Entrepreneur acquires luxury hotel from administrators

Credit: www.42thecalls.com

A luxury hotel in Leeds has been sold by administrators to an investor who has plans to restore it to its five star status.

Gareth Harris and Keith Marshall of RSM Restructuring Advisory were appointed joint administrators of 42 The Calls Limited in February 2018.

The administrators have continued to trade the hotel, which opened 27 yeers ago, since their appointment, but it has now been sold to Simon Pollard, the founder of telecoms firm InTouch Advance based in Shipley, who plans to “reignite the brand” and redevelop the property to transform the hotel into a five star experience.

The boutique hotel was converted from an 18th century flour mill in the early nineties and has 18 permanent staff and 41 rooms. All staff will transfer to the purchaser and the hotel continues to trade.

Pollard said: “I am extremely excited about the future and huge potential of this hotel and look forward to creating something special in support of our long-standing customers. I am of firm belief that I have the ability to reset the vision while reigniting the fundamental, core values of 42 The Calls Hotel.

“This comes from having the right capability and balance of ambition to help rescue what has been a diminishing local brand in desperate need of significant investment for some years. I have the vision, foresight and renewed ambition to invest in what will be a very exciting venture.

“I plan to transform and redevelop 42 The Calls into breath-taking accommodation that will take the hotel back to its roots of being in the Premier League. Embracing the 18th century converted corn mill’s unique setting, provenance and potential, I will promote 42 The Calls hotel into a luxury experience for the people of Leeds to enjoy. I believe my track record, drive and continuous enthusiasm will put it firmly back on the map as the best luxury hotel in Leeds.”

Law firm Shoosmiths advised Pollard with a team led by corporate partner Philip Goldsborough.

Goldsborough said: “We are delighted to have worked with Simon and his team on this transaction. Simon has an exciting vision for 42 The Calls and we wish him every success with the redevelopment and in delivering a top class luxury destination to Leeds.”

Gareth Harris added: “We are delighted to announce the sale of the hotel to an investor who plans to restore it to its full former glory through a detailed plan of investment – which is great news for the business; its staff; and the wider hospitality sector in Leeds.  42 The Calls was one of the first boutique hotels in Leeds and the plans announced by Simon Pollard should restore it to its five star status.

“We are very grateful for the support of the dedicated staff who have continued to provide excellent customer service throughout this difficult time. The deal will safeguard all jobs and present future opportunities for each employee.”

The administrators were advised by Shakespeare Martineau (Andrew Taylor and colleagues) and Sanderson Weatherall (Ian Naylor and colleagues).

Members of the Shoosmiths team included Simon Procter and Sophie Davies and real estate partner Richard Bellamy.

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