Pandemic sends hotel owner into administration

THE company behind Somerset hotel Best Western Plus

Centurion has collapsed into administration.

Mark Boughey and Tim Ball, from the Bristol office of tax, audit and advisory firm Mazars, have been appointed joint administrators of L&F Jones Holdings, which operates the hotel in Radstock, as well as a health club, nine-hole golf course and two convenience stores.

The business has an annual turnover of around £3.5 million and 65 employees.

The administrators said the 45-bedroom hotel had been “adversely impacted” by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The businesses, which are being put up for sale, will continue to trade under the supervision of the administrators, Mazars said.

Ed Bellfield, South West regional director of Christie &

Co’s hospitality team, has been appointed to assist the administrators with the marketing and sale process.

Mr Boughey said: “The impact of Covid-19 on the hotel, retail and leisure markets has made trading conditions extremely challenging for the company over the last 10 months.

“The Centurion Hotel is a very well-managed and popular hotel that is currently open to support the needs of guests who are key workers or have a requirement to work away from home. The convenience stores are also providing an essential service to their local communities.”

Mr Boughey said the company’s team of employees were “keen to support the business” while the administrators looked for a buyer.

Mark Manley, the hotel’s general manager, said: “Whilst it is sad to see the company go into administration due to the financial impact of Covid-19, the Centurion Hotel’s staff and I look forward to continuing to welcome guests to the hotel whilst a new owner is sought.”