Latest news with #PremierInn
North Wales Live
5 hours ago
- North Wales Live
He used alcohol to 'groom' a teenage girl before having sex with her
A man has been jailed for having sex with a teenage girl. Matthew Pritchard manipulated and gave the girl alcohol, Caernarfon Crown Court heard. Pritchard, of Dol Eithin, Caergeiliog, admitted four counts of sexual activity with a child and one of sexual communication with a child. Myles Wilson, prosecuting, said the offending started when Pritchard, aged 24, was aged 18 to 19 and the victim was aged 13. He added the victim on the Snapchat social media platform days before her 14th birthday, and they sent each other sexual photos before meeting up on a beach on Anglesey. He gave her alcohol before having sex with her. Mr Wilson said this was reported to police, but the defendant told the victim to deny it, and to delete messages between them. He continued to see the victim. He supplied her with alcohol, but would take cannabis himself and would also make her pose for sexual photos and would send her images of himself engaged in a sexual act. During that time they had sex. Mr Wilson said the victim, who cannot be identified, described the defendant as "jealous and controlling". He said: "He would tell her she wasn't allowed to meet her friends and would monitor her social media." The court heard Pritchard had no previous convictions and had committed no offences since. Richard Edwards, defending, said he admitted the offences at an early stage, he was young at the time of the offences, which had happened a number of years ago. He had been suffering mental health issues and it was a "lonely period" of his life, when he was vulnerable. He said he knows it was "stupid, selfish and wrong". Pritchard was hard working, was now a duty manager at a Premier Inn and in a stable four-year relationship, with his partner and five-month-old child and they would lose their rented home if he was imprisoned. He had moved on from the offences which had happened a number of years ago, had matured and was assessed as a low level of risk of reoffending. Judge Nicola Jones said the defendant was "fully aware of her age". She said: "You filmed her having intercourse and made her pose for photos." She said the defendant had used alcohol in "grooming her". The judge added: "This has had a devastating effect on her life. She now suffers from severe psychological harm and has anti-depressants for anxiety and depression and is having to go through therapy." Taking into account his age, his immaturity and that he was suffering a mental disorder at the time, Judge Jones sentenced Pritchard to a total of four years in prison, with half to be served in custody and half on licence. He was also given an indefinite notification requirement, an indefinite sexual harm prevention order with conditions and an indefinite restraining order from contacting the victim. A deprivation order was also made for any devices seized during the investigation. Pritchard must also pay a statutory surcharge. The victim was directed to a compensation authority.
Campaign ME
11 hours ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Premier Inn shares strategy that tripled revenue: Book direct, check-in, scale at speed
In a hospitality market defined by rising competition and shifting traveller behaviour, Premier Inn Middle East has revealed how it set a regional benchmark for direct digital performance. With 11 properties across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, the brand set an ambitious goal in the second quarter of 2025 to double its direct bookings to 15 per cent by 30 June, compared with the previous quarter. Success metrics of the Premier Inn campaign Partnering with strategic agency Crowd, Premier Inn Middle East didn't just meet its target, it exceeded it with effectiveness. In data revealed to Campaign Middle East, the campaign proved to unlock: 46 per cent growth in direct website bookings; growth in direct website bookings; A remarkable 262 per cent lift in booking revenue; lift in booking revenue; 124 per cent surge in organic search revenue; surge in organic search revenue; 126 per cent increase in active site users; and increase in active site users; and 106 per cent spike in overall site traffic. 'This wasn't a stroke of luck, it was the result of smart planning, deep segmentation and agile marketing execution,' said Liyana D'silva, Director at Crowd and Client Lead for Premier Inn Middle East. Strategy behind the campaign's success Crowd's creative and media approach zeroed in on three key traveller segments: business professionals, leisure explorers and airport transit guests. Airport transit guests held special strategic weight, given that Premier Inn's properties are adjacent to key regional airport hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. As such, the campaign emphasised on book-direct benefits, delivered through the travel-funnel across; Social media; Google and Meta search platforms; Leveraging localised, hyper-segmented messages with creative variants for each traveller type; and Using AI-powered automation plugged into the booking engine. The AI-powered automation boosted retention, reclaiming abandoned carts and retargeted potential customers. The campaign was activated in regional markets, including the UAE, KSA, India, the UK and Qatar with a wider international rollout following the initial 30 days. Through the campaign, Crowd helped Premier Inn Middle East check in more guests and check off an entire roadmap of revenue transformation. 'This wasn't just a media buy, it was a relationship built on trust, innovation and precision,' D'silva said. She added, 'Our collaboration with Triptease and Amadeus gave us the tools to activate this with intention, while the Premier Inn Middle East team's belief in the strategy made all the difference.' Simon Leigh, Managing Director at Premier Inn Middle East, echoed that sentiment, saying, 'The partnership with Crowd has been brilliant. Together, we've built something enduring, an ecosystem of smarter guest relationships, increased direct bookings, and long-term, sustainable growth.' 'Premier Inn Middle East's success in Q2 2025 is more than an isolated spike, it's a masterclass in performance-led hospitality marketing,' Leigh added. With direct bookings no longer an afterthought, brands in the MENA region can view this as a blueprint to reclaim digital ownership, deepen guest loyalty and build commercial resilience.
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Oasis fans able to ‘get the look' at a pop-up barber shop
Oasis fans were able to 'get the look' at a pop-up barber shop - called 'Gallaghairs' – as they headed to the reformed band's much-anticipated Manchester gigs. The pop-up salon, in the Manchester Piccadilly Premier Inn, allowed fans to get the Gallagher brothers' iconic mod cut before heading to the show at the city's Heaton Park. A professional barber was on hand - fully trained in providing the feathered and shaggy look, complete with long sideburns and a straight fringe. And before-and-after pictures show a delighted music lover going straight back to the 90s, via their hair at least, alongside a Liam lookalike. Tracey Bishop, Premier Inn regional manager Greater Manchester, which is welcoming thousands of Oasis fans to its hotels nationwide this summer, said: "From music tours to football tournaments, events always create a massive buzz in our hotels. "Spirits are sky high in Manchester, and we are excited to be a part of it. "The team are loving welcoming Oasis fans – the bucket hats are a bit of a giveaway at check-in. 'When you think of Oasis, first you think of the massive tunes, but from hats to parkas second on the list is always going to be their incredible style. 'The hair is as much a part of that as anything, so while we can't make people rock 'n' roll stars – we can at least make them look like one and have a comfy bed waiting at the end of the gig.' Levon Gill, the barber added: 'It was so much fun giving these fans such an iconic look. 'The mod style is so synonymous with Manchester, it's great to see we are still keeping it alive. "In our shop we've seen a real resurgence of Oasis style haircuts. "There have been lot of tourists come in to get one, but they wait until they get to Manchester to make sure to get the real deal.' The Gallagher brothers shot to fame in the mid-1990s after two colossally successful Oasis albums, Definitely Maybe in 1994 and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? in 1995. With both Liam and Noel sharing vocal duties, the fractious pair were as famous for their off-stage antics as their music. Thanks to their working-class attitude, the duo were immediate style sensations, with shaggy hair and parkas defining the look of the era. The band went through spats and breakups, finally calling things off for good in 2009 after a blazing row between the two brothers following a Paris gig. In 2024, they announced a reunion tour that sold out in minutes, with fans from around the globe clamouring for tickets. Tracey added: 'Oasis aren't just a band - they're part of people's life stories. 'Their music and style defined a generation, soundtracked major moments and gave fans a voice when they needed it most. 'These songs have always had the power to unite strangers, whether at a gig, a festival or singing in the street after a night out. 'Bringing people together for something this iconic is electric, and we are so proud to be playing our part in it – it's more than a concert, it's a cultural moment that will never be forgotten.'
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Oasis fans able to ‘get the look' at a pop-up barber shop
Oasis fans were able to 'get the look' at a pop-up barber shop - called 'Gallaghairs' – as they headed to the reformed band's much-anticipated Manchester gigs. The pop-up salon, in the Manchester Piccadilly Premier Inn, allowed fans to get the Gallagher brothers' iconic mod cut before heading to the show at the city's Heaton Park. A professional barber was on hand - fully trained in providing the feathered and shaggy look, complete with long sideburns and a straight fringe. And before-and-after pictures show a delighted music lover going straight back to the 90s, via their hair at least, alongside a Liam lookalike. Tracey Bishop, Premier Inn regional manager Greater Manchester, which is welcoming thousands of Oasis fans to its hotels nationwide this summer, said: "From music tours to football tournaments, events always create a massive buzz in our hotels. "Spirits are sky high in Manchester, and we are excited to be a part of it. "The team are loving welcoming Oasis fans – the bucket hats are a bit of a giveaway at check-in. 'When you think of Oasis, first you think of the massive tunes, but from hats to parkas second on the list is always going to be their incredible style. 'The hair is as much a part of that as anything, so while we can't make people rock 'n' roll stars – we can at least make them look like one and have a comfy bed waiting at the end of the gig.' Levon Gill, the barber added: 'It was so much fun giving these fans such an iconic look. 'The mod style is so synonymous with Manchester, it's great to see we are still keeping it alive. "In our shop we've seen a real resurgence of Oasis style haircuts. "There have been lot of tourists come in to get one, but they wait until they get to Manchester to make sure to get the real deal.' The Gallagher brothers shot to fame in the mid-1990s after two colossally successful Oasis albums, Definitely Maybe in 1994 and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? in 1995. With both Liam and Noel sharing vocal duties, the fractious pair were as famous for their off-stage antics as their music. Thanks to their working-class attitude, the duo were immediate style sensations, with shaggy hair and parkas defining the look of the era. The band went through spats and breakups, finally calling things off for good in 2009 after a blazing row between the two brothers following a Paris gig. In 2024, they announced a reunion tour that sold out in minutes, with fans from around the globe clamouring for tickets. Tracey added: 'Oasis aren't just a band - they're part of people's life stories. 'Their music and style defined a generation, soundtracked major moments and gave fans a voice when they needed it most. 'These songs have always had the power to unite strangers, whether at a gig, a festival or singing in the street after a night out. 'Bringing people together for something this iconic is electric, and we are so proud to be playing our part in it – it's more than a concert, it's a cultural moment that will never be forgotten.'
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Family favourite restaurant chain with 800 sites shuts ‘landmark' branch for good in huge blow to locals
Hints of a surprising takeover emerge after sudden closure of a long-standing restaurant LAST ORDERS Family favourite restaurant chain with 800 sites shuts 'landmark' branch for good in huge blow to locals A POPULAR restaurant that's become a local landmark has shut for good, leaving nearby residents gutted. The venue at Emersons Green in Bristol, served its last meal on Thursday July 10. 3 However, the neighbouring Premier Inn will remain open with its own integrated breakfast area for hotel guests. Credit: Beefeater 3 Nothing has yet been announced It's now listed as 'permanently closed' online, with no official signage or farewell notice on the former Beefeater building. However, the neighbouring Premier Inn will remain open with its own integrated breakfast area for hotel guests. Speculation is already circling online about what's next for the site, with some locals suggesting it may be taken over by the Papas Group – the team behind Papas Fish and Chips and Wendy's. Sudden closure A spokesperson for Whitebread Group, which owns Beefeater and Premier Inn, told BristolLive: 'We'd like to thank our wonderful guests and team for their service and custom over the years. 'The nearest Beefeater is now The Gifford (Fox Den Road, Stoke Gifford) and we do hope to welcome people there.' Whitbread added that the site had been sold to another restaurant business, but stopped short of naming which one. The closure comes as part of the company's 'Accelerating Growth Plan', which aims to replace underperforming restaurants with hotel rooms in high-demand areas. Over the next two years, Whitbread plans to exit 126 branded restaurants across the UK, 21 of which are being sold for £28 million . Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down As part of the overhaul, the business will also be converting 112 restaurant spaces into integrated dining areas within its Premier Inn hotels – a format already used at 387 sites across the country. The plan is expected to cut around 1,500 roles out of a workforce of 37,000. However, Whitbread says it will try to offer alternative roles to affected staff through redeployment or its wider recruitment process, which sees around 15,000 hires each year. Dominic Paul, Chief Executive Officer of Whitbread, said: 'When I joined Whitbread as CEO in January 2023, it was clear to me that we had a high performing hotels business, with a strong platform for growth in both the UK and Germany. 'Our strategy of continuing to invest in our brand, teams, and estate for the benefit of our guests and customers has secured a market-leading position for Premier "Inn in the UK and is also delivering strong business performance. 'This plan is a further positive step, delivering a better experience for our hotel guests and helping to extend our market leadership in the UK. 'I recognise that these changes will be unsettling for affected team members and we are committed to working hard to enable as many as possible of those affected to stay with Whitbread... Our teams are at the heart of our guest experience.' This latest shutdown adds to a growing list of closures across the UK food scene. Other recent closures Recently, Frankie & Benny's axed 35 restaurants, Prezzo shut 46 sites, and Pizza Express pulled the plug on three branches. Even Nando's has quietly closed a coup. The Sun has approached Beefeater for further comment. Why are retailers closing stores? RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis. High energy costs and a move to shopping online after the pandemic are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going. The high street has seen a whole raft of closures over the past year, and more are coming. The number of jobs lost in British retail dropped last year, but 120,000 people still lost their employment, figures have suggested. Figures from the Centre for Retail Research revealed that 10,494 shops closed for the last time during 2023, and 119,405 jobs were lost in the sector. It was fewer shops than had been lost for several years, and a reduction from 151,641 jobs lost in 2022. The centre's director, Professor Joshua Bamfield, said the improvement is "less bad" than good. Although there were some big-name losses from the high street, including Wilko, many large companies had already gone bust before 2022, the centre said, such as Topshop owner Arcadia, Jessops and Debenhams. "The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and increases in interest rates have led many consumers to tighten their belts, reducing retail spend," Prof Bamfield said. "Retailers themselves have suffered increasing energy and occupancy costs, staff shortages and falling demand that have made rebuilding profits after extensive store closures during the pandemic exceptionally difficult." Alongside Wilko, which employed around 12,000 people when it collapsed, 2023's biggest failures included Paperchase, Cath Kidston, Planet Organic, Snug and Tile Giant. The Centre for Retail Research said most stores were closed because companies were trying to reorganise and cut costs rather than the business failing. However, experts have warned there will likely be more failures this year as consumers keep their belts tight and borrowing costs soar for businesses. The Body Shop and Ted Baker are the biggest names to have already collapsed into administration this year.
