A guest house has doubled its turnover and profits with the help of a building society.
Sunnyside Guest House, owned by Paul and Nicola Roper, received an initial loan of £400,000 from The Cumberland Building Society.
Since then, the seven-bedroom guest house has seen occupancy levels averaging at 80-85 per cent, with around 77 per cent of guests returning for a second visit.
The guest house, located near the shores of Derwentwater and The Theatre by The Lake, was recently awarded Bed and Breakfast and Guest House of the Year 2024 at the Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024.
The Cumberland Building Society, a specialist hospitality lender, supported the Ropers with a financial package tailored to their needs.
The society has over 20 years of experience supporting hospitality businesses and provides a relationship-managed service. This means customers have a dedicated point of contact who can offer advice whenever needed.
This personal approach helped the Ropers navigate challenges posed by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. The Cumberland arranged a six-month mortgage break for the couple during this tough time.
Paul and Nicola, originally from Derbyshire, began their journey in the hospitality industry six years ago. Paul, a former sales marketing director, and Nicola, who worked in the health service, decided to set up their own business after years of staying in hospitality venues.
When they saw Sunnyside, they immediately fell in love with the building. However, their lack of experience made financing the acquisition difficult. With the help of realtors Colliers, the couple approached The Cumberland for support.
They were advised that the building society’s people-first approach meant they would not be immediately turned away.
The Cumberland worked closely with Colliers, accountants Dodd & Co, and solicitors Burnetts to create a financial package that would support the Ropers' new business venture and help it thrive.
Sunnyside Guest House has a personalised approach to its guests, ensuring a warm and welcoming stay tailored to individual needs, from bespoke breakfast options to local recommendations.
The guest house also supports local charities such as Keswick Mountain Rescue. It sources as much produce from local suppliers as possible, including meats, eggs, and toiletries. Sunnyside is also an ambassador for Theatre by the Lake.
The guest house's success story highlights the positive impact of a supportive financial institution and the commitment of its owners to their business and community.
The Cumberland Building Society's investment in the Ropers not only benefited the couple but also contributed to the thriving hospitality sector in Cumbria.
The society's people-centred approach continues to support businesses, helping them navigate challenges and emerge stronger.
Paul Roper said: "Sunnyside ticked all the boxes for us, but at the time financial providers were declining us due to a lack of experience. "The Cumberland changed that. First off, they told us what we needed to hear and then they advised us on what to do. There was a real willingness to work with us and help us achieve our ambitions.
"The personal approach was marvellous, and their knowledge of the local market was fantastic. During Covid the support they gave was a lifesaver for us and we wouldn’t have managed without them,” Paul said.
"The Cumberland is not a faceless company and when you need support you are able to speak to someone about it and find a way forward."
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