B&B Hotels launches UK expansion

European budget hotel chain B&B Hotels has announced plans to extend its operations into the UK, with the ambition of opening 100 new hotels by 2035.

The group made the announcement at the UK Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) 2022, in Manchester.

Since its establishment in 1990 in Brittany, France, B&B Hotels has grown to more than 650 hotels across 14 European countries. Backed by capital from owner, private equity firm Goldman Sachs, B&B Hotels’ entry into the UK market and its growth strategy will include a combination of leasing new hotels with development partners, takeovers, and conversions.

Kevin Murray has been appointed as managing director development UK, having spent seven years as head of acquisitions – north for Premier Inn owner Whitbread.

He said: “Our expansion plans will see the delivery of at least 100 hotels by 2035, through the same business model that has led us to success in Europe – an asset light and flexible model with low capital expenditure and best-in-class profitability. B&B Hotels’ decentralised structure also allows for necessary agility and adaptation to meet local needs and opportunities, which has helped us succeed in so many countries already.”

Max C Luscher, B&B Hotels’ chief executive of Central and Northern Europe, said: “It is with great excitement that we announce our expansion plans today. With over 650 hotels and 59,000 rooms in our B&B global portfolio, we are well positioned to bring our overseas experience and business model of providing a high-quality hotel experience at affordable rates to UK consumers, at a time when money matters more than ever.”

B&B Hotels’ mantra is to be ‘only for everyone’ and its vision is to offer smart hospitality for travellers, offering technology and convenience while retaining a high standard of customer service, design, and comfort. Properties also seek to reflect the character of their locations.

Pictured: B&B Hotels UK managing director development Kevin Murray and acquisitions manager Nick Johnston