General business advice, developing F&B standards work shop

As part of our businesses advisor contract with Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway (SED&G) we were asked to assist the new owner of the Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat in 2004. It quickly transpired that Dave Smith and team were very enthusiastic to improving services and the hotel's business performance in the town's competitive environment. Firstly, we were asked to assist with a work shop to establish food & beverage service standards. The entire team participated and positive results were soon appreciated by guests in the bar and restaurant.  This was probably the seed that set the Buccleuch on a rapid path to achieving the Investors in People standard.  The session was also partially a think tank culminating in the hotel receiving the Scottish Enterprises award for Innovation and Creation.

As part of our ongoing services we assisted in developing a business plan. Dave was keen to buy the hotel and required support. Through SED&G we recommended Lochroe - a company which specialises in obtaining financial packages for businesses. With Lochroe's support and our business plan, funding was secured in late 2006 and the purchase of the hotel happened in early 2007. The set targets in the business plan were met and the banker said "… I have never seen such a detailed plan…".

Since then Dave and team have achieved many accolades such as "Best place to eat in Dumfries and Galloway", "Best hotel in bloom", "Best Learning Employer" and most recently the hotel was nominated as finalists of the prestigious Scottish Licensed Trade Wine Awards    We continue to assist with collating financial data and we maintain a regular contact.