Commercial property giants Hilton Hotels has today revealed plans for expansion across all areas of the UK, creating up to 1,500 jobs. These plans declare the intention of building 20 new hotels within the next few years, with completion of this new venture expected to be in 2014.
The chain also plans to expand across Europe, opening more than 110 new hotels. This will result in 8,500 new jobs. European countries identified as key growth areas for hotels and jobs include Russia, Turkey, Germany and Poland, along with the UK.
Hilton’s European area president, Simon Vincent, said “While unemployment figures in Europe continue to rise, Hilton Worldwide is experiencing an exciting period of growth which will see us continue to offer a wealth of rewarding career options.”
Ben Bengougam, vice president of HR for Europe, continued “With continued growth across our European estate, driving the talent agenda is paramount to our recruitment strategy.”
“We are seeking passionate people interested in hospitality careers with a range of experiences as well as transferable skills from backgrounds across the hospitality industry.”
At present, Hilton has upwards of 500,000 rooms to offer their clientele in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Two of the cities named as areas for Hilton expansion within the UK are Lincoln and Burton-On-Trent. Should the proposed hotels be situated in these areas, local businesses and commercial properties would benefit greatly from such a popular chain opening in the area. Lincoln’s Waterside Shopping Centre, for example, could see more and more customers passing through its doors as the prestige of Hilton Hotels attracted clientele to the area. The centre benefits from shops such as New Look, Topshop and Oasis. Similarly, Burton-On-Trent’s shopping centre, Coopers Square, would benefit from higher levels of shoppers passing through, especially considering expansion plans for the centre revealed recently by the Centre Management Team.
During this time of economic difficulty, it seems as if the hospitality industry has not suffered as much as other enterprises, both in international chains such as Hilton Hotels, and also on a smaller, local level.
News broke this week of a £1m hotel development gaining council approval in Nantwich, Cheshire. The 18-room development, masterminded by Residence Bar and Restaurant owner Ben Rafferty, will include an adjoining banqueting suite, garden and car park, and is expected to bring at least 30 jobs to the area.
Mr Rafferty said “Its fantastic news the plans were approved – it’s taken a long time to get to this point. It’s a great result for Nantwich as there is a shortage of accommodation in the town and it’s a positive step towards developing the town in the future.”
With the hotel industry going from strength to strength, Britain must hope that other commercial property ventures will benefit from these expansion plans, both from larger chains such as Hilton, and also from private ventures. With additional accommodation available in towns and cities across the country, shoppers from far and wide will be enable to travel longer distances for the shopping experiences they desire, hopefully giving the British economy the boost it desperately needs.
Previous Post
Commercial Property Hotel Group Calls in Administrators
