By Jeff Hodgson, General Manager, Lumley Castle Hote
Resilience, reform and the future of our industry.
As General Manager of Lumley Castle Hotel, I have the privilege of leading an incredible team within one of the UK’s most historic hospitality venues.
Standing proudly for 636 years, our castle has weathered wars, recessions, changing markets and evolving guest expectations. Yet today, the hospitality industry faces some of the most challenging conditions many of us have experienced in decades.
Across the sector, operators are balancing rising operational costs, labour shortages, increasing legislation and changing consumer expectations – all while continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Hospitality has always been resilient, but we are now at a critical moment where the industry needs meaningful support from government to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.
One of the biggest concerns for our sector remains the impact of the so-called “holiday tax” on tourism and visitor spending. The UK should be encouraging both domestic and international travel, not making it more expensive. Hospitality contributes enormously to local economies, employment and regional tourism, and removing barriers to growth must become a priority if we are to remain competitive.
At the same time, sustainability is becoming increasingly important – not just for businesses, but for our guests and future generations. Historic properties like Lumley Castle face unique challenges when it comes to energy efficiency and environmental improvements. Maintaining a 636-year-old castle is no small undertaking, and the cost of operating heritage buildings continues to rise significantly. From utilities and maintenance to supply chain pressures and wage increases, controlling costs becomes more challenging every year.
However, despite these pressures, Team Lumley continues to embrace change with positivity and determination. Flexibility has become one of the hospitality industry’s greatest strengths. Our teams adapt daily to meet guest expectations, business demands and operational changes. We are proud of how agile and committed our people are, but flexibility also comes with challenges – particularly as new employment rights and reforms are introduced across the sector.
While we fully support fair employment practices and creating positive workplaces, it is vital that reforms also protect the flexibility hospitality businesses rely upon to operate effectively. Hospitality is unlike many other industries; it requires responsiveness, adaptability and the ability to meet fluctuating demand. Navigating these reforms carefully will be essential to protecting both businesses and jobs.
Perhaps most importantly, we must continue investing in the talent of the future. Hospitality offers incredible career opportunities, yet too often the industry is overlooked. We need greater support for apprenticeships, training and development programmes that encourage young people to see hospitality as a long-term and rewarding profession. The future of our industry depends on attracting passionate, skilled individuals who can help drive innovation, service excellence and growth.
At Lumley Castle, we remain incredibly proud of our team and what we achieve together every day. The dedication, resilience and passion shown by our staff is what keeps this historic castle thriving. Hospitality people are problem solvers, relationship-builders and experience creators. It is an industry built on hard work, adaptability and heart.
We will continue to embrace change and move forward positively, as we always have done. But there is no doubt that the industry needs stronger support from government to help businesses navigate rising costs, economic uncertainty and regulatory change. Hospitality is a major employer, a driver of tourism and an essential part of communities across the country. With the right support, investment and collaboration, the sector can continue to thrive for generations to come.
www.lumleycastle.co