Programme:
Cumbria Accelerator: Business Support Programme
Business Advisor :
Andrea Whigham, The Hospitality Counsellor
Carol and Michael Allchorne are the owners and proprietors of Alston House Hotel, a full-service hotel business. As the demands of running the hotel became increasingly difficult, they needed to consider how they could reduce their workload while making the best use of the business and property.
After years of working both in and on the business, finding the time and perspective to step back and consider what to do next was challenging.
“The situation felt overwhelming. Because we work both in and on the business every day, it was difficult to step back, see the options objectively and identify a clear path forward.”
Through Cumbria Accelerator, Carol and Michael began working with Business Advisor Andrea Whigham of The Hospitality Counsellor to look at their situation objectively and identify a realistic way forward.
Andrea worked with Carol and Michael to consider the different options for the future of the hotel and what each could mean for them, the business and the property.
She also connected them with trusted specialists, including planning professionals, so they could get the right advice before making any significant decisions.
Together, they developed a detailed action plan, breaking what had felt like a complex situation into clear steps that Carol and Michael could work through at a realistic pace while continuing to run the hotel.
“Andrea is approachable, supportive and easy to work with; she listens carefully, understands the realities of our business and turns complex challenges into clear, manageable steps.”
Carol and Michael now have a structured plan to work through and a better understanding of the steps involved in making changes to the business.
While they recognise there are still significant decisions ahead, having a plan in place has made the process feel more manageable.
“We still feel a little overwhelmed by the scale of the changes ahead, but we now have clarity, structure and a realistic route forward.”
Cumbria Accelerator can provide the support you need to identify opportunities and focus on the right next steps for your business.
