EP Magazine

Bats at the Edge

Posted by Arlene Tobin on 7 April 2011

Bats at the Edge

Professor Peter Jones MBE chronicles his personal story of a major innovation in the hotel industry

An interesting headline with a range of possible interpretations depending on where it may be placed in newspapers. Sports pages, environment, fashion, politics or even news headlines, it could apply to all, captured by the headline writers ability to mangle the language. In our case we do really have 'bats', a proper endangered species of bats that are gently hibernating in the roof space of the building that we need to demolish.

I have sympathy with the bats as sometimes I feel 'endangered' myself. Directing the development of the Edge Hotel School and the refurbishment and redevelopment of Wivenhoe House as the hotel home of the school can be extremely: frustrating, rewarding, entertaining, fulfilling (delete as appropriate depending upon situation), and with that comes huge responsibility but not always the power to carry out those responsibilities.

Back to the bats...

Relocating bats is clearly much more complex than moving regiments to the field of battle or my family to Australia and back again. It certainly requires more paperwork. Anyone who has completed the endangered species application will understand. The detail required is extremely comprehensive and the supporting documents voluminous, with careful editing it could be at least a PhD!

Despite the bats causing some rescheduling of the works to the building, we are still on target to be completed in spring 2012. The building contractor, John Paul Construction, has now been appointed following a very professional tender process with high quality and competitive tenders. They start onsite next week. JPC is a Dublin based company with experience of restoring protected buildings, hotels and working on a university campus. As to working with bats, I forgot to ask the question!

I pointed out the 'bats' to some of the potential candidates for the post of general manager when I did some informal show rounds last week. Shy retiring types, bats, not general managers! The photographs show some interiors of Wivenhoe House as it is now before restoration - asbestos gone, some stripping out completed, so that the splendour and scale of the rooms is starting to be revealed. The 1970's may have been a great era for music but not the sympathetic development or use of this magnificent Georgian building. 'Batty' springs to mind.

Enough of 'bats' for now at least. I have been greatly encouraged by the support we have had from companies willing to become involved in the hotel school, through sponsorship of different aspects of the project. From suites in Wivenhoe House promised by Milsoms Hotels and Restaurants and Portico, with others under serious discussion; to software from IndiCater; to a suppliers access portal through iTradenetwork; to membership of Conference Centres of Excellence, including the possibility of joint sponsorship for the fit-out of the conference and meeting rooms; to refrigeration equipment from Adande; to the bar by Adnams. These are all confirmed sponsors with others under discussion. Always happy to discuss further opportunities. 'Bats not to...'

Our unique and innovative degree programmes have now been recommended for approval subject to minor amendments. This is a major milestone, achieved with the hard work and support of my colleagues at the Colchester Institute. Recruiting the first cohort of students starts now and we are particularly interested in individuals who may be working in the industry with a passion for the industry who wants to progress their careers by obtaining a degree. Ideally with an existing level 5 qualification or equivalent experience. For these individuals this would be a two semester course with the 'added value' value and recognition of being part of a pre-opening and opening team. This will be a very select few but a tremendous experience. One company have volunteered to sponsor two members of staff for that first group – it will be excellent staff development and career progression, good for staff morale and retention, and surprisingly good value when compared to an average weeks CPD at over £1k. Worth 'batting' the idea about.

Enough 'batty' remarks until the next time......for the continuing story. By the way did I say how many bats we have? Five!

Always delighted to meet and discuss any aspects of the hotel school, contact me on email pjones@edegehotelschool.ac.uk or mobile 07746 826872.

The Edge Hotel School is a partnership between the Edge Foundation, the University of Essex and Colchester Institute and is located at Wivenhoe House, Wivenhoe Park, Essex.