The following story has appeared in the North West Business Insider Magazine. In these days of what appears to be nothing but bad news and coronavirus we thought a good new story might cheer you up:
“A North West hotelier has secured jobs and is helping to support its community during the coronavirus shutdown after securing a five-figure finance package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Walker & Williams, which owns and operates four boutique five-star aparthotels in the North West, will use the funding to support cashflow and help protect 50 roles across Preston, Chester and Ormskirk.
The company, which has remained opened to cater to a small number of guests including service personnel, visiting Ministry of Defence staff and a family that recently lost its home to fire, has also taken the quieter period as an opportunity to give back to its local community.
The hotelier has launched a dedicated service from its Preston headquarters to help vulnerable or elderly people who are unable to leave the house during the coronavirus crisis.
Founder and director Max Walker-Williams said: "Walker & Williams is a family which means that, no matter how long this goes on for, we are not willing to let a single member of our team go. While the hotels are quiet, we've been able to shift our focus and help support our local community.”