The group operations director at James’ Places has been promoted to the role of managing director as the group embarks on its ambitious growth strategy.
Mike Auld has taken the helm of the hospitality company, which comprises eight sites and boasts an annual turnover of £23m, from owner James Warburton.
Auld has been with the Clitheroe-based business since 2020, originally joining from Boutique Hotel Group (BHG) in Cheshire where he was hotel director for five years.
Before this role he spent eight years as general manager for Hotel du Vin and Peckforton Castle.
Commenting on the promotion Mike Auld said: “It is both a pleasure and an honour to be promoted to the role of Managing Director. Having navigated one of the most challenging 18 months for the hospitality industry, I am committed to steering the company forward as we continue to grow our brand and announce new acquisitions into the group.”
Over the course of the past 25 years, James’ Places has grown from a single venue, The Emporium in Clitheroe, turning over £250,000 per year, to a business with eight sites and a £23m annual turnover.
Earlier this year, the company secured a multi-million-pound finance package with Barclays to support its ambitious growth plans, before integrating Bowland Brewery into the James’ Places portfolio.
Bowland Inns & Hotels Limited, t/a James’ Places is a collection of country inns, hotels and wedding venues in rural Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire.
The group currently owns and operates the following: Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, The Emporium, Clitheroe, The Waddington Arms, Waddington, Mitton Hall, Nr Whalley, Eaves Hall, West Bradford, Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green, Falcon Manor, Settle and The Royal Hotel, Kirby Lonsdale.
