06 July 2009

'Scope to double size of von Essen hotels'

The boss of luxury hotel group von Essen has signalled plans to double its UK portfolio to more than 50 properties.

Chairman Andrew Davis, writing in the company’s 2008 annual report, said: "I believe there is scope to double our presence in this country and we are alive to any relevant opportunity."

The overall plan is to become the leading luxury and lifestyle company in the UK and mainland Europe with around 75 hotels.

The report shows that von Essen’s saw profits rose by 24% last year to more than £60 million.

The gross profit figure came on the back of a 20% rise in sales to £70.5 million from £56.8 million in 2007.

Retained profit for 2008 rose to £10.8 million from £6.1 million the previous year.

Davis said: "In what are certainly challenging economic conditions, these results provide a strong base and mean that I look forward to the future with confidence."

The company owns 27 hotels in the UK including Cliveden together with a chateau in France. It is also to open its first ‘Metropolitan’ city property, Hotel Verta, adjacent to Battersea Heliport in London.

"Establishing a flagship presence in London, as welll as developing our mainland European business, are central strategic objectives, and we will also consider prize assets in the UK’s principal cities as we develop our Metropolitan brand," Davis said.

The company acquired Callow Hall in the Peak District last year, having added Seaham Hall and The Samling in 2007.