CHESTER, CHESHIRE. July 21, 2026 – SAVVY Collective has reinforced its leadership structure by appointing two highly respected figures from the hospitality sector. Marcus Magee joins the business as Operations Director, while Stephen Miles takes on the role of Development Director. Their arrival marks the latest stage in the company’s growth following its recent rebrand and reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting independent hotels, leisure businesses and lifestyle destinations across the North West and further afield.
Founded by award-winning hotelier Steven Hesketh, SAVVY Collective brings together hotel management, consultancy, education, events and investment within one business. Unlike traditional consultancy models, the company is built on practical experience gained from operating hotels and hospitality businesses firsthand.
The business has grown from the realities of running family-owned hotels, balancing commercial performance with community connections. Hesketh’s wife and three children also play an active role in delivering the collective’s services.
SAVVY Collective supports hospitality businesses of up to around 100 keys, working across hotels, food and beverage venues, attractions, social spaces, events and lifestyle destinations. Its portfolio includes The Chester Townhouse, The Annex, The Old Registry, Hotel Wrexham, The Savvy Fox, Queens Square Social, DevaFest, and the Cheshire and North Wales Food and Drink Festival.
The appointments come during a period of strong activity within the UK hospitality investment market. Hotel transaction volumes reached £1.6 billion during the first quarter of 2026, more than twice the level recorded during the same period in 2025, with independent owner operators and private investors continuing to account for most acquisitions.
Between them, Magee and Miles bring decades of senior leadership experience from across the North West hospitality sector. They will play an important role in shaping the next phase of SAVVY Collective’s expansion as the business builds on the momentum created by its recent relaunch.
As Operations Director, Magee contributes more than four decades of hospitality expertise, including over 30 years with Hilton Hotels. He led the opening of Hilton Liverpool One in 2009 before serving as General Manager there for more than 15 years. Most recently, he was General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool. His industry involvement has also included chairing the Liverpool Hospitality Association and Liverpool Accommodation BID, alongside serving on the board of Liverpool BID Company.
Mr Magee said: “Having opened the Hilton Liverpool One in 2009, I became aware of Steven Hesketh as a hospitality leader and have followed his entrepreneurial journey over the past 17 years. We have worked together through the Liverpool Hospitality Board and, more recently, the Liverpool Accommodation BID Board. I am delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time.
“I have spent more than 40 years in hospitality, including over three decades with Hilton Hotels in both single-property and cluster leadership roles. I have also been part of the opening management teams for three hotel launches across the UK. My priority is to support the continued growth of SAVVY Collective by strengthening our culture, delivering exceptional guest experiences, enhancing our commercial performance and creating value for both the business and our partners.”
Joining as Development Director, Miles brings more than 50 years of hospitality leadership experience. He spent three decades within the Senior Management Team at Edwardian Hotels, holding a variety of leadership positions including General Manager of The Edwardian Manchester, where he oversaw growth across operations, customer experience, people development and financial performance.
After leaving Edwardian Hotels, he established a successful hospitality consultancy, advising owners, operators and investors on business development, operational excellence, commercial strategy and long-term growth. His client portfolio has included Manchester City Football Club, Bruntwood and Magnuson Hotels.
Miles is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, a Master Innholder, and has been recognised among the Top 100 General Managers in the World by the International Association of Hotel General Managers.
Mr Miles said: “The passion, ambition and entrepreneurial mindset that Steven and the wider team bring to SAVVY Collective immediately stood out to me. Their vision for the future made joining the business an easy decision.
“I have enjoyed an incredibly rewarding career in hospitality, including 30 years with Edwardian Hotels, where contributing to the development of its people, products, service standards and commercial success was hugely fulfilling.
“My focus now is to connect with independent hotel owners and hospitality operators seeking practical support, commercial expertise and a trusted partner who understands their challenges. The openness, integrity and energy that define SAVVY Collective are exactly what clients can expect when working with us.”
Steven Hesketh, Founder of SAVVY Collective, said: “Marcus and Stephen each bring an exceptional depth of operational knowledge and real-world hospitality experience. Their appointments strengthen our leadership team and represent another significant milestone as we continue to grow the business with purpose and ambition.”
