Claire and I returned last week from the Best Western annual members conference which this year was held at the Lancaster Hotel in London. It's the first time we have been back to the capital for a long time but I must say how appropriate it felt to be in London in 2012 and of course the Olympics and its impact was something we discussed at great length during our time together.

The main highlights for me were Sir Clive Woodward's presentation, brilliant, Justin Urquhart-Stewart's witty and clever analysis on the current state of the economy and the quality of the food at our charity dinner which was exceptional. To produce a beautiful fresh cheese soufflé for over 300 people for our starter was a real talking point for the delegates and I must pay a tribute to their staff who were excellent throughout.

Rather encouragingly it was noticeable to me how much more optimistic the hoteliers were this year. Nobody is getting carried away of course and we are all aware how tough it is, but the general feeling seemed to be if you offered good quality at competitive prices then business would follow and the gloom and doom of last year is being replaced with a much more pragmatic and realistic attitude. Many hotels reported good Christmas sales and advance bookings up on last year. That view reflects what we are seeing here, lets hope nothing derails what seems to be a tentative but welcome growth on business levels.

For those of you who keep pulling my leg on my sporadic tv appearances, well you'll have something else to use soon. I've just featured in a corporate video for our coffee supplier Coffee West. They are going round some of their customers and asking for a few words on their machines and products. We shot our contribution in the bar and it seemed to go well, I've been promised a copy in lieu of any payment, no change there then.

Last week I signed off on a new reservations system and we hope to have the new system in place and live by the first of April ( talk about tempting providence!! ). The system will feature a live instantaneous link to the Best Western reservations centre in York which should not only speed up the booking process but allow us to manage our rates in a much more effective way than we have been able to in the past. Before then of course we have lots of training and our reception team will have to be supported through the process.

I must congratulate Pip, you may not know her but she has been working in the Gallery Restaurant for some time now and has on the recommendation of her manager, been promoted to supervisor. Its great to be able to promote form within when you can and I'm sure she will do very well in her new position. One of her first important events will be the upcoming Valentines night, bookings are strong and we are sure to have a busy night.

Finally, I'm in the process with my Best Western Board colleagues, of finalising the details on our forthcoming trip to Phoenix in March. Having welcomed the American Board to York last year, I was delighted to receive a return invitation to meet with them at BW Headquarters in Arizona. We look forward to another successful visit and I must say the prospect of warmer weather is fine by me as I look out from my office window at the sleet falling over the fields.  

Rhys Roberts

Director