An award-winning Lake District guest house is thriving, thanks to help from the Cumberland Building Society.
Amid ongoing economic challenges brought about by the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, The Cumberland worked with Sunnyside Guest House owners Paul and Nicola Roper.
Sunnyside has gone from strength to strength since Paul and Nicola took over the property, with the seven-bedroom guest house recently being crowned winner of Bed and Breakfast and Guest House of the Year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards.
Following an initial loan of £400,000 from The Cumberland, the guest house has doubled its turnover and profits since they acquired it, while occupancy levels are now averaging at 80-85%, with around 77% of guests returning for a second visit.
Originally from Derbyshire, Paul and Nicola’s journey into the hospitality space began six years ago when they set up their own business.
Paul, a former sales marketing director, had spent numerous years staying in hospitality venues and believed that he and Nicola, who worked for the health service, could run a successful guest house.
When they saw Sunnyside, the couple immediately fell in love with the building, but found when it came to financing an acquisition a lack of experience was hampering their progress.
With realtors Colliers helping them through the process, Paul and Nicola were encouraged to approach The Cumberland for support, being advised that the building society’s Kinder Banking and people-first approach meant they would not be immediately turned away.
The Cumberland saw the value in the couple and worked closely with Colliers, accountants Dodd & Co, and solicitors Burnetts to develop a financial package which would not only support their new business venture but help them thrive moving forward.
Paul said: “Sunnyside ticked all the boxes for us, but at the time financial providers were declining us due to a lack of experience.
“The Cumberland changed that. First off, they told us what we needed to hear and then they advised us on what to do. There was a real willingness to work with us and help us achieve our ambitions.”
The Cumberland also helped Paul and Nicola to navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, with The Cumberland arranging a six-month mortgage break at the time.
“The personal approach was marvellous, and their knowledge of the local market was fantastic. During Covid the support they gave was a lifesaver for us and we wouldn’t have managed without them,” Paul said.
“The Cumberland is not a faceless company and when you need support you are able to speak to someone about it and find a way forward.”
Katherine Thomson, commercial relationship manager at The Cumberland Building Society, said: “At The Cumberland, a core focus of ours through our Kinder Banking approach is to invest in and focus on real people. Over the years we have built a strong relationship with Paul and Nicola and are delighted to have supported them in realising their dream of running a business together
“Since taking over Sunnyside, they have made it a huge success, proving all of those who discredited their initial experience wrong.
“Not only have they seen their profits and occupancy rates increase, but they have become an integral part of the community. Seeing their success is truly fulfilling and we look forward to more in the future.”
Nicola added: “The Cumberland put people at the forefront of its banking, this not only helped us achieve what we wanted, but it has also supported us along the way.
“Having someone there at the touch of a button, who is an expert in their field, has local knowledge and wants to help you to succeed, is invaluable.”
