Tag Archives: Buckatree

The importance of being part of the business community

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May 2017

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Wayne Jenson with Shropshire Chamber of Commerce members

There are many different aspects to running a hotel and, while a big part of what we do is focused around guests’ experiences – making sure your food is delicious, your room is clean and the service you receive is top rate, we also do a lot behind the scenes to contribute to the business community here in Telford.

We’re one of 32 Shropshire Chamber of Commerce patrons – which gives us access to a whole range of opportunities such as business events across Europe. This helps us push the Buckatree even further and in turn offer you an even better experience here as we’re learning from the best of the best.

More locally, it enables us to work with partners from across the county, help Shropshire’s economy thrive and it also shows to you that we’re a respected part of the business community.

We also host the Chamber’s Telford breakfast networking club and regularly provide a venue for the Telford Business Club.

We do all of that because we care about what’s happening right here in Telford and we want to do our bit to promote our great town across the county and beyond.

There’s no point having such fantastic facilities (including the Buckatree of course!) if we don’t shout about them and ensure everyone knows what’s on offer here.

There is also a lot to be said for networking face-to-face, while so much these days happens online you can’t replace a good old chat with a fellow business owner. And weeks or months down the line while they may have forgotten about a faceless email sent to them, they’re less likely to forget about shaking your hand and sitting down for ten minutes or so to discuss the economy and what can be done to continue to ensure Telford thrives.

We’ve also got our own business club, with exclusive rewards including discounted accommodation and food, free meeting room hire and special promotions and offers.

You can join by visiting www.buckatreehallhotel.com/buckatree-business-club.

If you’re a Shropshire company then we encourage you to do all you can to be a valuable part of the business community – and if you’re a resident then why not consider what you can do to ‘shop local’ and keep the economy growing!

Introducing our nominated charity for 2017 – Homestart

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April 2017

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You may not know but each year we pick a charity to support for 12 months, raising as much money as possible to assist the fantastic work they do.

There are so many incredible charities out there, especially within Telford which has an amazing sense of community, so it’s always tough to come to a decision – but I’m delighted to confirm Homestart Telford and Wrekin is our choice for 2017.

I have to admit to knowing little about them before I met their fundraising manager Julia Allinson at a Shropshire Chamber of Commerce event held here at the hotel.

But as soon as I got talking to her, I realised what fantastic work the charity does and what a difference they make to the lives of families in Telford.

In fact they scooped the Businesses for Children Award Charity of the Year title earlier this month.

The aim of the charity is very simple but very important: to support those with children under five who may need a little extra help, whether they’re struggling with isolation, disability, domestic abuse or they’ve had twins or triplets or even just a hand to re-adjust to their new family life after having a baby.

They do this by training volunteers who then spend time with that family each week to help them find ways of coping and they also fundraise to take people out for rare days out and activities they probably wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy.

In addition, the team runs a number of courses which are all aimed at increasing parents’ confidence and helping them to raise happier and healthier little ones.

Simple things like having a listening ear for a couple of hours a week, having some support to get out of the house or complete day-to-day tasks or having the chance to enjoy going out together are something all too many of us take for granted but for some it’s their only lifeline.

And that’s why myself and the team at the Buckatree are determined to make this our best year yet for fund-raising. We’re already planning a busy calendar of events which will include a big gin-themed event we know will be really popular!

There are collection tins in place in our reception and guests will be able to buy Easter eggs to donate to a child supported by Homestart.

We’re also all ears if you have a fundraising idea to help the charity and would like to talk to us about hosting your event at the hotel.

Thank you in advance to anyone who helps us help Homestart this year and do check back on our blog as we’ll be updating you throughout the year on upcoming events and how much we’ve raised.

A gift voucher for a getaway makes the perfect present

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April 2017

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Gift vouchers can be the perfect present for anyone hard to buy for. And here at Buckatree Hall, at the bottom of the Wrekin, we have a range of different offers if you’ve got a special occasion coming up and you’re struggling for ideas.

Whether you want to buy a cash gift voucher ranging from £25 upwards or treat your loved one to a Sunday lunch or a Lakeside Restaurant dining experience, we’ve got it all covered and you can even buy online.

If you’re feeling especially generous, there’s even the option to purchase a spring break – a two night break inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast. Of course we are in the Easter spirit so our guests will enjoy hot cross buns and tea on arrival and enjoy an Easter egg in the room too or a box of chocolates if you stay after the Easter break!

These vouchers are ideal because not only are you buying your friend or family member an experience they won’t forget in a hurry, you’re also giving them access to the beautiful Shropshire hills and plenty of surrounding attractions when they travel to the Buckatree to redeem their voucher.

Of course, there’s the fantastic Wrekin which the Buckatree sits at the foot of and lots of other hills and popular trails for keen walkers to explore but there’s much more than that to enjoy nearby.

If museums are your thing, then why not head out to Ironbridge which is just six miles away? There you’ll find everything from Blists Hill Victorian Town to Enginuity science museum, as well as the famous bridge itself.

Or if there are little ones in your party then there’s Hoo Farm on the outskirts of Telford or the Town Park right in the centre, featuring Wonderland, the ice skating rink, bowling and much more.

One thing’s for sure, you can be certain whether you’re seeking beautiful scenery or a day out all the family can enjoy you’ll find it right on our doorstep.

Simply click here to find out more about our range of vouchers and purchase one today.

A day in the life of a Hotel Manager

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December 2016

Basil Fawlty may be an extremely entertaining and comedic character but as a hotel manager he falls way short in the people skills needed to keep a successful business going.

Fortunately here at Buckatree Hall we have a general manager who continues to ensure our hotel maintains its position, high standards and professionalism among the very best.

We are a busy and hugely successful hotel – 2016 has been a record breaker for us – and we are always striving to ensure we maintain those goals for the good of our guests. This can’t be achieved without a highly committed and motivated workforce and here at Buckatree Hall we believe we have the best.

Part of the fun about being a hotel manager is meeting the countless number of people who come through our door – each one has a different experience of life and each has their own unique story to tell.

After taking on the challenge of running the independently owned hotel four years ago, we asked general manager Wayne Jenson to explain what continues to drive him on a daily basis:

“Ensuring everything is right day-to-day is truly a full-time job but it is also a hugely rewarding one and the thought each day that we have made the stay of our guests as good as we possibly can is very satisfying.

“To do this with the challenges any 24/7 business faces and still be able to maintain our very professional approach and high level of service is what it is all about.

“Whilst a lot of things are routine – two days are rarely the same. There is always something that needs addressing or requirements or requests by a guest that need sorting. Every day is different in some way or other.

“Some of the things we get asked or some things that happen are quite unusual but in the interests of guest confidentiality I don’t think I should relay them here.

“You always have to have an open mind and try to ensure the guests’ needs are dealt with in a professional and courteous manner.

“People visit us from all over the world and engaging them in conversation and hearing about their experiences is wonderful. So many from a wide diversity of backgrounds generate an interesting insight for us into their lives and places they come from. It can be a bit like going on holiday without ever leaving the hotel!

“Obviously I am responsible not only for the smooth running of the hotel and the welfare of the guests on a daily basis but also for the workforce. The hotel has 62 rooms and over 40 members of staff, so there’s enough to keep busy!

“We have an excellent staff base at Buckatree Hall and that helps me to keep things on track through the excellent structure we have in place.

“Things usually run well but there are always those instances that you can’t see coming and then it’s all hands to the pump to make sure every eventuality is catered for.

“Another great thing about working at Buckatree Hall is the wide range of events and services we have here. It is always busy and that’s good for me. Whether it’s weddings, functions or a host of meetings by various organisations, there is always something happening.

“It’s a real pleasure to do the job I do and I am so pleased to continue to be a part of such a huge success that is Buckatree Hall Hotel.”

Winter walking break deal at Buckatree Hall…

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November 2016

Winter walks at Buckatree Hall

There’s nothing better than coming inside from a crisp winter walk and relaxing in comfort – perhaps with a bite to eat or a drink or two to warm you up.

That’s why Buckatree Hall Hotel is the perfect location if you’re looking for a base from which to go out and explore the famous sights of Shropshire.

We know thousands of visitors flock to the county each year thanks to our popularity as a walking destination – and where could be better to stay than right at the base of the landmark Wrekin?

The subject of its very own folklore legend and having given its name to not only the saying ‘all around the Wrekin’ but also the Wrekin White cheese produced in nearby Newport, it’s not to be missed for keen walkers coming to Shropshire.

We’re also in prime position for The Ercall, part of The Wrekin and The Ercall Site of Special Scientific Interest with its ripple beds and lava flows dating back hundreds of millions of years and plenty of wildlife including many butterfly species.

Both of these walks are situated right next us literally – (it will take you two minutes to get to the bottom of the Wrekin but a little longer to get to the top – but it’s worth every step!) and there are plenty more you can access just a short while away.

Whether you want to walk the Shropshire Way, take a stroll through the historical site of Ironbridge or perhaps Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail takes your fancy.

Whichever you opt for, Buckatree Hall makes the perfect base with our choice of 62 rooms providing an excellent place to rest for a busy walking day ahead, friendly staff on hand to advise you on the best locations to visit while you’re in Shropshire and we’ve even got a pet-friendly policy so you can bring along your dog to enjoy plenty of walkies too!

Enjoy delicious food in our restaurant or bar to fuel up for the walks you’ve chosen – and of course there’s the amazing views to enjoy too.

We love winter so much we’re offering a “Winter 2 for 1” deal – yes two nights dinner, bed and breakfast for the price of one in a superior double or twin bedded rooms with a two course dinner on both nights and a full English breakfast on both mornings.

And upon arrival we know you may have had a long journey or already enjoyed a walk so we’ll serve you a steaming bowl of homemade soup with half a round of cheese on toast at the side. So, prices are from £74.50 per room per night – but don’t forget it’s 2 for 1!

If a winter walking break at the base of the Wrekin sounds idyllic, then get in touch today to plan your break.

Back of the net!

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September 2016

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Left – Phil Brown, Hotel Maintenance Manager and Right – Myself

We’re continuing our support of local sports and community initiatives here at Buckatree Hall by donating a new football kit to the Ercall Colts under-13s football team. Last month we donated 16 kits overall to make sure the kids could keepplaying the game they love!

The idea for the kits came about via the parent of a player on the team who happens to work here at the Buckatree, Phil Brown, who is our maintenance manager.

Phil approached me with the idea a few months ago and we have not looked back since.

Having a matching kit means the kids play together as a unit, and I know it’ll be a great boost for them.

The team’s coach, Nick Guy, told me the kids have already played a few games in their new kit and absolutely love them, which makes it all worthwhile. Nick told me he was glad to find such a community-minded business like ours to help out!

The Ercall Colts football club was established in Wellington in 1975, and now has over 100 players across different age groups, from five to 16. It’s a great place for kids to get out, get some fresh air, and take part in friendly competition.

Our donation to the colts is just another way that we’re trying to show our community spirit here at the hotel. We also donated a new bike for the Wrekin Riders BMX club earlier this month.

Buckatree Hall has always been community minded, even more so since the Moon family took over in 2010, and we think it is important that we work with a mixture of groups, so sponsoring the Colts was an easy decision to make.