Seven-figure investment sees business reinvent itself as corporate and wedding venue

Storthes Hall Park near Huddersfield has successfully reinvented itself as a corporate and wedding venue after adopting a new business and marketing strategy, backed by significant investment.

Turnover has increased substantially over the last 12 months as bookings for weddings and corporate events have surged following owners, South Street Asset Management, investing more than £2m in the venue and parkland.

Traditionally known as offering only student accommodation, in 2018/19 the location’s corporate and team building bookings have grown by 80%.

Following on from the investment, Storthes Hall has been nominated for four tourism and business awards this year and created further full and part-time roles on the site. As well as a revamp of its conferencing facilities and accommodation, the owners also decided to bring catering provision in-house.

Storthes Hall Park operation director, David Aspin, said: “This is been a transformative year for the venue and we anticipate further double-digit growth next year. With that we will create further employment opportunities at the Hall and hope to work with more local businesses and suppliers as part of our community-first ethos.”

Business development manager, Miriam Pedersen-Smith, added: “The award nominations have already helped put Storthes Hall Park on the map as a top business and wedding destination in West Yorkshire. But bringing our catering function in-house also allowed us to source and use local producers which is helping to boost the local economy.”

Storthes Hall Park has plans to recruit further staff for the accommodation, marketing and hospitality teams later this year.

It currently offers 83 bedrooms including a family/bridal apartment, executive rooms, five contemporary meeting rooms with restaurant and bar facility, all set in 44 acres of parkland.