Business Breakfast: Cedar Court managers launch new company
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Last updated Oct 18, 2023
Composite image showing, on the left, a graphic advertising the Stray Ferret Business Club even on October 26, and on the right, the directors of new hotel management company NorSpark.
NorSpark's directors (l to r): Nick Laing, Wayne Topley and Emily Cox.

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.


The senior management team at Cedar Court Hotels has launched a new hotel management company in a bid to boost Yorkshire’s hospitality industry.

The directors launched NorSpark officially on Tuesday at the Independent Hotel Show at Olympia, and said they hoped it would help independent hotel owners create more profitable businesses, “sparking” success.

The move comes at a time when many businesses in the industry are struggling to cope with challenges including inflation and rising energy costs, recruiting and retaining staff, sustainability and net zero targets, and understanding digital marketing. Over the last year, 10% of businesses in the sector have filed for administration.

Cedar Court Hotels is reported to be Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, with a flagship hotel overlooking the Stray in Harrogate and other hotels in Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

NorSpark is led by managing director Wayne Topley, who will remain in his current role as managing director of Cedar Court Hotels. He will be supported by commercial director Emily Cox, who has worked for Cedar Court Hotels for eight years, and director of sales Nick Laing, who has spent five years at Cedar Court Hotels and previously worked at the Carlson Rezidor hotel group.

The company will operate the full hotel business including HR, operations, all commercial activity, sales and marketing, compliance, finance, and property/asset management.

Managing director Wayne Topley said:

“Our aim is to deliver unparalleled results for our clients by going beyond hotel operations and developing lasting partnerships built on trust, open communication, and a shared vision. I am very excited to be bringing the skills of our amazing team to help other hotel owners overcome the challenges facing our industry and spark success.”

NorSpark will hold an official northern launch event in the Tiled Hall at Leeds Art Gallery on November 15. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.


Environmental risk firm rationalises

Adler and Allan, the Harrogate-based environmental risk management company, has said it will bring all its midstream and downstream fuel infrastructure services together under the Flotech brand.

Flotech designs, builds and manages infrastructure that stores, transfers and distributes industrial liquids, gases and waste.

Adler and Allan office on Victoria Avenue, with the defibrillator pictured on the right.

Adler and Allan’s offices on Victoria Avenue.

In a statement, the company said:

“By merging resources and expertise under one roof, Adler and Allan is providing customers with a superior one-stop-shop for anyone requiring fuel or chemical infrastructure services. The combined offering will ensure customers have access to a more flexible and agile service, in addition to access to a greater range of specialisms.

“This is a great step forward for customers with the new division having the ability to deliver more complex end-to-end solutions, saving both time and money.”


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