Get to know the employees behind our success
We are proud to say that we have one of the highest staff retention rates in the hotel industry and our greatest motivation is knowing that our employees feel a real passion for their work.
Have a look at some of the Brend Collections' greatest success stories that exemplify the Brend ethos of developing our own and be inspired by those who have played a huge part in the growth and development of the business.

Alex Richards - The Royal & Fortescue Hotel
Alex started work at the Royal and Fortescue Hotel as a part-time waiter whilst training to be a teacher at college in 2007. However, he enjoyed the job so much he decided to stay within the hospitality industry, learning his basic skills and customer-focused techniques.
Stuart White - The Victoria Hotel
Stuart White is a highly experienced and talented Executive Head Chef who has spent over fifteen years working in the industry and developing his expertise. Stuart’s hard work and determination have seen him working his way up through the ranks to now be Executive Head Chef.
Phoenix De Giorgi - Saunton Sands Hotel
The winner of the 2020/21 Mr Peter Brend Senior Apprentice of the Year Award is Pheonix De-Giorgi. Here at Brend Hotels, we champion apprenticeships and work closely with HIT Training who are a provider of apprenticeships in the hospitality industry.
Margaret Lovell - The Royal Hotel
Margaret, The Royal Hotel’s Head Receptionist, has been working for Brend Hotels for 49 years and is our longest serving staff member. After completing a ‘Hotel Bookkeeping & Reception Course’, Margaret’s grandmother saw an advert in the newspaper for a hotel receptionist
James Pellow - The Royal Duchy Hotel
Anyone who has ever visited the four-star Royal Duchy on Falmouth’s seafront will almost certainly remember James. Dressed immaculately in top hat and tails, he’s often the first and last member of staff visitors encounter.
Luke Hearn - The Park Hotel
From being behind a car bonnet to dreaming of stirring things up behind the bar. Luke went to college to study mechanics, where he realised mechanics wasn’t where his heart was at and his passion lay behind the bar. Find out more about his journey at Brend Hotels.
Shelley Blundell - Head Office
Offering the same commitment and positivity today as she did 35 years ago, Shelley is a true asset to Brend Hotels and has quite a story to tell…
Matthew Raistrick - The Victoria Hotel
Matthew Raistrick, The Victoria and Belmont Hotels Area Director has been part of Brend Hotels for the past 30 years. From work experience to Area Director, Matthew has climbed the ladder to become an integral part of the Brend family.
Marta Supranowicz - The Carlyon Bay Hotel
Marta has been a vital part of The Carlyon Bay Hotel for 18 years. First making her debut in 2005 as a waitress in the Bay View Restaurant, Marta is now Deputy Manager and is always aspiring to achieve more. Discover all about her past, present and future with Brend Hotels.
Adam Crocker - Saunton Sands Hotel
Having recently graduated from the University of Surrey with a degree in International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Adam joined the Brend Hotels team in summer 2021 following the success of a university mentoring scheme which saw Director Peter Brend, mentor Adam for the last 12 months of his studies.
Liam Bailey - Saunton Sands Hotel
Since joining Brend Hotels in October 2015, Liam has completed an apprenticeship with our HIT Training academy and now manages the restaurant team at Saunton Sands Hotel. Making an impression since he first started working for the company, we’re certain that Liam will inspire young people to consider an apprenticeship at the Brend Collection.
William Sherwin - The Imperial Hotel
From hotel porter, working in a variety of Brend Hotels to hotel management, William has been climbing the ladder since his Brend Collection journey began.
Anna Krolik - The Barnstaple Hotel
You're bound to recognise Anna as being the face of our Brasserie Restaurant, but many may not know that Anna had a very different start at The Barnstaple Hotel. Learn all about Anna’s journey with the Brend Collection.
Dave Roden - Head Office
Meet our Operational Accounts Manager, Dave Roden, who has been working for The Brend Collection for the last 44 years.
Tim Beauchamp - The Belmont Hotel
The four-star hotel General Manager, Tim Beauchamp, took time out of his busy schedule to lift the lid on the hardwork and dedication involved in running The Belmont Hotel.
Marie Woolacott - The Park Hotel
Meet Marie, a dedicated individual who has been an integral part of the hospitality industry for over a decade. Marie has been working at the Brend Collection since 2007, showcasing her versatile skills and expertise across multiple roles.
Ross Hamilton - The Devon Hotel
Introduced to the dynamic world of hospitality by a close friend, Ross's journey began when a job as a waiter at a local hotel restaurant fell into his lap. Since then Ross has worked in various roles within the hospitality industry until he landed his current position as General Manager at The Devon Hotel.
Sue & Nicola - The Royal & Fortescue Hotel
Meet our mother and daughter duo who are The Royal & Fortescue Hotels Head and Deputy Head Housekeepers who have worked for a combined 54 years at Brend Collection.