In 2012, I had the opportunity to play a role in the expansion of Motel One GmbH with their first two hotels outside of Germany. Motel One is Germany’s award-winning budget design hotel group known for its stylish interiors and prime city centre locations and accessible pricing.

As part of the launch team, I got to learn from Jamie Graham who led on the sales and Business Development of the first two Hotels in the UK and then I got to lead on replicating this work in the launch of Edinburgh-Princes.

We were responsible for managing everything from strategic development planning, on the ground execution and ensuring that the plans were suitable for the UK market.

One of the highlights of the project was organising the official launch event for Edinburgh Princes, a gathering of over 150 corporate clients, press representatives and VIP guests. I loved the logistical planning, co-ordinating with the suppliers and event management to create a memorable experience that showcased the brand’s identity and ambitions.

For both Hotel opening’s, we also organised sales blitz’s where we worked with an International team to visit over 800 businesses in person to authentically engage with the UK market and build long lasting relationships.

We helped shape the brand’s initial footprint in the market and some other tasks included designing and executing all pre-opening PR and marketing materials, conducting market research to support pricing, achieving monthly and yearly sales targets, cross-selling across the entire Motel One group and coordinating large-scale sales promotions and organising an opening event for over 100 companies.

Supporting Motel One’s expansion outside Germany was an exciting and professional challenge and an amazing opportunity to bring a brand to life in a new market.