Member Article

The hotel's just like a little family: Paul Weild of the Holiday Inn speaks to Bdaily

?Even if I could do any job in the world, I would still be in hospitality,? said Paul Weild, the sales and marketing director at the Holiday Inn Newcastle:Jesmond.

Apart from a short stint working at the Hancock:Great North Museum, Paul has spent most of his career working in hotels, joining the Holiday Inn in February 2011. ?I just missed working in hotels,? he said. It?s almost like a little family at work which makes it an absolute pleasure to come in every day

?Prior to working at the museum, I had only worked in four and five star hotels, so it was a great opportunity to come to the Holiday Inn and make some money for the hotel.?

The hotel, which was previously the Imperial Hotel, only reopened in December 2010 after a multi-million pound refurbishment, which staff handled admirably.

?The refurbishment is near completion and the feedback we have received from residents and non-residents alike has been excellent.

?At the moment we have a 70 percent occupancy rate, with around 65 percent of these guests dining in the restaurant.?

Paul is keen to market the hotel as a wedding and conferencing venue and plans to build upon the success the business has already achieved.

?August has been the best month we?ve had yet, which is especially positive as the hotel trade round here usually drops off in the summer.

?We?ve already had seven weddings this month and have around 15 corporate accounts on our books, which is very encouraging in the current climate.

Looking forward, Paul is already planning for the next few months: ?The conference season is coming up, then Christmas parties and events for the catering and hospitality trade which will run into January and February.

?It?s so fast paced here and we?re always working on the next project. It?s great to see your plans become a success, and it?s a pleasure to see the hotel develop.?

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .