2. John Ashworth :

      An independent consultant, John specialises in the leisure sport and tourism industries. He has big firm consulting experience with Coopers & Lybrand and PKF (Pannell Kerr Forster), where he was a partner in the firm. Working independently since 1994 his clients have included developers, resorts and hotels, clubs and public sector and tourism organisations.

      John’s skills include:

      • Improving the profitability of leisure businesses, market repositioning and operational change
      • Reviewing current performance and business prospects for 3rd party investors, lenders and purchasers
      • Preparing and implementing marketing and sales strategies for club memberships and associated real estate
      • Supporting planning applications for sport and leisure developments
      • Market and financial feasibility studies

       

      Ian Parkinson :

      Ian is a seasoned hotel operator, specialising in the management and sales development of large conference and training venues.  He also has a proven track record in the hotel and leisure industry operating and managing destination hotels, waterparks and spas, in particular Alton Towers Resort and Bourne Leisure.

      Ian’s specialist areas of expertise are:

      • Perceptive driver of change in sales planning, diary management and conversion of enquiries in the Conference and Training arena
      • Understanding and Managing conference centres within Unique venues
      • Operational and Facilities Management scrutiny in Conference and Leisure markets
      • Waterpark experience in Sales, operations and implementation as an additional facility
      • Change management and alignment with new structures and cultures.

      Ian is based in the Midlands/North of England

      Ann Waterston :

      With more than 20 years in the hotel and hospitality sector Ann specialises in business development support for hotels. After many years with IHG both on property and in corporate roles, as an independent consultant has supported an extensive variety of businesses from branded properties, including DoubleTree by Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental  -  managed and franchised, small boutique groups including the Doyle Collection  and independent hotels  in the UK and Europe.

       

      Skills include:

       

      • Hotel openings (Holiday Inn London Sutton, InterContinental Warsaw, myhotel Brighton)
      • Creating comprehensive strategic business plans by market segment
      • Preparation of rooms revenue, M&E revenue and Sales & Marketing expenditure budgets
      • Reviewing Sales & Marketing activities, recruitment, training and implementation of key processes
      • Analysis of account management and creation of total account management planning

       

      Maugie Lyons :

      Maugie Lyons has a strong background in unique venue management and has a passion for sustainability in all areas of business.

      Managing heritage venues such as the Art Deco Lawrence Hall and the 1914 Lindley Hall for the RHS she has been involved at all stages of business and building redevelopment. Of particular pride is the initiative of a plastic free zero carbon café at The Glasshouse Wisley. Participating in the Lottery Fund application for redevelopment of the Lindley hall generated intense interest from the membership and led to a unique membership drive to raise funds. Delivering practical sustainability plans with respect for the organisation and community has led to an involved leadership role at The Lensbury where sustainability and diversity is at the core of the business model.  Feasibility studies and CSR plans always embrace inclusion and diversity.

      Maugie also  has extensive experience of preparing launch plans, developing marketing and brand strategy, enabling teams to convert and deliver event sales. Feasibility studies, competitor analysis social and online analysis, consumer data and booking system reporting, form part of the delivery and consultancy process. Events, event venues and sustainability are her passions.

      Elena Dimitrova - Researcher :

      Elena has worked with  Bridget Baker Consulting since 2015.   Elena's key skills include the following:

      • Market research and data analysis for hotels and conference centres located in the UK and abroad.
      • From working at an insolvency practice, experienced in dealing with businesses going through financial difficulties, including companies in the hospitality sector.
      • Fluent in Spanish and Bulgarian.