A hotel chain and more than 100 workers are facing an uncertain future after it collapsed into administration.
Suite Hospitality Ltd operated three hotels, including the Buckerell Lodge Hotel, on Topsham Road, Exeter, as well as two others: the Harte and Garter Hotel, in Windsor and the Makeney Hall Hotel , Belper, in the Peak District, all under leases.
Ian Walker, senior partner at insolvency firm Begbies Trayor Group Plc, along with his colleague Julie Palmer, have been appointed administrators of the company by directors of Suite Hospitality.
The hotel chain had a disappointing year in 2019 and had been in negotiations with major creditors and landlords to find a way for the company to continue.
Unfortunately, two of the larger landlords could not agree adequate terms and, as a result, a decision was taken by the board that the company would have to proceed to administration, Begbies Trayor said.
The company employs 110 staff, most of whom are currently being furloughed. The administrators will now try to find a way to transfer operations at as many of the company’s trading sites as possible in order to retain employment for staff at those establishments.
Exeter-based Mr Walker, whose office covers Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, said: “We are working very hard to transfer the business to new owners and preserve as many jobs as possible at the three hotels, including Exeter’s Buckerell Lodge.”
In addition, a number of customers have paid deposits to the company for future events and the administrators have requested that any such customers make contact with them at shl@btguk.com.
A statement on the Buckerell Lodge Hotel websites says: "Until such time that we have considered all available options for the Business, we will not be taking any further bookings across any of the Group’s Hotels in Windsor, Belper & Exeter. Any future bookings for rooms, weddings or other events are suspended until further notice."
Buckerell Lodge Hotel described itself as "an elegant building set within historic tree lined gardens and grounds and yet just one mile from the heart of Exeter, providing the perfect combination of peace and country house charm".
Its website said it made "an ideal venue for a wide range of events and formal receptions, for business or for pleasure".
