A Cumbria B&B owner is celebrating a successful first year in the hospitality sector.
Sue Grundy was a former supermarket deputy manager who turned her dream of running a hospitality business into a reality, after buying a guesthouse in Penrith, only months after being involved in a serious road accident.
Sue always held an ambition to be a business owner, and after being awarded compensation following the accident, she worked with The Cumberland Building Society to land her dream operation in Brooklands Guest House.
Since opening last Christmas, Sue has faced numerous challenges but has quickly established herself as a rising star in the hospitality industry.
Brooklands has been shortlisted in GuestRevu’s Great Awards as one of the greatest hotels in Europe with under 20 rooms.
The finalists were selected based on publicly available online reviews from Google Reviews, Booking.com and Tripadvisor.
Despite initial hurdles, including a hacked booking systems account and getting to grips with the complexities of digital marketing, Sue’s perseverance has paid off.
Her boutique seven-bedroom B&B has seen a strong increase in bookings, with 2025 promising to be a bumper year.
“Running a B&B has certainly come with its challenges, but the past 12 months have been an incredibly rewarding journey,” Sue said.
“It’s been a steep learning curve, from mastering the day-to-day operations to understanding the needs of the guests, but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow.”
Looking ahead, the 56-year-old is exploring innovative ways to enhance her guests’ experiences.
“We are considering partnerships with local bike shops to offer cycling packages, and we are even looking into golf packages and flight deals through Expedia,” said Sue.
Reflecting on her journey, she advises aspiring B&B owners to do thorough research and be prepared for the all-encompassing nature of the business.
“It does take over your life, so you have to weigh that up,” she said. “It’s not for everybody, but if that’s what you want to do, go for it.”
“Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far things have come, and I’m excited to build on this foundation in the year ahead. I can’t wait to see what the next twelve months bring as we continue to refine and enhance the experience for Brookland guests.”
Sue credits her success to commercial mortgage lenders The Cumberland Building Society who have guided every step of the way.
The building society holds more than 20 years’ experience in supporting businesses in the hospitality sector and is now expanding its operations to serve the healthcare, professional services, and food & drink sectors.
As well as providing commercial lending, the building society also offers business current and savings accounts.
“From the very beginning, their team provided exceptional support and advice, helping me every step of the way with all the challenges that come with running a hospitality business,” said Sue.
“What stood out most has been the personal touch,” she added. “The Cumberland team genuinely care about my success, frequently checking in and offering proactive solutions to potential hurdles.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the difference their support has made in helping me build a thriving B&B. It feels like they’re as invested in my dream as I am.”
Tina Crookston, business relationship manager at The Cumberland Building Society, said of Sue’s landmark first year: “Sue’s story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make a career change and pursue their dreams.
“With her determination and commitment to excellence, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of her success in the world of luxury accommodation.
“The most rewarding part of my job is helping people to achieve their dreams, and I’m so pleased that we were able to help Sue not only make hers a reality, but to really run with them and experience great success.”
