Crucial challenge of obtaining hotel finance to be discussed by expert ‘Finance Panel’ at HOSPACE 2012

'Taking the Investment Forward – Making the Most of the Investment in Your People and Business to Create Value' is the title of HOSPACE 2012, HOSPA's Annual Conference and Exhibition for Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management, IT and Commercial Professionals to be held on 22 November

One of the greatest challenges currently facing the UK hospitality industry – the crucial issue of obtaining hotel finance – will be examined by a distinguished panel of hotel finance experts at HOSPACE 2012.

The 'Finance Panel' discussion – entitled 'Getting the Wheels of Finance to Turn Again' – will be one of the key sessions at the prestigious 22 November event. Under the skilful chairmanship of HVS Chairman Russell Kett (pictured), the hotel finance panellists will include: Sylvia Matthews, Senior Vice President, Finance, Jumeirah Group; John Stuart, Financial Director at BDL Management – the UK's largest multi brand and hotel management company; Graeme Smith, Partner, Zolfo Cooper Corporate Finance, who leads Zolfo Cooper's activities in the hotel sector; and Tim Helliwell, Head of Hotel Finance, Hospitality & Leisure Team, Barclays Bank.

Commenting on the 'Finance Panel' session, Russell Kett said: "Boosting investment in the world's hotel sector is the single biggest challenge facing the sector today. Despite strong buyer interest in the global hotel market and plenty of equity available, not least from the Far East and Middle East, there are few hotel transactions taking place outside key locations and gateway cities across Europe.

"In the UK, there is little investor appetite in the provinces where hotel trading continues to languish in all but the best-run hotels. Obtaining debt finance for hotel acquisitions is tough and a number of re-financings due in the next year will prove challenging to accomplish in the current environment without a significant chunk of fresh equity and an understanding bank.

"The HOSPACE 2012 Finance Panellists will discuss what the market really needs to do to kick-start finance – whether new sources of finance could emerge, perhaps from insurance companies; or whether operators must do more to influence the banks to lend. Or does the answer lie with a return to the commercial mortgaged-backed securities market? Join us to find out."

In addition to the 'Finance Panel' discussion, other highlights of HOSPACE 2012 – designed for Hospitality Finance, Revenue Management, IT and Commercial Professionals – include: a special 'Leaders Panel' of top hotel industry executives examining the current hottest hospitality issues, trends and developments; a Revenue Management session asking the question: 'What is the Revenue Management contribution to strategy and future leadership in hospitality?'; a 'Hospitality IT Debate' entitled: 'Can outsourced IT services really support the needs of Hospitality IT for both internal business requirements and guest services?'; and a programme of industry specific educational workshops – all led by leading specialists in their subjects.

As in past years, HOSPACE will be held at the Sofitel London Heathrow, Terminal 5, and supported by a growing and increasingly influential exhibition of hospitality technology solutions – providing delegates with a 'one stop shop' to view and interact with the latest and 'best in class' technologies – covering all eventualities for any hospitality business, whether they be start-up, established independent, or multi chain-owned, operations.

For regularly updated information on HOSPACE 2012 (HOSPA's Annual Conference and IT Exhibition), visit the HOSPACE 2012 Website at: www.hospace.net . For bookings and further details for HOSPACE 2012, contact the HOSPA Membership Services Office on telephone: 01202 889 430; fax: 01202 887 967; or email: [email protected]

ABOUT HOSPACE 2012 | HOSPACE 2012 – entitled 'Taking the Investment Forward – Making the Most of the Investment in Your People and Business to Create Value' – will enable UK and international delegates to get an informed and cutting-edge view from an international line-up of inspirational experts – all icons in their own field – about the latest key financial, revenue and IT management issues and developments; as well as the commercial aspects that connect these together to maximise profitability and create value.

HOSPACE 2012 promises to be invaluable for networking, professional updating – through expert presentations, panel forums and educational workshops – and experiencing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The event's grand finale Gala Dinner – including the signature 'HOSPA Pub Quiz' – is one of the traditional social networking highlights of the Conference.