Stewart Middleton is looking forward to helping shape a new era at Focus Hotels Management after being appointed Finance Director at the leading hospitality company.
Stewart, 47, took up the role in July and has a wealth of experience in hospitality finance, previously working for the Principal Hotel Company (formerly the Principal Hayley Group), De Vere Hotels and The Doyle Collection (previously known as Jurys Doyle Hotels).
“It’s a fantastic challenge,” he says. “The company has so much potential in regard to what it’s already delivered, and I enjoy playing a part in influencing the decision-making process. I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth of Focus Hotels Management in what is a challenging global financial climate.
“I came here looking for a change after working mainly within a very large organisational structure at companies such as Principal Hayley. In my new position I am able to get more involved in the overall operation and that was something that very much appealed to me.
“Coming from a very structured, controlled background gives me the opportunity to incorporate some of that into a smaller company, developing our accounting and ensuring accountability for all its particular functions. I strongly believe that accounting can add value to the business and impact positively on the organisation itself.”
“These are challenging times,” he adds. “Inward investment into the UK is facing its uncertainties in regard to Brexit, for example, but our focus for now is to remain operating within a UK environment and to continue looking for new development opportunities going forward.”
Focus Hotels Management is a leading independent hospitality company with a UK portfolio of 16 operationally-managed or under-development hotels with more than 1,500 bedrooms.
As well as operating independent hotels, including Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa and Oxford Witney Hotel, the company also operates hotels under franchise agreements with Hilton, Accor and IHG.