Hotel service that delivers (From Gazette Series)

Hotel service that delivers

TORTWORTH Court Four Pillars Hotel is described by its general manager Martin Orme as "Gloucestershire's best kept secret".

But at the same time, he can't deny that quite a few people are in on it. For the Grade II listed Victorian mansion boasts an impressive customer base, attracting both corporate and conference business and the local market alike.

Designed by eminent Victorian architect Alan Teulon, Tortworth Court has a chequered history and when Four Pillars took over the building in 2000 it had to spend £20million on extensive rebuilding and refurbishment following years of neglect and a very damaging fire.

Clients come from a wide range of sectors and include FTSE 100 companies. The conference facilities appeal to many because of their flexibility; small and large syndicate rooms compliment the larger training rooms which can accommodate up to 400 delegates.

Manager Martin Orme said: "Companies come to us from all over the UK and we are positioned excellently to benefit people coming from London and the Midlands and South West.

"Of course, our proximity to the M5 and the M4 is certainly an important factor in this."

The leisure market is also significant for Tortworth Court, bringing people into the area because of its many local attractions such as nearby cities like Bath and Bristol as well as the Gloucestershire countryside and of course the Cotswolds.

The centre boasts three very different restaurants; Moretons - housed in the old library and popular for Sunday lunches, the Orangery restaurant in the splendid Victorian orangery is open seven days a week and the Atrium which offers relaxed dining under its 60 feet high ceiling.

Tortworth Court is a perfect venue for weddings and the Spa and Leisure Centre is open to both locals and guests.

The hotel has in excess of 200 staff many of whom are drawn from the local market.

Said Martin: "We understand the importance of good people within our hotel and so encourage and work with them to ensure they have a good work and life balance and that we retain our strongest staff."

Tortworth Court understands the importance of its position within the local community, and works with many organisations in the area. This has included sponsorships of local sports teams, local theatre productions and links with schools working on projects with children alongside their school curriculum. Tortworth Court also recently launched its charity partnership - TWOCANDO - with the Gazette and Thornbury Lions. This charity raises money over a number of events during the year for local charities and has in its first year already donated funds to important local causes.

"The hotel has seen growth year on year but in this industry we can't afford to be complacent," said Martin. "Delivering a consistently high level of service to our customers is an ongoing priority for me and my team."