Slowdown fears have increased our trade

10 August 2001 by
Slowdown fears have increased our trade

As talk of an economic slowdown continues, our occupancies continue to rise. We are based in Atlanta, the new business capital of the USA, and those companies that are slowing down choose to hold their meetings and corporate retreats closer to home. Barnsley Gardens provides the perfect "getaway", easily accessible and with no travelling expenses required.

This, coupled with our uniqueness, facilities and available activities, gives us an opportunity for growth.

I recently sent my sales team copies of a report about the top-performing companies in Atlanta. I had imagined Coca-Cola would head the list, but was surprised by the results and astounded by the sheer size and volume of business that these giant corporations produce. Here are the biggest five companies, based on turnover: Home Depot, home improvement store, $45.74b (£32b); UPS (United Parcel Service), $29.77b (£20.84b); BellSouth, telecoms, $26.15b (£18.30b); Georgia Pacific, paper products, $22.22b (£15.55b); Coca-Cola, $20.46b (£14.32b).

Recent surveys show that there is a definite drop in US hotel construction projects. The largest percentage of growth is expected in Seattle, Nashville and Boston, representing a gross supply increase of 6%.

The lowest levels of growth will be posted in St Louis, Los Angeles and Denver. It is estimated the Marriott group will account for 22% of the total growth. Chains owned by Hilton and Bass will account for 16% and 9% respectively.

Although it is frustrating, we continue with our building projects and are currently upgrading and redesigning our grill restaurant and bar to accommodate the growing number of guests.

Our recently launched membership programme has been very successful and the members represent a large portion of the increased trading in food and beverage. All our changes should be completed by September - just in time for our autumn season.

Watch out for our new Web site, which goes live around 20 August. It will give you a far better perspective of Barnsley Gardens and I would welcome any feedback. My e-mail address is emcglashan@barnsleyinn.com.

EUAN McGLASHAN is general manager of the Barnsley Inn &Golf Resort, north of Atlanta, Georgia, USA Next diary from Euan McGlashan: 13 September

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