Member Article

Hotel Industry Experts Launch MATTGRAY Hospitality Consultancy

Two Yorkshire hoteliers have opened the doors to a new venture with the launch of their own consultancy business.

MATTGRAY Hospitality co-directors’ Graham Usher and Matt Rose will offer the combined experience they have garnered from almost three decades in the industry, to work alongside owners of single venues and those with multiple sites.

The core areas of expertise being offered by the pair cover sales, marketing and revenue management; brand development; food and beverage; and project management co-ordination.

In his previous role as general manager of The DoubleTree by Hilton York, Graham oversaw two £3m programmes of investment in the property, taking it from a three star Best Western, to a four star Best Western Plus, then finally to its current elevated status.

Both schemes were undertaken whilst the hotel was operational and resulted in the addition of 42 new bedrooms, new fitness centre, re-configured reception, enhanced courtyard-area, an evolving food and beverage operation which including a new kitchen garden dining experience.

Prior to this, Graham – who is the current chair of the York Hoteliers’ Association - worked in seven other hotels across the UK.

Matt’s experience lies within customer service with the last two years being spent at the DoubleTree by Hilton York as its guest relations manager.

The pair also run two pubs, The Drovers Arms at Skipwith and the Castle Inn at Cawood near Selby.

Co-director Graham Usher said: “The launch of MATTGRAY is a very exciting proposition for us and one that I’ve been contemplating for a number of years.

“Between Matt and I we have ‘been there and done that’, and we have plenty of battle scars to prove it. I’m incredibly passionate about the hospitality industry and it’s great to see so many hotels, pubs and restaurants doing fantastically well.

“However, there are many more businesses that could be doing so much better, if only they had some clear guidance and the benefit of fresh thinking. This is where MATTGRAY Hospitality comes in!

“We know how we can add real value to a business, and work with owners and managers on a number of different levels.

“Successfully overseeing two major refurbishment projects - and a total rebrand – in three years was a huge achievement, and one that I doubt many other general managers have experienced.”

Co-director Matt Rose said: “Before launching MATTGRAY Hospitality, we carefully considered what our proposition was going to be and what our USPs (unique selling points) are.

“Having worked alongside management consultants in the past, we know what works and what doesn’t. We also know and understand the pressures there are for owners and managers alike.

“I’m looking forward to launching this enterprise with Graham as we both bring different strengths and experiences to the table. Whilst the hospitality sector constantly faces many challenges, it’s one that we know and one that we love.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Watts .