Managers at Rudby Hall, in Hutton Rudby near Stokesley, have appointed three new members of staff as it progresses with its development plans for 2016.
The award-winning former royal residence, which opened in September 2014, is home to 13 suites and extensive wedding, corporate and events facilities set in 10 acres of land.
Owners, Martin and Sandra Johnson, have created three new roles and recruited Michelle Ffitch as sales manager and Gabrielle Furness and Rosie Mills as duty managers.
Michelle, who is originally from Canada but has been based in Middlesbrough for many years, joins Rudby Hall having managed sales and revenue at Crathorne Hall for more than ten years. Michelle will be responsible for developing the corporate customer base at Rudby Hall as well as enhancing the offering for the corporate markets across the North of England and further afield.
Gabrielle Furness, from Stokesley, joins Rudby Hall having recently graduated and has previously worked in a variety of hospitality and sales roles around the country. Rosie Mills, from Carlisle, has worked across Newcastle’s live music scene and has also gained industry experience managing Middlesbrough’s only Michelin-recommended restaurant, Brasserie Hudson Quay.
Gabrielle and Rosie will both be responsible for the day-to-day management of Rudby Hall, looking after guests and assisting the events’ team.
As well as a range of reception rooms for dinners, events and meetings and ample free parking, Rudby Hall is home to vast grounds, various lounges with traditional, open fires, a bar and 13 suites featuring luxury facilities such as high speed broadband, wi-fi and flat screen TVs.
The country hall which is Grade II*listed- putting it in the top 7% of all listed properties in the UK- dates back to the 19th century and was a former Royal residence built for King William IV’s daughter, Lady Amelia Cary.
Owner, Martin Johnson, said: “This year will see us strengthen our team as we continually work to enhance what we offer. Since we opened, weddings and intimate events have proved very popular so we plan to build on this success. However, we have now invested further in our business facilities to offer something quite different and it’s great to have added three new members to our team who all bring some excellent experience from their various backgrounds.”
Michelle Ffitch added: “Rudby Hall’s meetings and events spaces are full of history but also boast all the mod-cons the corporate world requires- and more. It really is a flourishing business and I am really excited about working on the next phase of its development as the team continues to grow and offer new experiences for guests.”
Last year, Rudby Hall received global recognition for its consistently high standards as it was named as a TripAdvisor Service Excellence Winner for 2015. The award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve impressive reviews. The award itself is based on the reviews provided by guests giving top ratings for service standards.
Rudby Hall works with all local suppliers including Howard’s in Stokesley, The Bay Horse in Hutton Rudby, CWC Events, First Class Wedding Company, Darling and Green Florists and Stokesley Taxis.
Husband and wife team Martin and Sandra Johnson, who run the hall and themselves live on site with their family. Rudby Hall, restored by Teesside based regeneration specialists Python Properties, has hosted a range of dignitaries over the years, such as MPs, Prime Ministers and members of the Royal family. The historic home hit the headlines last year when Liam Gallagher and his partner, Debbie Gwyther, were among the first to stay whilst attending a wedding in the area.