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It must be a daunting prospect taking over the family business when your mother and father are Leah and Colin Rosenberg and the business is Miskin Manor. Not so, say Amanda and Ben, who have now taken over the helm. Valleys Life talks to this dynamic duo about the exciting new chapter in their lives.
TO THE MANOR BORN
When did you take over from your parents in the running
of the hotel?
AMANDA We started taking over the reins about eighteen months ago, but were officially made partners in April 2010. Since then we've invested much time evaluating what is needed for the business to develop and grow. We're now implementing our ideas and, with the support of our excellent team, are already seeing the benefits.
How do your mum and dad feel about the changes
you are making?
BEN Actually, they've been really supportive and enthusiastic about the whole process. I suppose it was inevitable that we would end up at the helm but they have been exceptionally patient and have always allowed us to go off and do our own thing.
AMANDA I suppose they understood that it would only happen if and when we were ready. The transition has been very smooth and we're both extremely excited about developing the business, but we're completely conscious of what Miskin Manor stands for, so it can only get better.
What are your roles here?
BEN Over the last fourteen years we have both been involved in the business at different stages and have worked in different areas within the hotel and health club to gain experience enabling us to understand the business inside and out. There is a difference in our ages which has meant we have enjoyed varied life experiences but that contributes positively to our input into the business. These contrasting perspectives, we believe, make us a good team, enabling us to work together and understand each other's areas, with myself concentrating on the front-of-house operations and Amanda managing all aspects behind the scenes. Both roles are vital to the efficient running of Miskin Manor.
What was it like growing up with your mum and dad at the helm?
AMANDA They are true entrepreneurs and growing up in that environment has obviously had an impact on Ben and I. It has always been a family goal for us to work together as a team. Both of us have different qualities that suit different situations and it is understanding and accepting this, as our parents had to when they were building the business, which is important to appreciate if we are to work together as a team.
What do you think is special about Miskin Manor?
BEN The business is wonderful - what is there not to like about it? The grounds are superb, the location is ideal and the ambience is completely relaxing. Not a day goes by without a nod to how lucky we are. Miskin Manor is special to us and we want every visitor to have the same feeling about it as we do and to feel just as special. If we achieve that, then we have done our jobs well.
What qualities do you think you bring to the table?
AMANDA Valuing each other and our parents and listening to all opinions with consideration and respect. We've both gained experiences outside the business which have allowed us to develop as individuals. We have regular board meetings, so there is quite an open forum for discussions and plans, development and direction. We always assume there's more to learn.
BEN Miskin Manor has a reputation as one of the premier wedding venues in South Wales and we both believe that this is something we can develop further. We have exciting ideas that will be developed over the next two years which will make the experience even more special.
AMANDA It's about not resting on our laurels. We've developed and refurbished the health club over the last eighteen months with a significant investment in the building and equipment and this has resulted in a remarkable increase in our membership, which we're really proud of.
Being around Miskin Manor for so many years, are you still excited about the business?
BEN Absolutely. With a solid background in running a hotel passed down from our parents and our own creativity and ideas, we're both very excited about the future and continuing to build the good name that the hotel has earned over the years.
What's next for Miskin Manor?
AMANDA Our aim and goal is to continu ously improve the quality and service that we deliver to our customers and to ensure that Miskin Manor Hotel and Health Club is one of the best four star country house hotels in Wales.
Miskin Manor
Country Hotel and Health Club
Miskin, Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF72 8ND
01443 224204
www.miskin-manor.co.uk |
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