ConnectUp is a consultancy and training company. It provides both advice and inhouse training to companies of all sizes which need help with managing the inner workings of their businesses. That’s the people, who drive the processes which make the business actually happen.
The engine of most businesses is all those vital people who do the work to implement the plan and make the wheels go round to produce the results!
This is of course very pertinent in these continuing strange times. In some companies some staff have been and maybe still are on furlough, others have been working harder than ever. Tensions can build.
Many businesses have been through the mill and it’s nowhere near over yet. Staff often realise the pressures their bosses are under too; it’s hard for owners and managers to hide their fears when the very survival of their businesses may be at stake.
In every company are individual members of staff who have suffered to a lesser or greater extent from the pressures brought about by a year of living with Covid. Think about lockdowns, death of loved ones, the emotions wrung by not being allowed to visit parents or partners in care homes. We don’t need to spell out all the additional personal challenges on top of all those which exist already in today’s hectic life.
ConnectUp’s premise, which few will challenge, is that people work at their best when they’re treated well, motivated and “connected” - with each other and their managers.
Then of course that the whole is usually greater than the sum of the parts: a team which is working well together has the power to increase individual effort, ability and productivity.
The other vital component is feeling good about what you actually do, recognising the part your role plays in the bigger whole of what the organisation itself does. That feeling that that your cog in the wheel is vital - as vital as any other, which of course it is.
So this aspect of ConnectUp's role is about helping people feel connected to the work they do - so they see the meaning in it. "Does what I do matter?" Which of course, it does!
If all or any of this sounds pertinent to your business, take a look at the ConnectUp website and call Jo now for a chat.
This is where Jo Hompstead comes in, with her HR training, background and experience, and with skills kept constantly up to date through ongoing reading and learning.
Jo’s first career was in the HR departments of major companies including John Lewis and Waitrose, with responsibility for recruitment, training and development. She has seen and experienced from within the heart of the organisation the difference made by management focus on the needs of individual people in their roles.
As Jo says, “It’s a no-brainer to me that people work at their best when they are treated as human beings and not just an asset.
Why wouldn’t we want work to be a fulfilling and meaningful place for people to be? Just for the human stuff, but it also makes clear commercial sense.”
Jo is naturally curious about what makes people tick, driven to make an impact on how people feel about and perform at work. She is known for establishing early trust, encouraging staff to open up and tell her how things really are, enabling her to really get to the nub of what’s going on.
“I enjoy helping leaders and business owners unleash the potential of themselves and their people. I am known for working as a trusted advisor and confidante, drawing ideas together into meaningful action and bringing insight and intelligence to problems.”
As well as working with you at your place of work, or a venue of your choice, new for 2021 Jo is offering 'More Than Just a Fun Day Out'. Based at Hoburne Bashley's Woodland Centre, these full and half day team building events take place outdoors, incorporating two elements Forest Team Experience and Group Connection & Action Planning. By the end of the day all the participating individuals will feel engaged with what needs to happen to build success, understand their role within that and feel connected as a team as they move forward together. Find out more here!
Find out more on the ConnectUp website here or simply call Jo on 07704 642156 or email
Sandeep Sesodia is Director of New Forest based MGPS Commercial Ltd which arranges commercial finances. He is well qualified to talk on these matters, having been been considering the many impacts of the coronavirus both economic and human, on businesses large and small. As we learn to live with its legacy he shares his thoughts about the steps businesses can take now to put themselves in a strong position to face the future.
“I’d say future proofing as we exit the coronavirus “crisis” and adjust to the new normal, is a kind of combination of best practices in order not only to survive but to come out ahead of the game.
Irrespective that COVID 19 has shown that nature is "red in tooth and claw", it is now a case not only of survival of the fittest but also, those willing to adapt.
Because one thing is for sure, COVID 19 has been a wake-up call.
At its simplest future proofing is about surviving, continuing to trade. Then it’s about anticipating the future by doing the homework – identifying threats and opportunities. And pragmatically about being aware of real potential shocks, the possible stresses and hurdles of future events and eventualities.
Although monitoring the business finances is vital, it's not all about borrowing!
Borrowing alone is not the answer. So many business have taken advantage of the government grants or loan schemes - or both! Right now, it is more about having good business acumen and a fit for purpose operating model at all times. Applying common sense along with having good practices will be the key. So, it is informing businesses "what good looks like". That means right NOW! So it is informing businesses “what good looks like”.
Good housekeeping is essential. Translated, this is good governance, being disciplined, diligent and having a checklist to ensure the longevity of the business. This should always be in place so that measures are in place to safeguard and protect the business / future proof itself.
This means having
Businesses should not be daunted by having a checklist. The checklist is simply comprised of everyday business activity, common sense and good practice and will allow a business owner to carry out a health check.
In arranging commercial finance, the priority for mpps commercial ltd is to carry out a health check on a business looking for funding. Here are some of the typical considerations:
Is the business keeping pace with change e.g. Investing in the business, technology, staff, training / upskilling, recruitment etc?
Is slick administration in place to ensure efficiencies, a streamlined and lean process?
Paperwork and accreditations must be up to date – are records kept? Has the business faced up to the requirements of GDPR and put appropriate measures in place?
Are Compliance and regulatory obligations and responsibilities kept up to date?
Is tax paid up and up to date? Is the business benefitting from tax breaks, allowances, Government grants and schemes?
Are security and safeguarding procedures in place e.g. entry into buildings, ID checks, adequate insurance, cyber security, HSE, Fire Regulations?
Are products and services relevant? Is diversification required?
Is the business aware of and alert to the market conditions, market forces and any changes e.g. legislation?
Is a competitor analysis carried out on a regular basis?
What business activities are kept in house and which are outsourced e.g. HR / Employment law, Payroll, accounts / bookkeeping?
What is the business’s policy on the environment, its Carbon footprint, its CSR activities?
Above all a business must maintain communication with its business partners and professional advisers including the bank, the accountant and other qualified business advisors and mentors.
Consideration should also be given to the
A business will want to demonstrate to all and any 3rd parties the financial strength and financial stability of their organisation. That there is growth potential and that the business is fit for purpose e.g. to potential buyers or for the future sale of the business.
Some organisations and potential clients will only deal with businesses that display these characteristics.
From a borrowing perspective, all lenders will want to evidence these characteristics because these will form a part of the lending criteria. So, they will seek comfort and reassurance to understand the purpose of or rationale behind the finance application. Understanding this will determine the appropriate facility and the structure of the borrowing.
There are approximately 140 commercial finance lenders at present. They range from High Street Banks across to those with an online presence only, to specialist lenders to Alternative Finance, Private Equity Firms and to Crowd Funding platforms. Therefore, being specific about the borrowing need is critical. Gone are the days of one loan fits all.
The Business Plan, including the latest financials (the latest filed accounts, Management Information and cashflow forecasts / projections - sensitised and stress tested - together with the underlying assumptions) is a must. The cashflow analysis is critical because it will signal whether a business can service a debt. Otherwise how can a business calculate how much to borrow or how can a lender assess how much a business can afford to borrow?
Reviewing the Business Plan and monitoring the cashflow forecasts on a regular basis to ensure that there is sufficient working capital is vital, as is having a 30/60/90 Day Plan. Carrying out a SWOT analysis and a risk assessment will be extremely important.
So, the Business Plan must exemplify prudence; it must clearly demonstrate a viable operating model, financial strength, and stability. It must address, for example, what
There must be a candid analysis of what business as usual looks like.
Before approaching a lender, a business / owner must ask themselves: Would I lend to myself? If so, what information would I want to see to reassure me and convince me to agree to lend?
Business resilience is something that is being much talked about. What does this mean? It means surviving and the actions to take to enable this – medium and l-term; operations; When to return? How to return? Standing back and re-imagining etc.
This leads to recovery and similar issues to consider:
In terms of Cost Control, in reviewing the operating model the business must aim to make it leaner, more streamline and assess essential costs – overheads, fixed and variable costs (rent reviews / negotiations) and of course staffing and wages. This will be a tough exercise but it is about sustainability and survival.
Therefore, for any challenges or issues the business has faced it must provide explanation and commentary on how the matter was addressed and the solutions identified.
An honest appraisal and transparency will be needed.
COVID 19 has indeed been a wake - up call. However, we must remain positive and think of our business in a different dimension and be entrepreneurial. Remember, as history has shown us time and time again, crisis breeds creativity and innovation.”
Sandeep Sesodia is a Board member of The New Forest Business Partnership; Chair of Southampton Connect (Business Partnership working with Southampton City Council and represented by private and public organisations in Southampton); Non – Exec Director, Partnerships Portfolio Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; Chair Southampton Business Board, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce 2015 – 2020; Enterprise Adviser, The Careers & Enterprise Co, Solent LEP; Governor, Highcliffe School; Chair, Humanities, Highcliffe Rotary Club and Vice President Bournemouth Cricket Club.
For an initial discussion with Sandeep please contact him on 07388 908919 or e-mail him at
Sandeep Sesodia
June 2020
Every picture tells many more words when it comes to promoting your business, especially in the new 'post lockdown' social distancing norm that is materialising with the coronavirus situation. Thanks to See-Inside Photography you can create a 360 degree virtual showroom of your business and boost the impact of your Google Business Page, website, advertising, PR and social media, with both a moving image virtual tour AND a brand new set of professionally taken conventional images.
360 degree photography has a multitude of benefits including for example: explaining the layout of a self catering property, showing the table layout in a restaurant, indicating the range of products available in a shop, encouraging prospects to then visit in person.
Our See-Inside interactive imagery attracts potential customers allowing them to discover your business: they can effectively “walk through” your virtual shop, showroom or restaurant, explore and take a closer look.
A virtual See-Inside tour of your business be it restaurant, shop or showroom will not only get your business noticed and encourage new prospects to turn up in real life, but will also improve your presence on Google.
Google Street View technology is used to create a high-quality, interactive, 360° experience and add stunning images that get your business noticed online. Your business is presented at its best on desktop, mobile and tablet too.
At the same time you can take advantage of a superb set of up to date professional business images including your premises, products and people as preferred.
Typically 10 images are included, free, with your tour. If more are required, these can be arranged for a small additional charge. The whole package comes for less than the price a typical professional photographer will charge for a photo shoot. It’s a complete win win for small businesses! Call us on 01590 612902 or email
See-Inside photographer John Carratt has been working with Google since 2012 to deliver Google Street View to companies and organisations across the UK. More and more national businesses are commissioning See-Inside to film virtual tours of their locations throughout Britain - but fortunately John still has time to look after his home location the New Forest too!
It’s easy and quick to implement your See-Inside virtual tour, and you can start seeing results immediately.
If for whatever reason a virtual tour is not appropriate for your business we can also provide a very competitively priced set of conventional photographs.
In either case, please contact the Lymington.com team email
Lymington.com is a trusted and relevant website, with captivating content added regularly. It ranks highly in search engines for keywords relevant to all businesses, categories and industries present in the Lymington and New Forest area.
This is an excellent method of improving individual business search engine optimisation.
This is a highly cost-effective means of owning a web-presence if your business doesn't have its own website, has an outdated or non-responsive website, or is part of a chain which limits local information on the main website.
Your Featured Business Page will display in as many categories you wish which are relevant, in the Lymington.com directory of local businesses and organisations.
Once you have set it up, you will be able to log in and update it yourself at any time.
The short description and meta data will help to display your page for relevant searches, not only within the Lymington.com website itself but also from Google search.
The long description can be as long as you like including a succinct and compelling summary of your business: what it offers, to whom and why it’s so good - including multiple links to various pages on your own website if you wish together with customer testimonials and where relevant our third party endorsement too. It can also include images to illustrate the text.
The key thing is to make your headline messages as compelling as possible to your target markets.
The page can include an image gallery and links to your own website and social media along with as relevant location map, videos, even a 360 degree virtual tour embedded into the page.
Google likes our Directory a lot (link to stats and dems) and simply having a webpage on Lymington.com has value in itself. Google also regularly features our news items and events in Google Alerts and Google Search.
We can tailor your webpage to showcase the exact elements of your business that you would like to promote to the local market. In other words, we can help 'tell your story' and explain exactly why people should come to you!
Go to http://lymington.com/business/add-business and follow the instructions to register, log in and add business, then select Featured Business Page.
Did you know that you can rate and review New Forest businesses on Lymington.com? It is really easy to do and very much appreciated by local businesses.
A large part of the Lymington.com website consists of a local business directory which includes details about an increasing number of New Forest businesses.
It is within this section and linked to the individual business details, that reviews appear.
Here is the lowdown on how to place your review.
Click on DIRECTORY in the top menu and in the left hand search bar enter the name of the business you would like to nominate. Or, click on one of the categories and search in that category for the business or organisation you're seeking.
(If you cannot find the business you're looking for, please email us - we will add it to the Directory, will email the business owner to let them know, and will email you to confirm.)
Click on the business and then on REVIEWS (find this after Business Details and Map just under the top section).
You'll then be prompted to LOG IN to Lymington.com - if you've not logged in before, click on 'Don't have an account' so that you can register. You'll then be able to log in.
Once logged in, back under the REVIEWS section under your chosen business or organisation, click on ADD A REVIEW.
When you're happy with it click SAVE.
We'll check it over and publish.
We've just added a couple of new reviews, for Ear Clinic and the Hog and Lamb Spitroast Company.
There's no rule as to style or content other than positive; if you wish to add any criticism please make it of a constructive kind!
If your review is particularly glowing and especially if it introduces an aspect of a business which is not covered in the description on their webpage in the Directory, we may wish to highlight it in our promotion of that business in Weekly What's On and on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms. If you don't wish us to do this please drop us a line.
If you don't already receive our Weekly What's On e-newsletter (including many community events which are free or low charge), sign up now.
Quick view statsThe community website Lymington.com, in existence for over 15 years, is an online hub for the whole New Forest area with a comprehensive events calendar, local information, local news, where to stay, eat and drink, things to do, jobs, business reviews and articles of local interest - it is ‘your local link’ for both the local community and visitors to the area.
In addition to the website, the team combines a range of social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and a 'Weekly What's On' email newsletter to subscribers. These media channels all link directly to the website, effectively pushing and pulling visitors to different webpages.
It's not all about local business, we spend a lot of time promoting causes for local charities and voluntary organisations - and we give everyone the opportunity to add local events to our events calendar free of charge.
Our mission is to help you make the most of every penny of your marketing budget by providing a well-targeted channel and well-planned, smart marketing. We actively promote our members and will happily create a bespoke package to promote and champion your business or organisation in the way which will best suit your requirements.
Website visits continued to grow steadily year on year as can be seen in the graph. In 2019 website visits were up 24%, with both new users and returning users were up 24% and 25.4% respectively, continuing the trends of strong growth over the past 6 years. There is an element of seasonality, as you can see in the graph our monthly visits rise dramatically in the summer months when there are more visitors to the area.
In 2019 the average time on page of our website users was up 15.3% to 1 minute 36 seconds, continuing to buck the global trend which is steadily dropping and where session duration is currently described as ‘a little less than a minute’.* Visitors looked at an average of 1.74 pages per visit - so they are looking at other pages other than the one on which they initially land.
Page views are up 6.3% and the number of sessions per user is up 24%, again continuing the positive trend over the last 6 years.
In other words, we have many more visitors, returning more often. They are reading for longer than average and looking around at other pages as well as the one on which they originally land.
All fantastic news and reflected in our excellent search engine rankings.
Our social media posts and 'Weekly What’s On' newsletter direct readers to the Lymington.com website with links to specific pages and succinct, effective messages to promote the business or cause.
Over the last year the number of people clicking to the website from social media has grown by 38% and the number of people clicking to the website from our direct marketing email has grown by 200%, in spite of some very challenging changes to social media algorithms and regulations. This reflects the success of our email newsletter to subscribers and the ongoing popularity of our social media posts.
At the same time our organic acquisition from search engine results pages (SERPS) has continued its growth, up 14% in 2019. This reflects ongoing work on search engine optimisation (SEO), along with the established expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness of Lymington.com. At the same time, direct acquisition (people coming straight to Lymington.com) is up 28% and referrals from other sources is up 29%.
Lymington.com is a responsive website, meaning its layout changes as size of the screen being used to view that site changes. Increasingly people are viewing websites on smart phones: over the last year we have seen an increase of 37% in smart phone views, with 54% of users now reading our website on a smartphone. Tablet and desktop users are both still up on last year at 9% and 4% increase respectively.
Having a responsive website is now rewarded by Google and other search engines. Our tech team work hard to ensure that Lymington.com works well with all search engines, who are constantly evolving their algorithms.
The age profile of the Lymington.com website has a healthy split between the age ranges, as shown in the chart adjacent. Over the last year we have attracted more people in the 65+ age bracket to the website (also reflecting the growth of 'silver surfers') with the 25-64 age groups remaining consistently high.
56.4% of our website visitors are women, 43.6% are men, male readership continues to grow.
91% of Lymington.com website visitors live in the UK. 64% of our Facebook fans live in the Lymington and New Forest area, 88% in the Southampton-Bournemouth-Winchester triangle.
On Facebook and Instagram, 66% of our followers are women, whereas Twitter reaches more men with 57% male followers and 43% women.
On Facebook 86.9% of our followers are in the 25-64 age bracket, the ideal target market for many local businesses. Interestingly 89.4% of our Instagram followers are in this age bracket and 84.1% of our Twitter followers. More people in the 55+ age bracket are now using Instagram and Twitter, bucking the trend of previous years where both were predominately younger.
All data shown here is for the full year 2019.
On Facebook (@LymingtonHampshire), our followers are up 3.4% to 7457. In 2019 our Facebook impressions grew again 1.7 million. This increases continue in 2020.
On Twitter (@lymingtondotcom), our audience grew by 1.5% to 3,727 followers and engagement was up 30.2% in 2019.
On Instagram (@lymingtondotcom), our growth has continued, followers are up 5.5% to 1655, impressions increased by 41.7% and engagement is up 23.4%.
Our Weekly What's On Newsletter is emailed every Friday morning to subscribers. The volume of subscribers grows organically each week, currently at around 4,500. Early in 2018 we moved our newsletter to a new system and fully cleansed our system to ensure GDPR compliance. The format of the newsletter is designed to catch the reader’s eye with relevant images and headlines and an easy layout which enables readers to see the main messages at a glance.
Combining all elements of the Lymington.com channel and our organic website visitors, our combined average weekly reach is in excess of 60,000 people.
The Bartley Marketing team have worked hard to bring the Lymington.com Channel where it is today and are proud that it continues to grow and enhance its reputation every year. The Lymington.com Channel is unique in its targeted local reach online, combining a trusted, well established and regularly updated website with social media channels and direct marketing.
Bartley Marketing Ltd
March 2020
* Nielsen Norman Group
Looking to scale your business quickly? Do you know where to go to access finance? Knowing where to go to borrow money and whom to ask can be a daunting task.
If you are looking to scale your business quickly, you need a significant injection of finance and are not sure how to go about it, just call Sandeep Sesodia for a free initial discussion about how MGPS Commercial can unlock exactly the commercial finance your business needs to grow to its next stage.
MGPS Commercial assists businesses to realise their strategic and long term goals by providing the appropriate finance structures depending on their nature and precise needs. Sandeep is practised at sourcing, accessing and securing appropriate finance structures based on understanding your business and whether you need for example:
Independent and working for youIf you go straight to a bank they will have a vested interest in putting their case.
Whereas whilst Sandeep has a track record of over 35 years in banking including many years as a bank manager, MGPS is totally independent and therefore impartial and Sandeep’s sole focus will be on the specific needs of your business.
You will also find him to be immensely warm, friendly and helpful!
For more information about Sandeep and MGPS Commercial click here
We recommend you then just give him a call and find out for yourself!
"The idea for this article came from conversations with business owners, business leaders and senior executives with whom I was holding conversations as they continue to evaluate their business models, strategies, and organisational structures in the current economic climate. My initial question was: What is the shape of your business and what shape is your business in?
I do not profess to have the answer to the questions raised in the article, but this is an important discussion point in the business support that I have been providing to business owners. So, the article is a conversation starter and I hope that it provides some food for thought."
Over the last year I have discussed at length the importance of strategic business financial planning, contingency and continuity planning, impact analysis and risk assessment.
During the COVID 19 pandemic we have all become familiar with words and phrases such as furlough, resilience, survival, pivoting, change management, organisational culture, sustainability, remote working, the new normal and so on. And we are only too aware of the job retention schemes and the various government grants.
2020 has been a watershed for many organisations. But how have businesses and organisations responded given the ongoing events?
Or have businesses shown a reluctance to change their style and modus operandi? Leading on from this, if a business has changed, has this been the right decision and what has been learnt? If change has not been beneficial, business owners need to consider to what extent the business should go back to previous business models or retain the change.
In other words, circumstances dictated such a rapid change and possibly a kneejerk reaction, that it is inevitable some organisations will have learnt that change was not appropriate. The benefit is that those organisations now have the choice to select which changes should be retained and which changes were unnecessary. Of course, some organisations may need to carry out a radical rethink.
Nevertheless, businesses and organisations have an opportunity to review what they can do differently. To get the ball rolling, business owners and executives should look at the business operating model and the organisational structure of their company.
Traditionally, organisational structures have been described as either functional, matrix, divisional or flat and define many aspects of an organisation (hierarchy, rules, jobs, roles, responsibilities, tasks, coordination of activities) with the aim being of being able to achieve an organisation’s goals. These structures are then adapted to suit an organisation’s needs.
However, with the increase in the digital marketplace, decentralised, team-based organisational structures are replacing the old models.
With this in mind, let us consider these operating models and organisational structures in a different way: does your business resemble a Sudoku puzzle or an Origami model? In other words, is the business being run as a mathematical equation or as an enterprise?
Let me explain - the known and perceived characteristics of a Sudoku puzzle and an Origami model are as follows:
Sudoku puzzle: Linear, straight lines, box to box; disciplined, structured, ordered; hint of inflexibility; a regimented style, formula driven.
Origami model: Creative (design), imaginative, free flowing; inspirational; visual; celebrating simplicity and demonstrating flair.
Are larger, complex organisations accurately represented by a Sudoku puzzle – a series of grids, columns, rows, and boxes? Do these features represent the different departments and divisions of such organisations? What happens in these boxes, rows, columns, and grids? Are there any interactions? How does information flow and how does communication take place?
The Sudoku puzzle can only be completed successfully by following the rules…..if you veer off course then the puzzle cannot be completed! So, with the Sudoku puzzle there is only one “right” solution – there is only one path to the outcome. This will be important for certain types of organisations (particularly where there are important regulatory frameworks) but not for all.
Do business owners operate their businesses on the same basis - a tightly run ship? Is this a formula for success? Is the Borg Cube in Start Trek a giant Sudoku puzzle that has evolved (assimilated) to become a cube (or a business that has grown and evolved to become a multinational organisation) with the irresistible tag line “resistance is futile”?!
When you look at Origami models what is the roadmap being laid out? The detail is in the folds of the Origami models - the more folds you have the more complex the structure (of an organisation). The folds can go into different directions, create different shapes, change direction, and adapt. However, the relationship or link between each fold needs to be understood and whether the folds naturally lead to one another. Without the right relationships in the fold, you could end up with a crumpled piece of paper!
Origami also requires a clear vision of the outcome that you are trying to achieve. Maybe it’s a swan, or a flower or another image, but you need to know that each fold is helping to achieve the final outcome and be clear on what that is at the beginning. There may be multiple ways to get there but you need to know where you are heading.
It is written that traditionally, Origami models are a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. Is this the kind of inspiration that businesses currently need? Both the Sudoku puzzle and the Origami models have been applied to intellectual and logical thinking, problem solving, organisational structures, design, manufacture (NASA), engineering, medicine (modelling DNA samples), robotics, factory automation and architecture (fitting big things into small spaces) to name but a few.
Both the Sudoku puzzle and the Origami model have a place within an organisation – a Sudoku puzzle could be folded into an Origami model... Irrespective of the shape, an organisational structure is a pattern or network of relationships. The caveat is that it is critical to understand how the information flows in an organisation. A business must be transparent and there should be clarity in the business operations. This way the business will engender trust, build relationships and partnerships and gain customers. An organisation must not give an aura of mystery or be perceived as an enigma.
Business owners can help themselves by reflecting on their own business’s organisational structure and processes. They need to re-evaluate the structure and analyse the impact on the finances, the resources, on people, on the supply chain and on customers. This review will enable them to re- Sandeep Sesodia January 2021 imagine their business; assess the viability and credibility of the business; how robust it is and what the desired outcome is. Business owners must also assess the impression that people have of the business, its reputation, and the legacy that is being created.
Thereafter, the business owners can identify and determine if and how their organisations align with the Sudoku puzzle, the Origami model or perhaps both. This will not only define the shape their business is in, but also the shape of their business."
Sandeep Sesodia
January 2021
The Montagu Arms and Careys Manor & SenSpa (both part of Greenclose Hotels) are celebrating following a number of award wins at The Beautiful South Awards 2019, held on 10th December at The Grand Brighton.
A luxury countryside destination, The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu was named Small Hotel of the Year, with judges commenting that the hotel is “the holy grail of service delivery”. The Terrace – the three AA Rosette restaurant within the hotel led by Head Chef Matthew Whitfield – achieved silver for Restaurant/Bistro of the Year.
Andrew Nightingale, General Manager at The Montagu Arms said: “We are thrilled with the results from the awards last night. It’s a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”
Sister hotel Careys Manor & SenSpa – a four-star hotel in Brockenhurst – took home Spa & Wellbeing Experience of the Year, and was highly commended in the Large Hotel of the Year category.
Lina Lotto, Spa Director at Careys Manor & SenSpa said: “We aim to go above and beyond at SenSpa, not only through providing five-star facilities but also through the quality of service, and taking note of the little things that matter. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts recognised through this award win.”
The Beautiful South Awards celebrate achievement in the tourism industry across a wide range of categories. Judging is carried out by an independent panel of industry leaders and experts in their field.
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