In this episode, recorded at the Kent Edition of our Hospitality Roundtable roadshow, we dive into the core strategies for driving revenue, optimising distribution, and securing high-value corporate business in today's competitive hospitality landscape.

Episode Highlights:

• Alternative Distribution with Rory King (Rory’s Travel Club): We explore how to rethink your partnership strategy to drive direct bookings. Rory discusses what Rory’s Travel Club is, how it’s changing the game, and strategies for hotels to reclaim control over their booking channels.
• Conversion Success with Siggi Schrot (Net Affinity): Learn the secrets to turning traffic into bookings. Siggi breaks down how to manage the traffic-versus-conversion balance, keep your website content relevant, and effectively target the audiences that matter most.
• Securing Corporate Business with Geraldine Brennan (Oracle): We look at the corporate market landscape. Geraldine discusses current trends, the power of automated sales activities, and how integrated platforms enable faster service delivery and unlock new upsell

As part of our Roundtable Roadshow 2026 with sponsors Oracle, Focus on Hospitality, Rory's Travel Club, Net Affinity, Keystep Solutions and Studio Moren.

In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of digital transformation and operational scaling in the hospitality sector. We are joined by the Roundtable Roadshow Platinum Sponsor, Oracle, represented by David Hayward, who shares insights into the current landscape of the independent hotel market and why it’s time for hoteliers to rethink their technology stack.

We also feature an exclusive case study with Philip Houghton, Managing Director of SuperCity Aparthotels - the recent winners of the 'Best Operator (51-200 units)' award at the 2026 Serviced Apartment Awards. Philip discusses SuperCity’s journey from its first property in 2009 to its current rapid expansion across the UK, and how their recent move to Opera Cloud PMS is empowering their formidable brand growth.

Key discussion points include:

• Digital Transformation: David Hayward breaks down the primary drivers of digital change, how to succeed in your transformation journey, and clears up common misconceptions about Oracle.
• Case Study Strategy: Philip Houghton details the strategic imperatives behind SuperCity’s recent PMS upgrade, the partner selection process, and the tangible commercial and staff benefits observed since deployment.
• Tech for Growth: Advice for hotels looking to modernize their systems and guidance on "future-proofing" your tech to drive revenue and outperform your competitor set.

What does it really take to run a historic, Grade II listed country house estate without losing your mind - or your sense of humor?

Our guest in this episode certainly embodies the humour through the challenge. Ryan sits down with James McComas, General Manager of the iconic Champneys Eastwell Manor in Kent. From hosting fairy tale weddings and high-stakes corporate retreats to operating an award-winning spa and the 2-Rosette Gardenia restaurant, James takes us behind the grand facade of one of the UK’s premier independent luxury destinations.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The Reality of Historic Building Management: Why working with centuries-old architecture is "endlessly engaging" yet bound to "present a certain level of frustration"including the time James had to deal with an actual sinkhole in the middle of Kent!
• Mastering the Craft: The endless challenge of finding skilled traditional craftsmen while balancing budgets, routine maintenance, and long-term investment planning.
• Operations & Scale: How the estate navigates the exclusive-use market, handles changeable demand patterns, and scales up seamlessly for massive events.
• People & Expectations: Tackling the industry-wide shortage of skilled workers (like specialist spa therapists) and bridging the gap when customer expectations risk misalignment with a historic venue.
• Independent Ownership: The agility, freedom, and unique hurdles of operating under independent private ownership.

"If something is going to go wrong, it's certainly not going to be boring. You just have to take these things, laugh at them, and work through it." James McComas

Tune in for an unfiltered, witty, and deeply insightful masterclass in hospitality leadership, resilience, and the delicate balance of preserving heritage while delivering modern 5-star luxury.