Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category

May 20th, 2010

umi hotels get physical!

BY Rachael

On Sat 22nd May, employees of umi hotels will be put through their paces in Hyde Park by former Royal Marines Officer Rob Suchet, all in the name of team-building.  RJS Fitness, as part of their corporate service, are going to run a bootcamp-style team-building fitness session with activities designed to improve staff cohesion while improving their individual fitness levels. 

The aim of the session is to take umi staff out of the workplace and get them working as a team completing physical challenges and team-building exercises.  It has been shown that a workforce who are physically active are more productive and take fewer sick-days than their inactive counterparts.  In addition, it is becoming increasingly necessary for every employer to cater for the health and wellbeing of their employees.  The session will certainly be fun but physically demanding at the same time, taking into account the different fitness levels of the group.

“It is really important for all my staff to look after themselves in regards diet and fitness.  I know myself from playing sports and cooking fresh food what a difference it makes and I really believe that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.  With life being so hectic these days it can be hard to take that extra few minutes to walk somewhere and it’s easier to buy a microwave meal rather than make something yourself.”

He went on to say “Rob will show our staff how easy it is to stay healthy and it’s also a great way of getting people together and doing something fun with long-term benefits.  I think it is important for employers to look after their staff, and guide them in looking after themselves where possible, particularly in the demanding world of hospitality.”

April 28th, 2010

umi open new Brighton seafront restaurant; umi grill

BY Rachael

Adjoined to the umi Brighton hotel, the new umi grill serves British meats and fish cooked on a flame grill.  The City of Brighton & Hove has an eclectic collection of cuisine available but not many restaurants serve this style of food.  With prime British beef steaks from just £9, it’s set to be a popular seafront dining choice.

“The umi grill is built from the desire to offer great value British produce cooked on a grill and served simply for everyone to enjoy.  Along with my team, I researched the restaurants that are currently on the seafront and talked to our hotel guests and felt that a grill would be the ideal type of restaurant for the location.” said owner Steve Lowy.  “We plan to work with Brighton and Hove City College, just as we have done in the hotel, to offer opportunities for young apprentices both front and back of house.  This restaurant will be simple and fun, catering for the varied crowd that is Brighton seafront.” 

The restaurant caters for both children and vegetarians and is open until 10pm daily.  Umi grill can provide special offers for large groups and also has an area available for private hire.  To book, call 01273 749651 or visit www.umigrillbrighton.co.uk

March 23rd, 2010

Talented young entrepreneur from London named as finalist in prestigious enterprise competition

BY Simon

A talented young entrepreneur will be flying the flag for London after making it through to the final of the national Enterprising Young Brits competition and local people are being given the opportunity to back him in an online public vote.

Steve Lowy has been named as a finalist for his Bayswater-based business Umi Hotels, a venture that strives to bridge the gulf between Britain’s budget and luxury hotels. The twenty-nine year old entrepreneur will now pitch to a panel of judges at the final, due to be held at the prestigious Institute of Directors in London on 6 April 2010. In addition, the public can choose the winner of the coveted People’s Choice award in an online vote, open from Tuesday 23 March at www.enterpriseuk.org/youngbrits.

Commenting on his achievement, Mr. Lowy said: “Reaching the final of such a prestigious enterprise competition is fantastic. I know I’ll be up against some tough competition at the final, but I’ll certainly do my very best to bring an Enterprising Young Brit award back to London”

Enterprising Young Brits shines the spotlight on talented young people who are bucking the recession by seizing opportunities to turn their ideas into successful businesses, generating jobs and wealth within their communities. Run by Enterprise UK and supported by the Institute of Directors, the Daily Mail, and the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills, the competition highlights that age is no barrier to turning ideas into reality.

Scott Cain, Deputy Chief Executive of Enterprise UK, comments: “Enterprising Young Brits such as Steve have shown that age is no barrier to entrepreneurial success. I’d encourage people of any age to take inspiration from the finalists’ ideas and their can-do spirit. With so many talented young business brains competing this year, it’s sure to be an exciting final.”

This year’s 25 finalists are split over five categories:

  • New startup – For enterprising individuals who have started their own business, large or small, within the past three years.
  • Social, ethical or environmental – For ventures combining the principles of a successful business with an emphasis on the social, ethical or environmental benefits it can provide.
  • Teen – For anybody aged 13-19 who is making their enterprising idea happen.
  • Creative – Rewarding enterprising individuals in the creative industries such as fashion, music, design, or the arts.
  • Open category – Entrants who business did not immediately fit into one of the four categories above were welcome to enter the Open category.

The winner of each category will take home £1,000 and a trophy.

March 23rd, 2010

umi London and umi Brighton become members of Metro Hotels

BY Simon

Umi Hotel London and Umi Hotel Brighton are delighted to announce that they have recently been accepted as members of Metro Hotels, a niche alliance operated by the Great Hotels Organisation (GHO) for mid-range, contemporary, city-centre hotels targeting the corporate traveller. Chosen for its superb facilities for corporate travellers, the two hotels will be featured in the next issue of Great Hotels Organisation – Corporate Travel Collection directory.

Metro Hotels members are represented by GHO’s private label GDS code – “GW”. They also benefit from targeted sales and marketing opportunities including entry into the annual GHO corporate travel collection directory, corporate and consortia sales, meeting and incentive sales, trade show representation, public relations services and corporate sales road-shows.

“Membership of GHO is by invitation only and we have had to meet strict criteria before being accepted. We’re therefore really happy to be one of the newest additions to this exclusive group of hotels” said Steve Lowy, Founder and Managing Director of umi hotels.

Metro Hotels is GHO’s third hotel brand, adding to Great Hotels of the World, a luxury alliance bringing together the world’s finest hotels and Special Hotels of the World, an alliance for hotels with a unique offering for guests.

December 17th, 2009

Umi hotel group expands into Russia

BY Simon

umi hotels, the British luxury budget hotel group are expanding their portfolio with a third property in central Moscow.

Following the success of umi London and umi Brighton, the company has entered into a partnership agreement with the owners of the currently ten-bedroom Petrovka Loft Hotel, Moscow. The three private investors were seeking partners to help them move the business forward and Steve Lowy, Owner and Managing Director of umi hotels, BETA and STAYWYSE Director, had exactly the right credentials.

The Petrovka Loft will keep its name but will have a new logo and new website live before Christmas and then be expanded into a sixty-four bedroom property including trademark umi facilities and service levels by 2011.

Owner Steve Lowy said “it’s a new challenge for me and an exciting addition to the umi hotel group. I am looking forward to seeing this franchise grow into a thriving part of the Moscow tourist scene.” He added, “a hotel with value accommodation rates is sorely needed in a city that is renowned for being an expensive destination. It is a great opportunity for umi and hopefully it will open doors in other gateway cities across Europe.”

umi hotels like to do things a bit differently and have established themselves as budget hotels with a twist by offering 5* service at 3* prices. With a concierge service and breakfast served until midday, guests won’t be disappointed with their bargain accommodation. Umi also works closely with various educational hospitality organisations to give young people in the industry a chance to shine.

- Ends –

For further press information, please contact Rachael Dines on +44 7787 127624 or via rachael@marketing-professional.co.uk

Notes to Editors
umi hotels are currently in London and Brighton, offering modern accommodation and excellent service at a value price. To find out more, visit www.umihotels.com

The Petrovka Loft is currently taking bookings, and is located on Petrovka Street in the central ring of Moscow, only 10 minutes walk from Red Square and the Kremlin, please visit www.petrovkaloft.com

The businessman behind the umi brand is Steve Lowy, a director of the British Education Travel Association (BETA) and STAYWYSE.

umi London can be contacted on + 44 (0) 20 7221 9131 (or free phone 0800 328 8876 in the UK) and is located at: 16 Leinster Square, Bayswater, London, W2 4PR. Nearest underground stations: Bayswater, Queensway and Notting Hill Gate. Nearest rail station: Paddington. umi Brighton can be contacted on +44 (0)1273 323221 and is located at: 60 – 64 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 1NA.