The Hospitality Counsellor

02/09/2026

A really valuable resource for small businesses

Could Help to Grow: Management be coming to Cumbria?

We’re exploring the possibility of bringing this 12 week programme to Cumbria for local SME leaders.

You’ll gain practical knowledge, expert support, peer learning and 10 hours of 1 to 1 mentoring to help you lead with confidence and grow your business.

The programme has already supported over 11,000 SME leaders and is 90% government funded, costing £750 per person.

But first, we need to know there’s enough interest locally.

Could this be the support your business needs?

📧 Interested? Email Donna to register your interest: [email protected]

12/08/2026

Fantastic opportunity to be part of the story

Great Border City are looking for a new Business Improvement District (BID) Executive!

The BID Executive is a varied, hands-on role at the heart of the BID’s day-to-day operations. The postholder will support the delivery of BID projects, coordinate business engagement activity, manage key administrative functions and assist with the operational running of the organisation.

This is an ideal role for someone with strong organisational skills, a genuine interest in city-centre management and the ability to build relationships with a wide range of businesses and partners. The postholder will report into the BID Manager.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/4xzsT9p

12/08/2026

A fantastic example of hospitality and education working together.

I was delighted to see a recent update from Lee Osborn about the continued success of The Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs.

I had the privilege of opening The Yarrow in 2016 and, from the beginning, believed its real strength was the opportunity to place a working commercial hotel alongside East Kent College.

Students could learn, experience a genuine hospitality environment and make a much easier transition from education into employment.

It is wonderful to see how that vision has developed and how the leadership around the project has grown too.

Working now with hospitality and tourism businesses in Cumbria, I believe our region could benefit enormously from a similar model — connecting education, employers and practical experience to help develop and retain our next generation of hospitality professionals. https://www.yarrowhotel.co.uk

31/07/2026

Great things happen when we stop working in silos.

I regularly complete business support visits with Paul Walker, Destination Manager at Cumberland Council.
The businesses I support through Cumbria receive practical commercial advice—from increasing revenue and improving digital marketing to choosing better systems and negotiating with suppliers.
By bringing Paul into those conversations, businesses can also connect directly with the council, understand the support and funding available, and share honest feedback about what is happening on the ground.
At Shore Gate B&B, we discussed how a few simple changes could make the excellent new bus service even more useful for guests and locals,
At The Den at Four Acre, we explored the possibility of hosting a business event to showcase this fantastic venue to a wider audience.
We make these visits every few months, and they always create new ideas, stronger relationships and real opportunities.
Public support, private-sector experience and local businesses working together—that is how we make our visitor economy stronger.

24/07/2026

A little Friday shout-out to a brilliant local business! 🎉
I’m so pleased to have Gareth O’Rourke, founder of Cumbria-based digital agency , as one of The Hospitality Counsellor’s trusted specialist partners.

I help businesses take a step back, see the bigger picture and work out what needs to happen next. Gareth and his team can then bring the digital expertise needed to turn those ideas into action.
I’ve just received the digital marketing strategy Gareth created for Suzie Metcalfe at Wildscapes Retreat—and it was every bit as inspiring as Suzie’s story! Find out more https://www.wildscapesretreat.com

Here’s to great people, local collaboration and the right support at the right time. 🙌

18/07/2026

So pleased to have played a leading role in shaping an exciting new work experience project for hospitality and tourism.

A positive placement in our industry can make a real difference to a young person, building confidence, communication, teamwork, resilience and valuable skills for the future.

Working with Magee-Barker FIH and Dutton of we have been developing a practical programme to help hospitality and tourism businesses offer meaningful, inspiring and well-structured work experience to school and college students.

When we get this right, young people gain skills for life, employers build stronger talent pipelines and hospitality becomes a career of choice.

Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information as this exciting project develops.

14/07/2026

Would your business benefit from a fresh pair of eyes?
I help business owners step back, tackle challenges and find a practical way forward.
As Rydal Hall kindly said:
“Quite simply, we would not be where we are today without her.”
Eligible Cumbrian businesses may be able to access 3 or 12 hours of funded support through Enterprising Cumbria.
Find out more about the difference we have made to our clients at .https://www.hospitalitycounsellor.co.uk/client-testimonials/•

Enterprising Cumbria

10/07/2026

A new chapter for The Hospitality Counsellor.
https://www.hospitalitycounsellor.co.uk
Over the last few years I have had the privilege of working with independent hospitality, tourism, retail and visitor economy businesses across Cumbria - often at moments when they are growing, changing, under pressure, or simply in need of a fresh pair of eyes.
The new format of the business and the colleagues who have come on board brings together what we all do best:
• practical business support
• honest, experienced guidance
• access to trusted local specialists
• support with funding, marketing, operations and business planning
• a real understanding of the pressures facing independent businesses
I am also continuing to support businesses through funded programmes, including Enterprising Cumbria, where eligible businesses may be able to access 3 or 12 hours of support.
If you run a hospitality, tourism, retail, food, drink or visitor economy business in Cumbria and would value a practical conversation, please enquire on our new website – or simply give me a call 07468458341

As retail & hospitality consultants with 25+ years experience, experts in helping Cumbrian hospitality businesses | The Hospitality Counsellor

17/03/2026

Practical People Management: What Managers Need to Know Now

With employment law changing and recruitment challenges continuing across Cumbria, this practical course will help managers and business owners feel more confident handling people issues in the workplace.

Taking place in Carlisle next week, the session will cover key employment law changes, managing performance and absence, recruitment practices and handling difficult conversations.

The course is designed for busy managers and focuses on practical, real-world situations.

📅 17 March 2026
🕙 10:00am - 4:00pm
📍 Realise HR, Carlisle

Lunch is included and the course is funded by Cumberland Council through UKSPF.

Book your place 👇
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/103950/sessions/909659/sections/175880/tickets

06/03/2026