Hotel group brings in new talent (From Gazette & Herald)

Hotel group brings in new talent

A NEW general manager has been appointed at a country house hotel in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.

Anne Hodgson recently took over the running of Hackness Grange near Scarborough, one of several properties owned by the family-run English Rose Hotels.

She joined the company last summer and brings a wealth of experience to the post after years of working in the hotel industry.

Anne, who lives in Harrogate, started her career at the city's Hotel Majestic before setting up a family business to run a local hotel with her husband and relatives which they managed for ten years.

She then moved to an establishment in Appley Bridge near Leeds focusing in particular on developing the corporate and restaurant side of the hotel's business.

She initially joined English Rose in a training capacity and produced manuals for the company's hotels in the area, including the famous Royal in Scarborough.

Anne now has high hopes of putting Hackness Grange firmly on the map and boosting its reputation as a leading venue for both leisure and business guests.

"I'm really enjoying the job and I'm delighted to have this opportunity with English Rose who have given me a very warm welcome," said Anne. "Hackness Grange is in a really beautiful setting and has the potential to achieve very big things."

The three-star Georgian property, which has 33 bedrooms, is set in private gardens overlooking its own lake. Its Derwent restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes and the grounds can accommodate a marquee for up to 200 people making it an ideal place for wedding receptions.

Boardroom facilities are available and it is possible to book the hotel exclusively for larger conferences.

Updated: 14:40 Wednesday, March 29, 2006