It could have turned out so differently for Irishman Eamonn Elliott. At the age of 16, the talented midfielder escaped war-torn Belfast to get his big chance in football, winning a professional contract with Carlisle United and breaking into the first team. But his dreams were shattered when the club booted him onto the unemployment scrap heap at 21.
The heartache of rejection could have broken a weaker man but Eamonn, a whirlwind of action, positivity and infectious enthusiasm, used the experience to net a successful career in the hotel and leisure industry.
Now he’s heading up one of the North’s premier luxury leisure destinations, Rockliffe Hall, and his first task is to work out how to return the loss-making five-star complex to profit. In the year to June 30 the company posted a £1.44m loss despite a rise in hotel occupancy levels, a 9.2% jump in revenues and an increase in membership subscriptions for its famous golf course - said to be the longest in Europe. Food and beverage sales were down, mainly due to a decline in conference and corporate business, while golf revenues “remained difficult” as low wage inflation kept disposable income to a minimum.
Having just stepped into the role of CEO at Rockliffe in December, Eamonn is relishing the challenge on his hands.
“I have worked at some of the best hotels in the country and this is the best, without a doubt. Most hotels are measured on EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) and we delivered £340,000 of EBITDA in the last financial year.
“Going forward we will be successful because we have top facilities and a diverse offering. We have our luxury spa, four different food and beverage outlets and a great events package. We’re even thinking of staging some sort of festival on the Rockliffe grounds in the future.”
He talks a good game and it’s being backed by hard cash. Rockliffe, owned by Boro supremo Steve Gibson’s firm Gibson O’Neill, is investing more than £1m in a new Spa Garden that will feature a hydrotherapy pool, under-floor heated decking and lounging areas and a garden room with a glass-fronted sauna cabin when it opens this autumn. Meanwhile, renowned Michelin-star chef Richard Allen has been recruited to beef up the menu at the flagship Orangery restaurant, which offers seasonal and locally sourced dishes with a French twist.
The diversity of the Rockliffe offering, the potential to cross-sell and the quality service for which the destination is renowned gives Eamonn confidence that the company will be back in the black sooner rather than later.
His can-do attitude has enabled him to win tough challenges before. After his Carlisle rejection he spent the next few years studying for a management and economics degree while running a health spa to earn some cash. It was a hectic time but the long hours paid dividends when he got the chance to work for renowned hotelier Jeremy Rata at the Devonshire Arms country house hotel in North Yorkshire.
“I learned a lot there, not just about the hotel trade but about management,” says Eamonn. “Before I went there I thought: no way would I ever go into hotel management but Jeremy was such a fantastic man-manager. It inspired me to believe I could do it.”
Eamonn spent eight years at the Devonshire Arms before managing the Mount Falcon and Spa in County Mayo and then transforming The Grand Jersey Hotel from a little-known four-star operation to the Channel Islands’ highest rated hotel.
He has won numerous awards, including the Institute of Directors’ Young Director of the Year accolade in 2013-2014. But the amiable Irishman is quick to divert the praise onto the people who worked for him.
“I’ve always said that staff are a manager’s greatest asset. I’ve been fortunate to work with some great people over the years and the quality and dedication of the Rockliffe staff is first class. They have given me confidence that we’ll have a successful future.”
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Who has inspired you most (could be real-life or public figure)?
My parents, Paddy and Sally. I’ve always had a big motivation to achieve what I could for them - a way of thanking them for bringing up seven kids.
Biggest achievement (personal or professional)?
Getting my degree and bringing up my eight year-old daughter Erin. Being named Young Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors in 2013 is also up there.
What car do you drive?
BMW.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
The Latymer, a double Michelin star restaurant in Surrey headed by award-winning chef Michael Wignall. Locally it would have to be The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall!
Favourite food?
Any kind of fish.
Favourite tipple?
A cup of tea. Unusually for a hotelier, I’ve never touched alcohol.
Any celebrity moments?
I spent New Year’s Eve with ex-footballer and Sky Sports analyst Charlie Nicholas and his wife Claire.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My family, friends and colleagues.
What’s your ideal job, other than the one you’ve got?
Footballer.
What’s your greatest fear?
I can’t think of any, other than Rangers being promoted to the Scottish Championship and beating Celtic to the title.
What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received?
Treat every day as a brand new day and try to do better than you did yesterday.
What’s your business mantra?
Lead from the front and don’t expect anyone to do anything you wouldn’t do.
How do you relax and unwind?
By playing five-a-side football, going cycling and having a round of golf (in the summer).
Where is your favourite Teesside place?
Yarm.
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