June 8th, 2010

umi Grill Competition Winner Announced

Congratulations to Pauline McGee who was selected at random from the entrants to the May umi Grill competition.

Pauline guessed correctly that Simon Cowell was the famous TV Judge hailing from Brighton.

Pauline is from Ireland and goes to London around 4 times a year, often with her daughter to see her son and shop, regularly staying at umi Hotel London.

Visit umi’s competition page at http://umihotels.com/competitions our June competition is for a staycation at umi Hotel Brighton for 4, as well a railcard giving the winner the opportunity to explore the local area.

May 20th, 2010

umi hotels get physical!

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

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

April 22nd, 2010

umi’s April iPod Nano Competition Winner Announced

HollyAcamon

Congratulations to Holly Acamon who was selected at random from the entrants to the April iPod competition.

Holly guessed correctly that Jimi Hendrix was the famous guitar legend that lived minutes away from umi Hotel London.

Holly is a Professional Make-up Artist from Gorelston on sea in Norfolk and was selected from the thousands of correct entrants of umi’s April iPod competition.

Visit umi’s competition page at http://umihotels.com/competitions our May competition is for a free 3 course meal for 4 and a bottle of house champagne at umi Grill in Brighton.

March 23rd, 2010

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

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.

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