Christian Guild announces investment plans as part of company restructure

Christian hotel and holiday company Christian Guild has announced plans for a major restructure that will see significant investment in its hotels.

The Derbyshire-based company wants to improve its hotels to ensure its accommodation offers the modern services demanded by customers, while continuing to be excellent value for money.

The company’s plans include selling one of its hotels – Moorlands Hotel in Whitby, North Yorkshire – and using the cash raised to invest back into the business to improve guest facilities.

Chairman Martin Ellis said that the move was part of Christian Guild’s strategy to invest in growing the business in the future.

He said: “After careful consideration and discussion the Board of Directors unanimously agreed to the sale of Moorlands. As a result, Moorlands will close for business on Friday March 12, 2010.

“We have notified all staff directly affected by this decision and we will be working with them to explore options available to each individual.

“We will also be contacting those customers who have already booked to stay at Moorlands and we will be offering, where availability exists, alternative accommodation at one of our other hotels or a full refund.

“Moorlands Hotel has been part of our family of hotels for 54 years and has offered accommodation for many people who have enjoyed memorable holidays there.

“There will be an opportunity to celebrate Moorlands as a Christian Guild Hotel at a Service of Thanksgiving to be held at Moorlands Hotel on March 26 2010 at 11am.”

The planned restructure also means Derwent House, a building within the grounds of Willersley Castle in Derbyshire, and surplus land at Treloyhan Manor Hotel in Cornwall, will also be sold, subject to planning approval, to raise further finance to reinvest in the company’s remaining hotels.

January 2010 Grapevine

The latest edition of the Grapevine newsletter is now available for download. PDF format, 441KB. You will need Adobe Reader to view this file.

Christian Guild hotel’s alcohol Licence trial deemed a success

The Board of Christian Guild has agreed to make permanent a licence to sell alcohol with meals for Lindors Country House Hotel after the 6 month trial was deemed a success.

The Board agreed to the trial after receiving feedback from customers who said they would like the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages with their meals.

Because the Lindors trial was so successful, the Board has agreed to similar trials at Treloyhan Manor, Sidholme and Willersley Castle hotels.

In approving the new trials the Board has made it clear that they will be subject to stringent management and supervision. As part of the assessment of each trial there will be a formal consideration by the Board on the impact on business before any decisions are made regarding making such licenses permanent. Customer feedback will also be carefully monitored.

Managing Director Kevin Mantle said: “We understand some of our loyal customers have serious concerns about the consumption of alcohol, but we want to reassure them that the Board’s decision comes after much discussion and consideration of feedback from customers and our commitment to promote a responsible approach to alcohol.

“For Christian Guild to continue to attract customers from the wide spectrum of Christians, we have to take into account comments from a wide range of people.

“But the decision in no way impacts on Christian Guild’s commitment to offer Christians a chance to holiday and worship together in safe, modern and well-appointed hotels that allow people the chance to tailor their break with a Company that provides the very best in Christian hospitality”

’Holidays and Short Breaks 2010’ brochure now available

The Christian Guild ’Holidays & Short Breaks 2010’ brochure is online and available for download. Just go to the ’request a brochure’ page and click on the link.

Alternatively you can request to be sent a copy in the post by filling in the online form.