On the move: the latest East Midlands hires

Nottingham Venues – the brand behind meetings, events, hotel stays and a collection of venues across the University of Nottingham’s campuses – has appointed Peter Bartlett to manage its Orchard Hotel venue.

Bartlett joins from DoubleTree by Hilton, where he recently oversaw the £6m refurbishment of one of the company’s venues during the pandemic.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience to the role.

Nottingham Venues’ general manager Tom Waldron-Lynch said: “Peter brings a wealth of experience to our growing team, both from his previous role and his wider global experience in the industry. His involvement in the major refurbishment programme at DoubleTree and the associated changes required within the team and the customer experience at his previous venue is also invaluable as we continue our own journey.”

Bartlett said: “This is a very exciting time to be joining the group as they have transitioned from being part of a major organisation in terms of De Vere into a thriving independent brand incredibly well. This has been against a backdrop of huge uncertainty and challenges for the industry but Tom and his team have shown incredible vision to hit the ground running since last summer and are now reaping the rewards of a carefully managed process.

“As well as having a firm focus on putting our customers first, I am looking forward to continuing the development of the growing team here at The Orchard Hotel and helping to forge a fantastic culture in the hotel and as part of the wider business.”

Jay Cooledge has been appointed as head of the Stockyard in Melton Mowbray.

Cooledge brings a wealth of experience to the food and drink destination having previously helped to build up and run The Griffin Inn and the Old Stables in Swithland.

Jay Cooledge

He has also served as marketing, sales and events manager at Dickinson and Morris’ Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe in Melton.

Hugh Brown, CEO of Gillstream Markets Ltd, which operates the Stockyard, said: “We are delighted to have Jay on board. He has an extensive background in catering and hospitality and shares our vision of delivering a regional destination in Melton Mowbray.”

Cooledge said: “I am very pleased to be joining the Stockyard at such an exciting time and look forward to helping to deliver these inspiring plans which will benefit the whole town and attract more visitors to the area, boosting the local economy.

“I’m from both a small business background and a catering and hospitality background, and I am passionate about supporting and incubating entrepreneurs working in this sector. This is perfect timing for us to lay the foundations and be ready as a shining beacon when the economy picks up.”

Derby-based telecommunications, IT and energy provider Invictus Communications has appointed a trio of apprentices.

Evie Culligan joins the firm as marketing assistant, Louis Garner joins as an IT support technician while Selwyn Christianson takes on the role of digital support technician.

Invictus Communications’ new apprentices

All three are completing nationally-recognised qualifications through EMA Training.

Invictus MD Jonny McPhee said: “This is the first time that we have employed apprentices and all three of these young people are already making a hugely positive impact on the business.

“Apprenticeships are definitely the way forward for growing SMEs like ourselves.  The programme enables us to grow our own talent and brings energy and new ideas into a business – enabling us to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-moving sector that we operate in.

“It is therefore a win-win situation – both for the apprentices who earn while they learn and for the employer.”