually invests in advanced ECU technologies, in house file development and data driven calibration techniques to remain ahead of industry trends.
The business recently adopted AI technology that enables automatic calibration returns to customers which has reduced response times and eased workloads for staff, allowing them to focus on vital tasks,
Topgear Tuning is also committed to supporting Compton Care, which provides specialist end of life care; and it prioritises employing staff from the local area.
The Senior Team at The Pace Group has driven exceptional growth, transforming Deltron Lifts into a nationally recognised, people-focused, innovative business, increasing revenue from £1m to more than £32m since 2018.
The company has established itself as one of the UK’s most recognised lift and elevator brands, with strong leadership and management driving this.
By appointing key senior stakeholders including a chief financial officer, chief operations officer, head of business development, group sales director and head of commercial and corporate the team has built a robust, nationally capable leadership structure.
Investment in front-of-house development and service coverage ensures nationwide reach, while an ESG score of 84 per cent and a Net Promoter Score consistently above 86 per cent highlight the focus on responsible, customer-driven performance.
Renowned for its unwavering commitment to customers, the business has become one of the most trusted and respected brands in the sector.
Innovation is central to its ethos - more than 60 per cent of the fleet is electric, renewable energy solutions are maximised, IT equipment is recycled to local schools, and key products and components are manufactured in-house, ensuring efficiency, sustainability and quality.
Investment in people is also prioritised. Staff development, career progression and reward schemes are complemented by internal open forums that encourage transparency, collaboration, and engagement, creating a motivated, high-performing workforce.
The company also actively supports the local community - including raising more than £30,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice as well as supporting Birmingham Children’s Trust.
School of Coding & AI has grown from a bedroom start-up in 2017 into the UK's largest coding and computer science education provider.
It has enjoyed a journey of remarkable ambition, impact and commercial growth to date.
The business reaches more than 5,200 learners each month, engages 7,000 children weekly, and supports more than 800 adults per month in gaining digital and AI skills. It holds active partnerships with 250-plus schools, six local authorities, five universities and governments across 11 European countries.
Through active participation in more than 27 international research projects, including those funded by Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, the organisation has delivered impactful work across inclusive digital education, AI in healthcare, female entrepreneurship, circular economy and green skills development. Projects include Coding 4 Migrant Women, 3D Autism, Digital Finance 4 Youth, Grow and Sell, CAIR 4 Youth and the AIM project supporting small businesses in AI adoption.
Last year the organisation unveiled a £2.5 million state-of-the-art tech lab at its Birmingham campus, offering AI labs, an interactive AI avatar, game design facilities, a podcast room and an in-house research centre.
The centre aims to offer every adult in the region free training on the everyday use of AI. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker personally attended the launch, describing AI skills training as a priority for the region.
The organisation then invested a further £3 million to open its first Middle East campus in Dubai Media City, supported by the Department for Business and Trade, aiming to upskill 2,000 international students.
Recognition has followed at every level. Founder Manny Athwal won at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2024, widely regarded as the Grammys of entrepreneurship. He was also named one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025, selected from nearly 700 national nominations in partnership with The Times. The business has also won at the Signature Awards Birmingham, the Black Country Business Awards and the Nachural Business Awards, and holds the IoD Innovation Award and Matrix Standard Accreditation.
Meet the Sponsor: Doocey Group
For 45 years, Doocey Group has been a proud example of what can be achieved when strong family values meet ambition, innovation and expertise. As a family-run business headquartered in Tipton, its roots in the Black Country remain at the heart of everything it does, even as it continues to grow on a national scale.
Founded in 1981 by a determined husband-and-wife team Michael and Anne Doocey, the second generation family business is now led by their sons, Mark and Steve. Their leadership preserves the founding principles while steering the company forward as a modern Tier 1 national civil engineering and utility infrastructure specialist with supporting group companies. Today, Doocey Group stands as a trusted partner to major clients in the water and electric industry, delivering complex, large-scale projects with professionalism and precision.
What sets Doocey Group apart is its fully integrated service offering. The business provides a complete end-to-end solution across civils and utility infrastructure projects—covering design, consultancy, traffic management, project management, specialist equipment and services, testing and commissioning and aggregate recycling. This comprehensive capability ensures efficiency for clients while maintaining quality and accountability throughout every stage of delivery.
The company’s recent work highlights the diversity and importance of its expertise. From ongoing projects at Aintree Hospital and RAF Brize Norton to developments at the University of Warwick, Doocey Group continues to support critical infrastructure that benefits communities across the UK.
Over the past five years, the company has experienced significant growth, with a substantial increase in annual turnover and a workforce that has tripled in size. This expansion reflects both the confidence clients place in the business and the dedication of its people, who remain central to its continued success and future ambitions.
At Doocey Group, people truly come first. The company takes pride in valuing, developing and investing in its workforce through ongoing training, career progression and a strong culture of safety. Its deep commitment to apprenticeships is a key part of this, with 51 apprentices welcomed into the business over the past four years across a wide range of disciplines. Alongside this, its highly successful social value pre-apprenticeship programme has created over £1.78 million in social value return for Sandwell, helping to open doors, build skills and create meaningful career opportunities within the local community. Its excellent safety record is a direct reflection of this people-first approach, ensuring everyone returns home safely each day.
Innovation also plays a critical role. By continuously improving methods, investing in specialist services and embracing new technologies, Doocey Group remains at the forefront of the industry. The company’s diversification into net zero markets, including EV infrastructure and renewable energy, ensures it is not only meeting today’s demands but actively shaping a more sustainable future.
Its story demonstrates that with strong values, a commitment to people and a clear vision for the future, local businesses can achieve national impact.
Doocey Group’s journey is far from over—and the business remains committed to growing responsibly, innovating continuously and staying true to its family values while providing stable careers that continue to strengthen local communities and more.
You can see the full list of Express & Star Business Awards finalists here.
The winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony at The Halls Wolverhampton on June 4, 2026.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 UK regional finalists announced
EY has today announced the regional finalists for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2026 UK programme, recognising 110 exceptional entrepreneurs from across the country. Drawn from five regions — London, South, Midlands, North and Scotland — this year’s finalists reflect the breadth of entrepreneurial ambition, innovation and impact shaping the UK economy.
Representing 90 businesses across a broad mix of sectors — including consumer, financial and professional services, health and technology — the regional finalists demonstrate significant economic impact, employing over 20,000 people and generating combined revenues of £3.22bn.
Ally Scott, Entrepreneur Of The Year UK, Co-Partner Lead, said: “This year’s regional finalists demonstrate bold leadership, long‑term vision and a clear commitment to building businesses that create value — not only for their customers, but for communities and the wider UK economy. They are truly exceptional leaders and exemplify the strength of the UK’s entrepreneurial talent.”
Alexandra Fogal, Entrepreneur Of The Year UK, Co-Partner Lead added: “Entrepreneurship today is defined by transformation — whether that’s reimagining business models, embracing technology or scaling with purpose. Through the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme, our regional finalists gain access to a global community, insights and support that help them navigate change, unlock new opportunities and accelerate their growth on an international stage.”
The regional finalists will be assessed by a panel of independent judges, with 10 entrepreneurs selected to progress to the UK final. The overall UK winner will be announced at a Celebration Dinner in November, before going on to represent the UK at EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ in 2027.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ UK programme Headline Sponsor is Julius Baer International.
For further information, please visit EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™.
Human-First Luxury
Ken Millar, General Manager of W Edinburgh, explains how thoughtful technology, from personalised guest profiling to seamless digital services, is helping the hotel deliver effortless luxury while keeping genuine human connection at the heart of every stay.
As GM, how would you describe the guest experience you’re aiming to create at W Edinburgh?
Luxury that feels welcoming and personal rather than formal. We focus on the small details: recognising guests, anticipating preferences and creating moments that feel thoughtful rather than staged. The aim is that guests feel genuinely welcomed and relaxed from arrival through to departure.
How do you decide which technologies truly enhance the guest experience, rather than becoming tech for tech’s sake?
Technology must simplify the stay or help our teams deliver better service. If it removes friction or improves how quickly we can respond to guests, it adds value. But hospitality will always depend on people, so technology should enhance service rather than replace it.
Can you share an example of technology that has improved guest satisfaction or the overall flow of the stay at W Edinburgh?
HotSauce technology has allowed us to take away any disruption to guests by knowing when the room is ready to be serviced. It adds efficiencies to our Style team saving time and resources.
We also have digital services across mobile keys to digital in room dining systems. While these technologies are available to guests, they don’t replace the human touch. It’s all about optimising both to create a seamless guest experience.
How does technology support your team while keeping the human touch central?
Technology helps us build a clearer picture of our guests before they even arrive. Our welcome team researches preferences and updates guest profiles so rooms and amenities can be personalised in advance, allowing our teams to focus on creating meaningful interactions, rather than administration when guests are on property.
Recently, for example, we discovered guests had married at W Bali and recreated elements of that experience in their room at W Edinburgh on arrival - a small but meaningful gesture made possible through guest profile insight.
The technology available to us helps capture guest preferences adding efficiencies which are carefully considered during pre-arrival meetings. This allows the team to genuinely personalise each guest’s stay to make it memorable.
How do digital touchpoints reflect W’s personality and connection to Edinburgh?
Our Marriott Bonvoy app is a key digital touch point for our guests. Their preferences are recorded and they have a direct line to our team allowing immediate responses.
Our W Insiders add the W personality while utilising our digital technology – for personalised itineraries ahead of a guest’s stay, restaurant recommendations, it’s about utilising the digital tools while adding the human knowledge and local insights which make it individual for each guest.
Looking ahead, what will matter most in shaping standout luxury hotel experiences - and how is W Edinburgh responding?
Luxury guests increasingly expect both efficiency and genuine connection. Technology will continue to evolve, but the hotels that stand out will use it to anticipate guest needs while maintaining personal interaction, ensuring experiences feel effortless yet still genuinely human.
For example, utlising our technology we can allow in-suite personalised check-ins providing an additional level of service for our guests which can be accompanied by refreshments and enhancements and allow another level of privacy.
What matters most is ultimately knowing our guests. I think as international travel continues to grow, being able to check guests in while liaising in their own language adds a level of comfort and familiarity to make their stay unique and special. Knowing the key markets inside out, hiring talent who support those markets and utilising technology will allow us to do this making guests feel immediately comfortable.
A Blow to British Hospitality
Kate Nicholls highlights the overwhelming public and industry backlash to the proposed levy, as new analysis from Oxford Economics, backed by voices including Mel Stride, Robert Jenrick and Hilton, warns it could cost billions in GDP, slash tourism spending and put 33,000 jobs at risk across the UK hospitality sector.
The reaction to our Stop the Holiday Tax campaign has been remarkable.
As I write, a staggering 22,000 letters have been sent to MPs, while there have been more than 100,000 visits to our dedicated campaign page https://stoptheholidaytax.uk/
A big thank you, then, to everyone who’s written to their MP and clicked that link.
Support for the campaign has also come from opposition parties, with both the Conservatives and Reform saying they’re committed to opposing the tax.
Tory Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride and Reform’s Robert Jenrick have both made visits to member businesses – to Butlin’s in Bognor and a Haven Parks site in Lincolnshire respectively – to learn about the effects of the tax.
And what a devastating impact it would be for hotels and the wider sector, according to a recent Oxford Economics report commissioned by UKHospitality.
Its analysis reveals that the Government’s proposed holiday tax would shrink GDP, cause thousands of jobs losses and see the Treasury lose hundreds of millions in tax revenue, laying bare the shattering effect it would have on holidaymakers, businesses and the economy in England.
Assuming the impact of a 5% levy is fully realised by 2030, Oxford Economics predicts a reduction in GDP of £2.2bn, a £1.6bn tax increase for holidaymakers, £688m in reduced tax receipts to the Treasury, and a £101m loss in direct investment from hotels and other hospitality and tourism businesses.
The report goes on to forecast a £1.8bn reduction in tourism spending, 11.9m fewer nights spent in accommodation and 33,000 job losses.
All terrible outcomes, and which are completely at odds with the Government's own ambition to increase inbound tourism to reach 50m international visitors by 2030.
Simon Vincent CBE, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton puts it perfectly: “The Oxford Economics research is clear that a proposed holiday tax, on top of already high VAT, will impact British families staying in the UK and make the country less competitive as a destination.
“Tourism thrives when government and industry work together. The focus should be on growing visitor numbers and enabling hospitality to play its full role in supporting jobs, investment, and economic growth.”
It’s vital we keep up the pressure. Hoteliers, please encourage your guests to write to their MPs; and in case you haven’t already, we’d ask you to get writing to your own MP, too.
Because holidays are for relaxing, not taxing.
The full Oxford Economics report can be accessed here https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Oxford-Economics-holiday-tax-economic-modelling-report.pdf
Kate Nicholls
Chair
UKHospitality
Wellness, Upgraded
Brocket Hall elevates wellness offering with Technogym partnership.
In an era where luxury hospitality is increasingly defined by its wellness credentials, Brocket Hall has taken a decisive step forward with the launch of its new Technogym Centre, an ambitious collaboration with Technogym that signals a broader shift in how premium estates are approaching health, fitness and lifestyle integration.
Set within the historic Hertfordshire parkland, Brocket Hall has long been recognised for its blend of heritage, exclusivity and modern service. Yet the unveiling of the Technogym Centre in April 2026 marks more than just an enhancement of facilities; it reflects a strategic evolution. By aligning itself with a globally respected leader in fitness and wellness, the estate is positioning itself at the forefront of a growing movement that sees wellbeing as central, not supplementary, to the luxury guest experience.
At the heart of the new offering is a fully integrated, technology-driven approach to fitness. The Technogym Centre introduces a connected ecosystem that goes beyond traditional gym environments, combining state-of-the-art equipment with intelligent training systems and digital services. This enables a highly personalised experience, allowing members and guests to move seamlessly between in-person workouts and remote training, whether at home or on the move.
This level of connectivity is increasingly becoming a benchmark in high-end hospitality, where guests expect continuity in their wellness routines regardless of location. Through the Technogym App, users gain access to tailored programmes, performance tracking and an extensive library of on-demand workouts, extending the value of the facility far beyond its physical walls.
Physically, the centre has been designed to match the aesthetic and experiential standards of the estate itself. Premium interiors, aligned with Brocket Hall’s refined identity, create an environment that feels less like a conventional gym and more like a curated wellness space. Alongside the main fitness floor, a dedicated group exercise studio hosts a diverse schedule of instructor-led classes, ranging from strength and conditioning to yoga and Pilates. This breadth ensures the facility caters not only to performance-driven users but also to those seeking balance, recovery and holistic wellbeing.
What distinguishes this partnership further is the integration of advanced performance and assessment tools. Members benefit from innovations such as AI-driven wellness diagnostics, which evaluate key metrics and provide a “Wellness Age” benchmark - offering a tangible, personalised starting point for improvement. Strength training is enhanced through data-led systems that optimise efficiency and outcomes, while high-performance cardio equipment delivers immersive, feedback-rich workouts tailored to individual goals.
For Brocket Hall, the Technogym Centre is not a standalone development but part of a wider, carefully considered investment strategy. Over the past year, the estate has expanded its offering through a series of high-profile partnerships and upgrades, particularly within its golf and performance facilities. This holistic approach - bringing together sport, fitness, hospitality and wellbeing - reflects a broader ambition to create a multi-dimensional lifestyle destination.
General Manager Lee Williams noted, the focus has been on “quality, innovation and long-term excellence,” with partnerships playing a crucial role in delivering standout experiences. The collaboration with Technogym exemplifies this philosophy, leveraging external expertise to elevate the in-house offering and ensure it meets global best-in-class standards.
From an industry perspective, this move underscores a significant trend. Luxury hotels and private estates are increasingly recognising that wellness is no longer limited to spa treatments or relaxation spaces. Instead, it encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem that includes fitness, mental wellbeing, recovery, nutrition and digital engagement. Guests are not just seeking indulgence, they are looking for environments that support their long-term health goals.
The Brocket Hall-Technogym partnership serves as a compelling case study. It demonstrates how heritage properties can successfully integrate cutting-edge technology without compromising their identity, and how collaborations with global brands can unlock new levels of service and differentiation.
Ultimately, the Technogym Centre reinforces Brocket Hall’s position as a forward-thinking destination - one that understands the evolving expectations of modern luxury consumers. By placing wellness at the core of its offering and investing in both physical and digital innovation, the estate is not only enhancing its appeal but also setting a new benchmark for spa, wellness and amenities within the hospitality sector.
As the lines between leisure, lifestyle and longevity continue to blur, initiatives like this are likely to become the standard rather than the exception. For now, Brocket Hall stands ahead of the curve, offering a glimpse into the future of integrated wellness in luxury hospitality.