Craig Jackson steps down as Northcote GM

Craig Jackson, general manager at Northcote in Lancashire for the past three and a half years, has left the position "to seek a new challenge".

Although he is yet to confirm his next career move, he intends to remain in the hospitality industry, but in a non-operational position.

Jackson left the four-red-AA star, 26-bedroom hotel in Langho two weeks ago and three months after Northcote was sold by majority shareholders Richard and Lynda Matthewman to Britannia Hospitality, the owner of the Stafford London.

"I wanted to explore a different opportunity," Jackson told The Caterer. "I've loved every minute of being at Northcote. It is a very special place which has been part of my life for a very long time."

Jackson first joined the Northcote business 15 years ago, having joined sister company Ribble Valley Inns as a part-time waiter at the Three Fishes pub in Mitton, Lancashire, while still at school. Ribble Valley Inns was sold last year to Brunning & Price, the pub division of the Restaurant Group, and the Three Fishes has since closed.

On leaving school at 18, Jackson gave up a university place in favour of a four-year management training scheme with Ribble Valley Inns. The programme included the completion of a foundation degree in hospitality and licensed retail management from Lancaster University.

After a spell in management roles with Ribble Valley Inns, Jackson took a sabbatical away from the company working for LOCOG, arranging accommodation for the British swimming team during the London 2012 Olympics. He returned to Northcote at the end of 2012 as guest relations manager and was later appointed to hotel manager. In 2015 he was promoted to general manager.

Jackson completed the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders in 2015 and went on to win an Acorn Award later the same year.

Stuart Procter, general manager, confirmed Jackson's departure from Northcote and said that he will not be replaced. Craig Bancroft, managing director of Northcote, will continue to run operations at the hotel.

Stafford owner Britannia Hospitality acquires Northcote >>

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