£40,000 boosts hotel’s revival

A £40,000 cash injection has helped an Oldham couple to rescue a well-known local hotel.

Siobhan Hunter and partner Mark Dolman are aiming to return Clough Manor, in Saddleworth, to its former glory with backing from the £24 million Business Finance Solutions Business Loan Fund, which helps businesses across Greater Manchester to grow and create jobs.

A former 18th century farmhouse, the 25-bedroom Clough Manor Hotel, near Denshaw, has a restaurant, function suite and lounge bar. But the hotel’s bookings and services had been in decline for some years and by 2013 the restaurant was open only three days a week.

Siobhan and Mark, both Saddleworth residents, took over the lease in October 2013, and have updated and renovated the hotel. They will use the £40,000 loan to continue the extensive renovation work and invest in marketing.

Managing director Siobhan said: “Having worked in the industry ourselves for 14 years, when the opportunity arose for us to take Clough Manor over, we jumped at the chance.”

Now opening seven days a week, turnover is predicted to top £1 million by 2015. Weddings and functions have risen by 30 per cent and will be a major focus as the business grows.

Siobhan and Mark have also introduced an extensive programme of events to attract people back to the hotel.

BFS Business Loans is a government-backed initiative that will see more than £24 million invested into growing businesses in Greater Manchester over the next 10 years.