The Lawrence Hotel in Burnley has welcomed Jill Bollard to the team this week, as she takes on a new role in business development for the independent hotel.
Bollard (nee Browton), from North Manchester, has a rich history working in hotels across Manchester including launching the Park Inn by Radisson, as well as taking on key roles at Rosetti Hotel (now Abode) and Malmaison. Having previously worked as Multi-Property Director at the Marriott Hotel for two years, Bollard left in 2016 to work with smaller, independent businesses to help budding brands to drive awareness, and attract a new/corporate clientele.
The Lawrence Hotel is set to be an exciting new venture for Bollard as she takes on the role of Business Development Manager, working to grow the hotel’s clientele in the North and further afield. Bollard, who has also been working with The Studio in the Northern Quarter since January 2017, is looking forward to working closely with the new Burnley site, and building strong networks with other businesses in the area.
The Padiham hotel owned by local Michael Huckerby, boasts 14 design-led bedrooms spread over the main house and the old stables. It also features an honesty bar, three function and conference rooms and an outside courtyard. With brilliant links to Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, the newly renovated hotel is the ideal location for Northerners looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and journey down the road to the beautiful Lancashire countryside.
With a thriving foodie scene with the likes of Freemasons and the Michelin-starred White Swan just round the corner, Burnley’s growing reputation comes at the perfect time for The Lawrence to become one of the top destination hotels in the North West.
Speaking about future business plans for The Lawrence, Jill Bollard said “I have a long background in working in hotels and hospitality but an independent, boutique hotel is a first for me. I’m thrilled to be taking on this new challenge and starting afresh in an area with such a up-and-coming tourist market. As for The Lawrence itself, Michael has done an amazing job on the renovation and the venue really sells itself.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the Burnley business scene and working with Michael and the team at The Lawrence. The venue is the perfect location for everything from romantic breaks away to the countryside, a hiking weekend or even a corporate or business booking so it’s great to be able to work with somewhere that ticks so many boxes. It’s certainly a venue I would stay at myself so I think it has the perfect amount of appeal for a new market of tourists in the area.”
Jill continues that she is keen to attend any local networking events as she is specifically looking to build relationships with local corporates as well as larger north west companies in and around the Burnley area who may be looking for a local hotel for their visitors or for any other events.