RedCat Inns purchase 16^th Century Manor House Hotel

Commercial real estate specialist Colliers has sold the Manor House Hotel to RedCat Inns off a guide price of £1.7 million.

The Grade-II listed 16^th Century hotel in West Bexington is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The previous owners, David and Alison Allen, have run it since 2010.

They decided to sell the property, with its associated four-bedroom owner’s house, ahead of their retirement.

The couple had extensively upgraded the 13-bedroom stone building which includes a restaurant in the oldest part of the building with stone flagged floors, exposed beams and a feature stone fireplace.

David said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Manor House Hotel in this wonderful location overlooking Lyme Bay.

“We would like to thank our dedicated staff, customers and suppliers for their support, and wish RedCat Inns every success in the future.”

The hotel is within walking distance of Chesil beach and just six miles from Bridport.

The cellar bar at the hotel is also popular with local residents as it acts as the village pub.

It leads out onto the hotel’s manicured two acres of gardens which can accommodate a 150-person marquee for weddings and events.

Ed Jefferson, from Colliers’ Hotels team said: “With RedCat’s recent high number of independent and unique hotel acquisitions, including a previous deal through Colliers for New Dungeon Ghyll in the Lake District, we thought this would be another great opportunity for them.

“We are glad that they have recognised the appeal of this thriving business along the Dorset coast, which is attractive to visitors all year round.

“I wish David and Alison a very happy retirement.”

Neil Hart at Bradley Hall acted for the purchasers.

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Dorset Gateway announces partners for Back to Business

Dorset Gateway – Dorset LEP’s growth hub – has appointed Evolve Members and Digital Storm as delivery partners for its Back to Business support package.

Funded through BCP Council’s Bounce Back Challenge, the initiative is free to businesses in the BCP Council area which have been hit hard by the pandemic.

The service offers tailored support to meet the specific needs of each business.

Evolve gives business professionals access to a community of like-minded leaders.

It supports them through peer groups and coaching, as well as providing training and development for individuals and teams.

Digital Storm is a Bournemouth-based creative agency for SMEs.

Finn Morgan, Business Engagement and Dorset Gateway Manager, pictured left, said: “The business environment remains difficult with many business experience issues relating to recruitment and supply chain management.

“From our initial interest, there clearly is a need for this type of support.

“It is great to be working with two very experienced delivery partners to provide funded support for businesses.

“They both have impressive track records in their respective fields, and we’re looking forward to our Back to Business participants benefitting from that expertise.”

Back to Business support is available to businesses in the BCP council area that were trading before March 31 2020 and have fewer than 250 employees.

Priority will be given to businesses where annual turnover has been severely impacted during the pandemic.

Businesses in the BCP Council area can find out more and register for Back to Business support by clicking here.

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Samaritans bid fond farewell to Mark and Jenny

Volunteers from the Bournemouth branch of the Samaritans have said a fond farewell to both the Branch Director and also Vice Director.

Mark Wildey and Jenny Burrows were praised for three years of superb leadership during a particularly difficult and testing time due to the pandemic.

A presentation was held for the duo, attended by Bournemouth Mayor Cllr Dave Kelsey, a great supporter of the branch.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the branch- as reported on Dorset Biz News – local artist Rick Walker was commissioned to create original artwork, pictured right.

Mark and Jenny were presented with original signed and framed A3 prints.

A4 prints are also being sold to raise funds for the branch.