PALACE CLEANERS REACH FINALS OF VISIT ENGLAND’S TOURISM SUPERSTARS

Blenheim Palace’s dedicated team of cleaners has been nominated to become VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstars of 2022.

Now in its tenth year, VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition celebrates the dedication of those working in the tourism industry.

This year’s competition also recognises the amazing efforts made by teams across the industry in the face of the pandemic.

Deputy Collections Manager Carmen Alvarez, who nominated them for the award, said: “Our incredible cleaning team take on board jobs that only a very few people are willing to do, and they work incredibly hard to make sure the Palace always lives up to the high standards that our guests deserve.”

“Throughout the pandemic cleaning and disinfecting became a huge part of the reason we were able to open our doors to visitors between lockdowns, and they made sure our guests felt safe and happy to come back.

“As well as cleaning, they also play a vital part in monitoring this historic building and the priceless artworks, furniture and objects it contains. This side of their role was also an important one during the lockdowns as they had to look after more than 100 separate rooms as well as the staff areas – often working in isolation.

“They created their own rotas to make sure they didn’t miss a thing and they stayed on throughout caring for the collection, checking environmental levels, keeping away pests and dust accumulation,” she added.

Now in its tenth year, VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar competition celebrates the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry. Run in partnership with the Mirror newspaper, the competition recognises and celebrates those in the industry who go the extra mile to ensure tourists have an amazing and unforgettable visitor experience.

143-year-old Blackwell’s Bookshop up for sale

Blackwell’s Bookshop, which opened its first store in Oxford in 1879, is up for sale – with bookseller rival Waterstones reportedly interested in buying the chain.

The business, which now has 18 stores, is working with advisers at Begbies Traynor, on a potential sale.

According to its latest accounts, the Group turned over more than £88 million in the year to January 2021, up from £58 million the previous year. Gross profit for the period was £18 million.

However, the Group made a pre-tax loss of £1.3 million in the 18 months to 2 January 2021.

The first bookshop opened by a member of the Blackwell family was in Oxford in 1846, but the family-owned business takes the year 1879 as its founding since it was on January 1 of that year that its bookshop on Broad Street, Oxford first opened its doors.

The Oxford bookshop itself has grown sideways, upwards and, most notably, underground.

The Norrington Room in Oxford was opened more than 50 years ago and for many years was proudly listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the single largest room in the world selling books.

In 1929 Blackwell’s bought George’s in Bristol, its first bookshop outside Oxford.

The shop has garnered mentions in numerous books, employed booksellers who have gone on to be award-winning authors, featured in a variety of films, and been a haven for the bookish from all parts of the globe.