Choice Hotels Europe continues expansion with key appointment

To assist with its continued UK expansion, Choice Hotels Europe has appointed Simon Bullough as Franchise Development Manager.

As a key part of the company's strategy to grow its UK business further, Bullough will be responsible for growing third-party franchise agreements with independent hotels and hotel groups in the UK.

With almost 10 years of franchise development experience, Bullough has an excellent proven track record. When working for Best Western GB, he secured and converted over 150 properties to the Best Western brand. He joins Choice Hotels from Ramada York Fairfield Manor, where he acted as Sales Manager.

Choice Hotels Europe UK Chief Executive, Duncan Berry said: "We are keen to work with individual hoteliers and independent hotel groups who want to benefit from the global brand presence of Choice Hotels International and experience that Choice Hotels Europe can bring. As one of the largest pure global hotel franchising companies, we have the expertise, support and scope to help our franchise owners succeed. Simon's experience and knowledge of the hotel sector will be instrumental in helping us achieve this growth."

A recent survey undertaken by Choice Hotels in the UK found that hoteliers and general managers rated sales and marketing expertise and the ability to multi-task as the most essential skills and attributes required by today's hotelier.

Berry, added: "These results verify the value to independent hoteliers of operating under a brand. The areas they have flagged as critical to running their business can be provided through a franchised relationship."