SAVVY Collective has launched a refreshed brand alongside an expanded business proposition that brings operational management, consultancy, education, events and investment together in one business. The move reinforces the company’s commitment to helping owner-managed hotels, leisure operators and lifestyle destinations achieve sustainable growth without compromising the identity that makes each business unique.
Established by award-winning hotelier Steven Hesketh, the collective has been built on practical hospitality experience rather than consultancy theory. Every service has been shaped by the challenges of running independent businesses and is designed to deliver measurable commercial results.
“We want SAVVY Collective to become the trusted choice for owners who need support without sacrificing what makes their business unique,” said Hesketh. “The best partnerships are built on practical support, shared ambition and genuine collaboration. We have seen first-hand what happens when independent operators are left without the right support. Good businesses struggle, great teams leave, and the character that made those places special gets lost. That is exactly what SAVVY exists to prevent.”
Built by operators who understand independent hospitality
SAVVY’s approach is informed by years of managing family-owned hotels and hospitality businesses. That first-hand experience has provided valuable insight into the financial pressures, staffing issues and local relationships that shape independent operations every day.
Family remains central to the organisation. Hesketh’s wife and three children are actively involved in the business, reflecting the values of trust, collaboration and long-term commitment that underpin SAVVY’s work with clients.
The collective is guided by principles that prioritise commercial thinking, strong people leadership, family experience, community engagement, collaborative working, adaptability and value-focused decision making.
To support continued growth, Marcus Magee has joined as Operations Director, while Stephen Miles has been appointed Development Director.
SAVVY focuses on delivering practical improvements rather than reports that remain on a shelf. The team works alongside owners on operational transformation, revenue growth, leadership development, financial support, asset optimisation, business repositioning, rebranding initiatives, community engagement and sustainable performance.
Its client base includes hospitality businesses with up to approximately 100 rooms, units or equivalent capacity across hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions, social venues, events and lifestyle destinations.
Current projects include The Chester Townhouse, The Richmond Hotel, The Annex, The Old Registry, Hotel Wrexham, The Savvy Fox, Queens Square Social, DevaFest, and the Cheshire and North Wales Food and Drink Festival.
Education also forms an important part of the business. Bee Our Guest, the children’s book created by Hesketh for readers aged seven to ten, introduces hospitality through engaging storytelling. Following its success as an Amazon bestseller, the book has also been translated into Welsh to encourage greater awareness of the sector across Wales and neighbouring regions.
Five specialist service divisions
SAVVY’s offering is delivered through five dedicated areas of expertise.
SAVVY Management provides independent hotel owners with operational support covering hotel representation, commercial performance, people development and financial management, while allowing owners to remain firmly in control.
SAVVY Consultancy works with businesses through operational reviews, strategic advisory projects, repositioning programmes and pre-opening support tailored to individual requirements.
SAVVY Education supports career development through industry-led training, the Bee Our Guest initiative and The Art of Hospitality conference series.
SAVVY Investment offers flexible financial solutions including bridge funding, refinancing advice, cash flow support and asset protection. Recent investments include award-winning low-alcohol drinks producer Chance Clean Cider.
SAVVY Events develops hospitality-focused experiences that generate commercial returns while strengthening local communities. The portfolio includes DevaFest, the annual family music festival at Cholmondeley Castle attracting around 30,000 visitors each August, together with the Cheshire and North Wales Food and Drink Festival.
Positioned for changing market conditions
The refreshed business launches as many independent hospitality operators face a rapidly evolving market. Increasing operating costs, recruitment challenges and greater business complexity have encouraged many owners to seek specialist expertise without giving up control of their businesses.
Recent market data illustrates the strength of the sector. Cushman & Wakefield reports that UK hotel transactions reached £1.6 billion during the first quarter of 2026, representing more than double the volume recorded during the same period in 2025 and standing 53 per cent above the five-year average. Private investors and owner-operators accounted for 89 per cent of total buyer activity.
Demand continues to exceed new supply. Hotel demand across the UK increased by 0.9 per cent year-on-year during the opening quarter of 2026, while available supply grew by only 0.7 per cent. Analysts expect that imbalance to continue throughout the year.
The North West has emerged as one of the country’s strongest performing regions. Manchester and Liverpool both entered the Colliers UK Hotel Development Index top ten for the first time, benefiting from healthy RevPAR growth and attractive development costs. Colliers believes the region’s rise reflects a long-term investment trend. Chester also recorded a two per cent increase in licensed hospitality venues, making it the strongest-performing city in the North West and second nationally after Newcastle.
“Our aim is simple, but bold,” said Hesketh. “We want to help hospitality businesses create stronger teams, deliver outstanding guest experiences, build resilient operations and achieve lasting profitability.”
