News

Sisters on course to be way above par

(20 July 2005)

Two sisters have embarked on an exciting development to make their golf course at Brotton near Saltburn-by-the-Sea one of the finest golfing experiences in the North East.

Liz Lillie and Jo Askew turned to Durham Business School for help after recognising that by improving their management skills they could turn their ideas for the family business into reality.

The 27-hole course at Hunley Hall, which was recently recognised as having the tenth best view in the UK and Ireland by Today’s Golfer magazine, was set up by the sisters’ father 12 years ago, in a bid to diversify from farming.

Now, thanks to help from Durham Business School’s Strategic Development Programme, Liz and Jo are embarking on an ambitious expansion plan which will see the current 11 bedrooms grow by an extra 20 and the addition of leisure facilities for visitors who don’t wish to use the golf course.

The sisters are also keen to maintain the balance between use by the hotel visitors and local people, who see the golf course as a real community amenity. With this in mind, they are looking to further develop the lounge area in the Clubhouse. Other improvements have been made throughout the business, including in the kitchen where the chef has now introduced a new menu of good quality, home-cooked food.

Commenting on the programme, Liz said: “We wanted to learn how to get the most from the business and how best to take forward our plans for the future. The Business School has helped us to be much more focused and ensure that our members and guests have a first class experience.” Jo adds: “The programme has also helped us change the way we approach problems. We now have a much more ‘can-do’ attitude: if something is blocking our way we find a way around it.”

The Strategic Development Programme is part of the Great North East Food and Drink Industry Project and helps owners and managers of small and medium sized businesses improve their management skills, while exploring and implementing their ideas for the future in a practical way. The project is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

For further information please contact: Jeremy Wright at Durham Business School on 0191 334 5128

Issued by Bradley O'Mahoney Public Relations For further information contact Amy Davison or Clare Maxwell Tel: 0191 281 88 33 Fax: 0191 281 49 54 Email: amydavison@bradleyomahoney.co.uk claremaxwell@bradleyomahoney.co.uk