The company now running Skipton’s largest hotel, Hotel Rendezvous, has appointed a new manager in a significant step towards achieving a four-star a rating.
The 96 bedroom hotel is undergoing major changes following the retirement of popular Skipton business couple Malcolm and Karen Weaving. It has been taken over by global management company First & Foremost, which has now appointed Kim Jackson as Resident Manager.
Kim brings a wealth of experience having worked in hospitality and event management across the world, including spells in South Africa, France and London.
Kim said: “I feel like I’ve definitely made a fantastic choice moving to Skipton over other opportunities I was offered; it’s a beautiful place and the hotel has so much potential. I’ve worked around the world with different cultures and people, but I have to say I’ve found that people from Yorkshire are the friendliest and most approachable.
“I have worked around the world, and extensively in the UK and London. I chose to take up this role on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales because of how friendly the people are, how great Yorkshire food is and the unique scenery in this area and. It even feels as though the air is genuinely fresher! It’s an amazing place.
“My colleagues have been brilliant, welcoming and supportive to work with, especially those who have been with the Weaving family at the hotel here for many years and I like the fact that there are lots of returning guests, so everything feels very positive and uplifting, especially after the strain that COVID put on the hospitality industry.”
Kim’s impressive CV has seen her work at top sporting events including both the football and rugby World Cups, prestigious fashion events and performed management roles at the Greyville Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa. She also ran her own company providing event management services.
Kim believes her experience will stand her in good stead for the role at the Rendezvous, which is currently undergoing an extensive programme of refurbishment of public areas and bedrooms. Her remit is also to improve the restaurant to appeal to the local dining clientele and offer themed dining events on the unique purpose-built narrowboat The Graceful Swan.
She added: “I think the main thing I can bring to the Rendezvous are some fresh ideas for the quiet months, introducing concepts that have proven successful elsewhere in my career.
“We’re keen to attract locals to our restaurant, Skipton Bar and Grill, as well as becoming the place to go for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.
“With First & Foremost at the helm, coupled with my experience, I think we can bring a new energy to the hotel, inspiring local people and partnering with other businesses as we develop the Rendezvous into a more luxurious leisure destination.”