PA Life talked to Paul Hollywood, Country Director of Sales, UK & Ireland for Radisson Hotel Group about the priorities for the group and how they support EAs, PAs and other corporate bookers…
Paul leads an award-winning sales team, driving growth across Corporate and Meetings and Events segments for hotels in the companyโs Club of Sales. With a passion for hospitality and a sharp eye for market trends, he blends strategic vision with hands-on leadership to deliver exceptional results and lasting partnerships.
1. How long have you been at Radisson and what attracted you to work for the group?
I started my career Radisson career 11 years ago this month. I was relocating from Glasgow to Manchester and I saw a Director of Sales & Marketing role at Radisson’s flagship UK Radisson Blu hotel at Manchester Airport. The hotel was coming out of a refurbishment and would be re-positioned in the market and I was excited about this challenge and knew that my experience and leadership skills were ideally suited. I’ve never looked back from there and have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow and develop, working with some fantastic people over the years.
I’m now in my 6th role having started in one hotel and now leading the sales function in the UK & Ireland. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to different countries, participate in valuable training and coaching opportunities via the Radisson Academy and been inspired through working under some fantastic leaders who have encouraged me and supported my career path.
3. What are the key trends you’re seeing in corporate bookings across meetings and eventsโand how is Radisson adapting to meet evolving needs?
The key trends I see currently are: AI and Automation improving productivity and enhancing the attendee journey. Our Club of M&E teams now use AI at the enquiry stage to screen and respond to enquiries, load the enquiries into our system and even send detailed proposals. This saves time for our team and allows the team to focus on improving Personalisation which is another trend. Bookers want to create a tailored experience with customised agendas and well-being elements.
Another trend is that Sustainability is a standard and eco-conscious planning is now expected.ย I’m proud that Radisson has been a leader in the industry for decades and we automatically compensate the carbon footprint for all our meetings and events spaces. Additionally, through our partners at First Climate, we offer our clients the option to also compensate the carbon footprint of their booked group accommodation.
3. Can you support UK-based corporate clients needing to book events internationally across your portfolio?
Yes. The UK is a key feeder market for meetings and events globally.ย Our team have great knowledge of Meetings and Events spaces in key cities and will support their clients based in the UK with any requirement at one of our hotels.ย We have a dedicated Groups Desk based in the UK, who are experts in the capacities, spaces and services offered at our global portfolio.ย They will work with the client to understand their brief and will collate personalised proposals from right-fit hotels and share them with the client.ย This service not only saves the client time, but also provides peace of mind that we provide the perfect match of hotels that fit the brief and to ensure a memorable and successful meeting or event.
4. Sustainability is high on the agenda for many companiesโhow is Radisson supporting clients in meeting their ESG goals when booking event space and stays?
We make it easy for guests to travel and meet responsibly by offering sustainable value propositions such as 100% carbon compensated meetings and the roll out of EV charging networks, with currently over 1,400 installed globally. We believe in being a thriving, sustainable, and responsible business with a focus on business ethics, supply chain sustainability, carbon footprint reduction, and employability programs to build better futures.
Radisson Hotel Group is looking beyond the boundaries of our own company and convening the industry in leading initiatives such as Hotel Sustainability Basics and the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality together with the World Travel & Tourism Council and World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
Radisson Meetings are 100% Carbon Compensated – every single meeting and event taking place at any of our hotels worldwide is offset at no costs to clients. Since the start of the programme in May 2019, this amounted to more than 115,000 tons of CO2 which Radisson Hotel Group has offset on behalf of its clients. Offsets are done in Gold Standard or VCS projects with an environmental and social benefit. This equal taking approximately 26,800 petrol driven cars of the road.
5. What value-added services or incentives are proving most popular with corporate bookers right now?
Sustainability is understandably top of event planners agenda. Eco-conscious planning such as carbon offsetting, zero waste catering and social impact initiatives are important. We have committed to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance 2030 industry goals. Our award-winning Responsible Business programme is built on three pillars:ย Think People, Think Community & Think Planet.
We are committed to Net Zero by 2050.ย I’m delighted that Radisson Hotel Group chose Manchester as the first global location for a Verified Net Zero hotel. This has since been followed by Radisson RED Oslo and more to come. The hotels set a new gold standard for sustainability stays, powered by 100% renewable energy, offering low-carbon menus and generating minimal waste. Radisson Manchester City Centre, a Verified Net Zero hotel also supports the local community.
As part of our Responsible Business month, the hotel hosted Greater Manchester Blood Bikes. A local charity that provides an essential out of hours transport service for Blood, Plasma, Platelets, Samples, Vaccines, Donor Breast Milk & other urgently required medical items, to hospitals and healthcare sites at night, daytime weekends and bank holidays. This service is provided completely free of charge by their amazing volunteers who all offer their time for no pay or reward, allowing the NHS to divert funds where they are needed most.ย We are proud to support such local charities and play our part in the community.
6. Whatโs your advice for EAs, PAs and other corporate bookers looking to get the best value and service when negotiating with the Radisson Group?
It’s important that we fully understand the โwhatโ and the โwhyโ.ย What’s the purpose, why is it important, what will success look like etc.ย This allows our team to personalise our offering.ย We add in the elements that are important to you and remove those that are not.ย This ensures our clients get exactly what they need and don’t pay extra for things they don’t need.ย Booking ahead is important as this improves availability and we can be more competitive with our pricing.ย We’re currently offering our picklist of benefits to add value and rewards for bookers.ย This includes enhanced breaks, complimentary rooms and even increased commission for our third-party clients.
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