Bristol’s Broad Quay House has been chosen as the new regional hub for the hotel and leisure property division of Colliers International, formed as a result of combining the firm’s hotel division in Cirencester with its Bristol leisure department, which is already based in the building.
Tim Davies, head of the Bristol office, said: “The move recognises Bristol’s status as the gateway to the South West and will bring our hotels operation closer to key clients and give improved integration with the other strong property disciplines already in the office.”
The hotels team has looked after hoteliers and publicans in the South West and mid and south Wales for more than 50 years, offering property agency and valuation services. The sector has struggled in the recession although some businesses have benefited from the trend towards so-called staycations. However, there are signs of a recovery in corporate travel with hotels booking more midweek business guests and demand for meetings and events also rising.
Hotel specialist Peter Brunt said that despite challenging trading conditions, Best Western - the UK’s largest independent hotel group – for whom Colliers are recommended agents, achieved a 20% increase in business in the first half of 2011 with the South West generating much of the uplift. He added that Bristol and Birmingham experienced the highest increases with Bath and Bournemouth also doing well.
Mr Davies added: “Key to generating a strong business performance for our clients in 2012 will be the ability to react to economic conditions and the needs of customers. As ever in difficult trading conditions, some will thrive while others will experience difficulty.”
