News in brief: Hoteliers warned, Quest celebrates, and more

HOTELIERS from across the region are being urged to carefully manage guest histories, to avoid facing prosecution under data protection laws.

In Sheffield, more than 600 new rooms will have been added to the city’s bedstock by the end of 2008, with the new Tulip Inn, Jury’s Inn and Copthorne Hotel all opening.

But whilst many hotels keep guest profiles as a way of helping to improve service, data protection laws require the information held on an individual must be adequate, relevant and not excessive.

Cameron Craig is head of DLA Piper’s European information law practice and a member of the firm’s global hospitality and leisure group.

Based in Sheffield, he has advised on over 20 international data protection projects, including organisations in the hotel and leisure sectors.

He said: “Guest data is an established way of improving service in the hotel industry. But it is important hoteliers are aware that the reported practice of keeping profiles such as the names of guests’ companions, drinking habits and whether they have used drugs is likely to breach both UK and European data protection laws.

“Clear policies and procedures form the bedrock of any compliance strategy. These policies will need to cover areas such as notices communicated to guests regarding the processing of their information, how to control access to the information and how long the information is retained for.”

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HUNDREDS of jobs are set to be cut by two Humberside caravan companies because of a slump in orders.

The GMB union said around 360 jobs could be affected because of the cutback at Hull-based firms Cosalt Holiday Homes and Atlas Holiday Homes.

Up to 280 jobs are threatened at Cosalt and 80 at Atlas following a decline in sales of caravans and static homes.

The GMB said it had been told that Atlas will close its factory between October 17 and November 3, with workers not being paid.

Cosalt’s parent company, Grimsby-based Cosalt, announced it was selling the Hull caravan and lodge business in June this year.

According to a statement made by the company at the time, it said it was trading below expectations due to the economic climate and conditions specific to the caravan industry.

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HARROGATE-BASED Quest Public Relations is marking a hat trick of achievements which include four client wins, being shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards – and achieving Investor in People status.

New accounts include Harrogate-based Purely Nutrition whose PhunkyFoods healthy eating programme is backed by an international consortium of food manufacturers including Nestlé and Northern Foods – and is being implemented in over 500 primary schools across England.

Quest PR, the only UK PR agency to scoop a Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) ‘Best Small Team’ accolade for three consecutive years, is also in the running for two CIPR regional awards next month.  

The developments follow the news that the company has achieved the Investor in People accreditation.