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Hotel Review Issue 17/01
SELLING YOUR HOTEL HOTELS IN DEMAND LEAF HOTELS
Lesley Watmough tells you Divisional Director, Andy Frisby We quizzed the managing what to consider before you sell looks at the small hotel market director of East Kent group your hotel. in four key London locations. Leaf Hotels. Onwards and upwards
Paul Hardwick Director & Head of Hotels
Uncertain, turbulent, concerning and At one end of the spectrum, Generator exciting are all words used to describe Hostels was acquired by Queensgate current market and economic conditions, Investment from Patron Capital, an influenced particularly by recent and investment partner of Invesco, for a Robust demand, supported by ongoing political events associated with reported €450million. The company Brexit and the government elections. operates 8,639 hostel bed spaces in resilient economic conditions, locations including London, Paris and funding opportunities, The reaction to these conditions from Copenhagen. At the other end of the positive investment returns, operators, investors and funders, however, spectrum, we continue to see the smaller, appears to be one of quiet confidence but well established, multiple hotel and strong underlying trade and the leisure sector continues to defy operating companies continue to expand and profit fundamentals, pessimistic speculation, as has economic through selective individual acquisitions. stability with better than expected GDP means the sector remains growth and falling unemployment. Although Potential disrupters do, however, remain, attractive. wage growth versus inflation remains a not least with the recent Business darker cloud. Rate revaluation which will see many businesses suffering significant increases Confidence is demonstrated by the in rates payable, the introduction of the continued strong levels of activity across Apprenticeship Levy adding to the tax all leisure property sectors, with hotels burden of most multiple operators and, of notably experiencing a strong and seemingly course, ongoing concerns and the incidence growing pipeline of deals, both small and of terrorist attacks. large. Robust demand, supported by resilient economic conditions, funding opportunities, The status quo is undoubtedly going to positive investment returns, and strong be shaken up over the coming months, underlying trade and profit fundamentals, however, the prevailing attitude within the means the sector remains attractive. leisure property sector is seemingly that life goes on and the UK is big enough and old enough to succeed whatever.
Cover image: Staffield Hall Country Retreats, Penrith – Currently available with Fleurets
2 Hotel Review Issue 17/01 fleurets.com In this issue
HOTELS
M&A Activity - Alive and well 4
Head of Hotels, Paul Hardwick, looks at the corporate M&A Activity across the hotels sector.
Preparing to sell your hotel 5
Lesley Watmough tells you what to consider M&A Activity before you sell your hotel. Page 4
Brummy Marvellous 6 - 7
Andrew Whelan joined Fleurets in 2016 and in this article he reveals his predictions.
Coaching Inns - Staging a Comeback! 8
Coaching inns are seeing a nationwide comeback, but why? Andrew Whelan explores.
Small Hotels are in Demand 9
Andy Frisby looks at the small hotel market in four key London locations. Page 6 Brummy Marvellous Leaf Hotels 10
We quizzed the managing director of East Kent group Leaf Hotels after his latest acquisition.
Hotel Contacts 11
Find your regional hotels contact from across our UK network of offices.
Properties 12 - 15
Page 9 Small Hotels are in Demand
Important notice: Unless otherwise stated, all properties are being dealt with on a Sole Selling Rights basis. The Leisure Property Specialists prices and other particulars regarding properties are correct at the time of going to press, June 2017. As prices can Fleurets Hotel Review be altered by the vendor at any time, interested potential buyers should check the latest position with Fleurets before Published by Fleurets Ltd viewing. The information contained in this publication is not 4 Roger Street, London WC1N 2JX to be reproduced in whole or in part without the expression permission in writing of Fleurets Ltd. Enquiries: Lizzie Hawes - PR and Marketing Manager T: 020 7280 4745 © Copyright - Fleurets Ltd 2017 London. E: [email protected] ‘All rights reserved’. Leaf Hotels W: fleurets.com/onmarket Page 10
fleurets.com Hotel Review Issue 17/01 3 M&A Activity - Alive and Well
Paul Hardwick Director & Head of Hotels
2016 fell short of the previous year in terms of transaction volumes, albeit this is perhaps a reflection of the exceptional levels of activity witnessed in 2015, rather than a sign of market deterioration in 2016. Furthermore, some players were distracted whilst digesting the fruits of their previous harvest. Of course, the referendum caused Majestic Hotel Harrogate, Cairn Group a brief hiatus, although any blip in activity located branded hotels providing 229 Cairn Group, continued on the expansion has seemingly passed, the last nine months rooms, off a guide price of £12 million, trail with the acquisition five hotels out or so witnessing significant activity across all reflecting around £52,000 per key and, of of the Hotel Collection portfolio off a of the leisure property sectors. course, Marriott International completed its guide price of £75 million, reflecting modest acquisition of Starwood Hotels & approximately £113,000 per key. The Hotels witnessed two portfolio investment Resorts, creating the world’s largest hotel group now comprises approximately 3,000 transactions, both involving Travelodge. company in a £13 billion merger involving bedrooms spread nationally. Secure Income REIT acquired a portfolio around 5,700 hotels with 1.1 million rooms of 55 Travelodge investments for around across 110 countries. Whilst activity has perhaps been a little £200 million, reflecting a net initial yield of subdued at the time of writing, there is around 7%. This was followed a month later a competitive pool of well funded ready by Mansford’s acquisition of the Booking buyers across the spectrum. There are Portfolio of 17 long leasehold Travelodge The referendum caused a several opportunities already in the market, investments for a shade over £28 million, brief hiatus, although any in addition to a steady flow of unsolicited again reflecting a net initial yield of 7%, acquisition approaches opportunities will approximately £48,000 per key. Both blip in activity has seemingly also arise as recent and buyers gradually transactions appeared to offer value to passed. consolidate and rationalise their estates. the buyers, pricing reflecting a substantial There are certainly the right ingredients for discount of c. 25% to returns often an active year. witnessed for the Travelodge covenant and for assets offering long term, upward Following a major £101m refinancing, only RPI linked income with strong trading Newcastle based hotel and bar operator, fundamentals.
September also saw Singha Estate and Fico Corporation acquire three provincially
Redworth Hall Durham, Cairn Group
4 Hotel Review Issue 17/01 fleurets.com Preparing to sell your hotel
Lesley Watmough Divisional Director
As an agent, I receive frequent telephone calls from hotel owners and operators who are thinking of selling. As part of this preliminary consultation, I advise clients how to ready themselves for the sale, and here are some of the key aspects.
My first piece of advice is to relax! They say Staffield Hall Country Retreats, Penrith that selling a property, changing jobs and available, number of rooms, restaurant it is an existing business TUPE (Transfer of getting divorced are the three most stressful covers, private accommodation, location, undertakings, Protection of Employment) events in a person’s life. For most hoteliers, photographs and floor plans. It is also will apply. A purchaser will want to see a list who reside in their hotel, they are tackling important to have up to date accounts, as of current employees, the hours they have two of these events in one go. Thinking and potential purchasers will want to understand worked and length of employment. planning ahead helps take away some of the the businesses turnover and profit figures. stress, however by hiring a specialist hotel A purchaser will then make an assessment agent you will be in safe hands. of whether the current asking price makes this a realistic proposition for them. If it Purchasers want to see Make sure you are aware of any tax is a high turnover business, with multiple occupancy rates, room rates implications or liabilities. Always check with sources of income, it would be useful to your accountant so you know the cold facts. provide a split on income from rooms, food and additional information How much money you will net after paying and beverage. Ideally, purchasers want which will help them analyse tax liabilities and fees? Take realistic advice, to see occupancy rates, room rates and the business as there is no point building your dreams additional information which will help them and plans on unrealistic figures only to find analyse the business and decide if they can yourself frustrated and having to adjust take it to the next level. your aspirations. There are various other reports which are If bank funding is likely to be required, a required, and it is better to plan ahead In order to create a sales brochure that good degree of reliable financial detail might rather than get swamped later in the sale will have the optimum impact, potential be essential, including audited accounts. If process. For example: gas safety certificates, purchasers need to see: the facilities electrical safety inspection records, fire risk assessment, asbestos report and EPC (Energy Performance Certificate). Each of Fleurets` regional offices has a professional services panel which can provide company recommendations for these services, including: legal, licensing or accountancy/tax planning advice, asbestos and EPC reports, architects and building surveyors.
Over the years, I keep in touch with many hotel owners who, although perhaps not currently looking to buy or sell, are monitoring the market. If you also would like a free and confidential conversation then please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to help! Cheltenham Regency Hotel fleurets.com Hotel Review Issue 17/01 5 Brummy Marvellous
Andrew Whelan Senior Associate
Over the last 6 years the hotel market has been steadily improving across the West Midlands. Occupancy growth rates, ADR & RevPAR have all shown good growth. Numerous new hotels and exciting developments have been built in the region, or are in the planning stages. But what factors have driven these developments? Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham And what is in store for 2017? strengthen demand. their Future Trends Workload Index has a balance for the Midlands of +17, expecting At this moment in time, there are 15 workloads to increase more than double Over the last 6 years the hotel hotel developments in planning or under the national average of +8. Universities market has been steadily construction; these include: the Easy Hotel are romping ahead, as is the private rented (2017), Grand Hotel (2018) as well as housing sector. The survey also reported improving. the city’s second Radisson Blu which will continued developer interest in Birmingham provide 220 keys at the airport and which and the wider West Midlands, partly due is due to open in 2018. to land values and the virtually guaranteed Recent history infrastructure investment. Projects such as Approximately 4.3 million people live within HS2 will bring benefits to the region over The economic downturn in 2008 led to a a one-hour drive of Birmingham, which the next 10 to 20 years. dramatic fall in hotel occupancy levels, but has the youngest population of any major from 2011 they have slowly risen alongside European city. In addition, Birmingham is Brexit increased appetite for new hotels. The the most popular destination for people need to provide a more diverse range of moving away from London, and high The full impact of Brexit will not be accommodation has also grown. profile office transfers, such as HSBC’s understood for many years to come, and the relocation of its UK retail head office, will actual impact on the hotel industry depends Public infrastructure investment, such as the aid continued investment. on the deal that is reached between the UK retail development at New Street Station, and the EU. Restrictions on free movement the Metro tram system and the extension The Royal Institute of British Architects is likely to impact the hospitality sector’s to Birmingham Airport, has helped to (RIBA) stated in their November Survey that workforce and according to PwC national hotel investments in the period ending July 2016 were down approximately 70% on the previous year, which is partly attributed to Brexit. PwC are also expecting transaction levels to be lower in 2017 than in 2014 and 2015, but still above immediate post recession levels. We believe that this analysis holds for the West Midlands, although at the moment overseas investors have maintained their interest in the UK hotel market and many of these investors are now actively looking in the regions rather than London.
According to AM:PM’s Q3 2016 Hotel
Arena Central, Birmingham
6 Hotel Review Issue 17/01 fleurets.com Bulletin, one of the first post-Brexit trends is a divide emerging between leisure and corporate focused markets, with tourist towns and cities performing more strongly. Birmingham in recent years has heavily promoted tourism and Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr John Clancy recently quoted: “With an 18% increase in domestic tourists since 2008 and the largest international tourism growth of any UK regional destination, record-breaking numbers of visitors are taking advantage of Birmingham’s leisure offer, and our hoteliers and the region’s economy are reaping the benefits”.
Interestingly PwC in their UK hotels forecast 2017 stated that hoteliers thought
Birmingham, alongside Manchester and Birmingham New Street (credit Network Rail) Edinburgh, would be star performers in put on hold until the fallout from Brexit are still showing an increase, although the 2017. is more fully understood. Also existing rate of growth has slowed, whilst ADR and schemes involving mixed-use developments RevPAR are still showing healthy increases. 2017 and Beyond and serviced apartments are also likely However, with the increased capacity and to become purely residential. Indeed, we lower corporate activity we expect the Despite the supply of rooms increasing by understand that the 180 bed Regal Tower ADR and RevPAR growth to slow this year, 5% between 2014 and 2016, Occupancy, development is now a residential scheme. despite the expected continued growth in ADR and RevPAR are expected to hold up the leisure sector. well. There are currently 3,500 rooms in The graph below illustrates the West the pipeline for Birmingham and Solihull, Midlands hotel market for the last 3 years. Overview however, a number of schemes may be Occupancy rates in the West Midlands In summary, we expect the hotel market in the West Midlands to be strong in 2017 West Midlands Hotel Market and as long as GDP growth remains positive From 2014 through to 201 we expect this to continue into 2018 and beyond. Worries about Brexit may hinder investment in planned new hotels but at the moment there is no strong evidence of this.
7 Some of the regional hotel portfolios may 70 come under pressure and these may break up as individual sales. We still expect there to be strong interest in these hotels,