RUTHIN CASTLE WINNING BATTLE AGAINST ECONOMIC SLUMP

Often described by guests as ‘magical’, Ruthin Castle located in North Wales, has recently been conjuring up some strong trading results and news has just emerged that it
has secured funding to create a sparkling future. That’s quite an
achievement in an industry that has generally been struggling, and the hotel
owners are now ready to push forward with becoming a full 4-star hotel and
implementing the first phase of their 2008 planning consents for a spa and
wellness centre.

Whilst many hotels and businesses fall victim to the economic doom and
gloom, Ruthin Castle is setting an example of what can still be achieved
even in one of the harshest financial climates. This legendary former royal
fortress and mansion became a 3-star hotel in the 1960′s and was partially
upgraded to 4-star standard in 2005-6 after being purchased by its current
owners at the end of 2004.  After years of consistent growth the hotel was
suddenly hit by the commercial downturn at the end of 2008, but the owners
and staff fought back hard and in 2011 achieved their highest ever turnover
and as a result have been able to maintain employment levels.

Ruthin Castle’s most recent achievement is to win the support of HSBC Bank
and the Welsh Government to upgrade into a 60 bedroom 4-star hotel and
develop a spa/wellness centre by summer 2012. The project is expected to
directly create another 40 jobs at the hotel but will also spread a little
more magic by helping to secure jobs in the construction industry;
increasing purchases from the hotel’s suppliers; and by drawing more
visitors spend into the Welsh Border region.

The owners of the hotel, Anthony & Amanda Saint Claire, are quick to praise
the hotel management and staff for their contribution to the results the
hotel has been achieving.  Anthony said “Although initially caught by the
severity of the world economic downturn, the dedication and effort of the
management team and staff has not only enabled the hotel to survive, but
also to improve standards and position the hotel to justify the support of
HSBC and the Welsh Government to enable it to move forward”

“It is also important to thank both HSBC and the Welsh Government for their
belief in Ruthin Castle and its team and for the support they are providing,
without which these new upgrades and development would not be possible.  Not
least of all we owe a huge ‘thank you’ to all those guests who have
supported and continue to support the hotel.”

It was only recently that Ruthin Castle’s charm inspired its owners to
introduce a unique imaginative opportunity where the public can
inexpensively buy into its ancient 13th century walls and be personally
linked with a unique piece of royal heritage.  An innovative business idea
aimed at conserving the irreplaceable castle walls by making them a
wonderful souvenir keepsake or gift through www.yourpiece.org

More details of the hotel’s new spa & wellness centre will be released in
the spring and the facility will be open for a very limited number of local
members.  Anyone interested in membership can register their interest by
calling 01824 702664 or on the hotel website at www.ruthincastle.co.uk