Multi-million

identifying opportunities for working with the private client and property teams at the firm, ensuring Lodders’ upward growth trajectory is maintained in the long-term. It is exciting to begin this second chapter of my career and play a key role in Lodders’ continued success in the Midlands and South West regions and beyond.”

Graham Spalding, Partner and head of Lodders’ Business Services group, comments:

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve to the team. His energy, ambition, and strong regional and national connections, make him a perfect fit as we target continued growth. With a wealth of experience working with entrepreneurial decision-makers of privately-owned businesses, including those in the tech and gaming industries, Steve adds great strength and specialist expertise to the team. Demand for Lodders’ corporate law services show no sign of slowing down. Steve will help fuel our growth ambitions and deal volume, as we seek to expand our offering in the West Midlands, the M40 corridor towards London, Cheltenham, and our original heartland in Warwickshire.”

Paul Mourton, managing Partner at Lodders, adds: “Steve is a significant hire and addition to Lodders’ equity partnership, as a highly respected lawyer and key player not just in the regions we operate but beyond. His dynamic and collaborative approach make him a great cultural fit and will ensure continued cohesion across our specialist teams. I am delighted to welcome Steve to the firm and am sure that he will prove a fantastic catalyst for the ongoing growth of our successful Business Services group.”

Lodders’ Business Services group offers expert legal advice to owner managers and business owners looking to divest, grow and raise finance, and is focused on advising owner managers on acquisitions, disposals, and other corporate change, with typical deal values ranging from £5 million to £50 million.

For more information, visit: www.lodders.co.uk

Refurbishment And Strengthened Team Spells Bright Future For Hotel

A four-star Coventry hotel has strengthened its senior team following the completion of the third phase of a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Oliver Shears has joined the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Coventry Building Society Arena as its new Head of Sales.

He joins after building hotel sales experience across the Midlands and in London, including as a sales manager at DoubleTree by Hilton London Excel and London Islington.

The 24-year-old, who lives in Rugby, has joined the on-site hotel at Coventry Building Society Arena as it carries out a major refurbishment project to modernise and enhance the hotel’s experience for guests.

The project is gathering pace and the third phase is now completed, which includes the refurbishment of 46 rooms, including three deluxe family suites.

The suites include a dedicated study desk and separate make-up area to add an extra touch of comfort, and a comfortable sofa bed to accommodate additional guests – adding to the arena’s offer for families or group travellers.

Phase three has also seen the introduction of nine deluxe queen rooms: a new category in the hotel’s inventory which offer spacious layouts and full-length windows to allow for natural light and view.

The bedrooms include 65” LED TV screens in large rooms and suites, and 55” LED TV screens in the other rooms, enabling guests to watch live sports from the comfort of their room.

Each room features new beds, furniture, lighting, curtains and flooring, with design features and artwork showcasing Coventry and the heritage of Coventry Building Society Arena as a leading venue for sport, business events and live entertainment.

When completed, the hotel will have expanded its offer from seven to 13 room categories, including pitch view rooms, family rooms and more suites – with premium rooms including an in-room fitness suite.

It will include a new hotel lobby, extended lounge and enhanced offer at Faradays, the hotel’s restaurant.

Oliver said: “There couldn’t be a more exciting time to be joining the team as the hotel looks ahead to a period of significant growth following the refurbishment.

“We have a brilliant guest offer here, whether that is for business, entertainment or sport, with amenities including a casino, restaurants, pitch view rooms and the premium experience you expect from the Hilton brand.

“The corporate segment of the business has great space to grow and the challenge for every stadium hotel is building a business pipeline that isn’t reliant on the event calendar.

“I have joined the hotel at the perfect time and I’m excited to get started.”

Raj Balsaraf, General Manager, added: “It’s great to have Oliver on board, and his experience working with the Hilton brand will be important as we continue to grow the hotel and deliver high quality experiences for our guests.

“We have now completed more than 40 rooms in the refurbishment project and they are a real step change for the hotel. These additions reinforce the hotel’s commitment to providing enhanced luxury, comfort and modern functionality for all guests.”