KR HR & TRAINING NEWS ARTICLES

How KR HR & Training Consultancy supported Beechfield House through a complex TUPE process and successful hotel sale.

In April 2025, we played a key role in the sale of an independent boutique hotel to an international hospitality firm, enabling the owner to enjoy his retirement and the purchasers to add a unique boutique hotel to their portfolio.

Beechfield House hotel has partnered with KR HR & Training Consultancy for several years, so we were proud to contribute to the next chapter in its development.

With any acquisition process, getting the HR process right is essential, not just to tick legal boxes, but also to ensure that the team are well supported throughout what can be an unsettling process. Retaining the existing team is important to preserve knowledge, experience and talents – key assets in any business and vital for continuity.

This is exactly where we step in, combining our practical experience of the TUPE process with our interpersonal skills and ability to build trust.

The buyer wanted simultaneous exchange and completion, which meant that the window for the TUPE consultation process was shorter than usual. Our role was to ensure that all parties understood the legal steps that needed to be taken, and to manage a process balanced compliance and commercial priorities, as well as human factors.

This meant we needed to be well prepared and work flexibly, not only to accommodate the tight timeframe but also considering different levels of fluency in English, varied shift patterns and workers away at university or on family leave. This means communications needed to be simple, personalised and with opportunities to ask questions (including over weekends).

After a previous sale had fallen through, there was some nervousness during the process. We worked closely with the owner, providing reassurance and liaising with key parties to identify any potential issues in good time and smooth the way forward.

From the outset, our team created effective communication channels with all relevant parties, including the purchaser’s leadership and financial teams, the agent Knight Frank and the solicitors of both parties. This meant that we could understand everyone’s priorities and highlight any issues at an early stage so we could find the right solutions.

Retiring owner Chris Whyte stated “I am delighted to be handing over into the safe custody of the Roseate Group a much-loved home and business of 19 years. Kathryn at KR HR was a pleasure to work with throughout this process. She worked flexibly to turn around the consultation process in very tight timescales, building effective relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring the internal team felt supported and informed and reducing my stress levels! Retaining the talented team was essential to a smooth sale and this was possible with Kathryn’s stewardship. Thank you so much for all your help and support, not only for this transfer but also for the previous occasions we have needed you!”

Ravi Birdy, executive director of Roseate Hotels and Resorts, said: “We welcome Beechfield House and its exceptionally talented team into the Bird family, and we look forward to responsibly and mindfully restoring Beechfield House, reimagined!.”

Kathryn Fairlie, Director at KR HR & Training Consultancy says “We were delighted to contribute to a successful sale, supporting the team throughout the process. We wish the new owners every success with their exciting plans for the next chapter of Beechfield House.”

Ruta Civinskaite, Regional Financial Controller at Roseate Hotels and Resorts adds “Once again, thank you Kathryn for your support and kind words. Indeed, exciting times ahead!”

The team at KR HR & Training Consultancy were delighted to revisit Beechfield House for a recent team event where we received a very warm welcome and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea. Great to see everyone again!