Couple acquire Blackpool B&B with NatWest funding

A North West couple have fulfilled a life-long dream after acquiring a bed and breakfast in Lancashire.

Kevin Twiss and Wendy Gee purchased the Blackpool-based Lancastria Hotel and relaunched it as the Lumada Hotel with funding from NatWest.

The hotel is located on Albert Road, a six-minute walk from Blackpool Tower and three blocks from the town’s historic Promenade.

Each of the Lumada Hotel’s 14 en-suite guest rooms have flat-screen TVs along with tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Kevin said: “It’s always been a dream of ours to own a bed and breakfast of our own after working in the family hotel for 15 years.

“We now have the ability to run the business in our own way and develop new ideas. The Lumada Hotel is a fantastic red-brick hotel in the heart of Blackpool with easy access to local amenities.”

In addition to its guest rooms, the Lumada Hotel has a guest lounge with a pool table and free WiFi.

To secure funding, Kevin and Wendy turned to John Norris of the Mortgage Shop, a brokerage based in Blackpool. John helped the couple save for their deposit, create a business plan and get in touch with Phil Saudners, a relationship manager at NatWest who helped them obtain a loan.

Wendy commented: “Phil and NatWest have been very good to work with, supporting us the entire way.

“It’s important to have a bank which believes in what you are doing when you are starting a business and that’s what we have with NatWest.”

Phil said: “I was delighted to support Kevin and Wendy with their new hotel which has seen them fulfil a life-long dream of owning their business. We wish the business every success for the future.”