As the year comes to an end, we’re excited to share some of the latest updates from our incredible team across the 11 hotels in the Brend Collection. It’s been a fantastic year, filled with well-deserved promotions and joyful personal milestones.
This is just a glimpse of the amazing news from our team. For more updates, be sure to follow the social media pages of our hotels, restaurants, and spas!
Promotions & Change of Job Roles
At The Barnstaple Hotel, Megan O’Connel gained a well-deserved promotion to Senior Receptionist. Jake & Kyle from The Park Hotel were both promoted to Hotel Supervisors.
Manager Josh at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel took the exciting leap and moved to Cornwall to join the Carlyon Bay Hotel team, where he has done an excellent job at transferring his passion, dedication and commitment to the Carlyon team.
Alin from Carlyon Bay Hotel was promoted to Restaurant Manager, was originally a barman however, broadened his experience elsewhere for the last two years before returning as a restaurant manager.
Previously excelling as Head Receptionist, Rose was promoted to Reception Manager at The Devon Hotel this year! Having been at The Devon Hotel for an incredible 13 years, Rose has shown outstanding dedication and expertise!
A huge congratulations to Jack Brend on his promotion to Assistant Hotel Manager and Liam Bailey for his promotion to Food & Beverage Manager both at Saunton Sands Hotel.
Apprenticeships
Manager Dave Mclean at The Imperial Hotel passed his Level 4 NVQ in Hospitality Management, whilst receptionist Abby achieved a distinction in Level 2 Hospitality Team Member.
Group Auditor, Kayley, completed an incredible double distinction for her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship.
Liam Bailey, at Saunton Sands Hotel, passed his Level 4 Hospitality Management Apprenticeship, his 3rd consecutive apprenticeship!
Farewells
Saunton Sands Hotel said a sad farewell to their beloved Hotel Manager, Aiden after an incredible 15 years with Brend Collection. Everyone at Saunton and Brend Collection wishes Aiden all the luck in his future endeavours.
In December we said a heartfelt farewell to Emily from The Barnstaple Hotel reception team. After 6 years spent at Brend Collection, Emily is moving on to pastures new. We wish Emily all the best in her new role, and will miss her smiley face in our reception team.
The Carlyon Bay Hotel said goodbye to their beloved, Health & Safety Manager, David Rowbottom as he retired in October.
New Arrivals
Sayed & Jutyna, Restaurant Manager and Restaurant Supervisor, at The Imperial Hotel welcomed baby Zayne in August. Receptionist Georgie at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel welcomed a beautiful baby boy in September.
Maddie, Food & Beverage Team Member at Saunton Sands Hotel welcomed a beautiful baby girl Harper in November. Krisztina from The Carlyon Bay Hotel went on Maternity leave in July, she has since welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world.
The Devon Hotel are delighted to welcome Sorrel back to the Reception Team after her maternity leave. Sorrel welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Amelia, who was born on 21st December 2023. Paula from The Park Hotel became a proud mum of two in August when she welcomed her newest little one into the world.
Long Service Awards
At the Imperial Hotel, they celebrated a combined 95 years of long service for Brend Collection. Corey (Sous Chef), Aga (Housekeeper) and Ewelina (Excectuive Head Housekeeper) celebrated 10 year service award and Sayed (Restaurant Manager) and Gary (Hotel Manager) celebrated 20 years and finally Kathy (Head Receptionist) celebrated an amazing 25 year service award.
At our Head Office, we celebrated many incredible milestones with Shelley (HR Adminstrator) and Nick (Stock Controller) celebrating their 25 year service award. In April, we congratulated Mel (Company Accountant) on her 20 year service award for Brend Collection.
At The Devon Hotel, we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating some incredible long-service milestones in 2024. Reece, the hotel’s Duty Manager marked an impressive 10 years of service. Meanwhile, June, a familiar and friendly face in Carriages Brasserie, celebrated an extraordinary 22 years as a waitress.
