High Five! Belmore Court celebrates 5th Birthday

Flying high five years on! Although operating for almost 25 years, the extended Belmore Court & Motel opened for business in 2009. The 30 room ‘Belmore Court’ extension continues to offer guests a choice of high quality 4 Star Guest Accommodation, at great value prices and is delighted to be celebrating its 5^th Birthday!  The addition of 30 Superior and Executive rooms and suites in the heart of Enniskillen Town Centre was a welcome boost to Fermanagh’s growing tourism industry. 

The award winning reception team help celebrate 5 years in the new building

The 5^th Birthday celebrations include an exclusive Birthday £55 per room/night Sale* where guests are invited to join the party and avail of a ‘May Birthday Stay’ for less! This exclusive rate is available for Sunday to Thursday short breaks in May – subject to availability.

Since its expansion Belmore Court & Motel continues to go from strength to strength with numerous improvements to facilities and additions to its swelling Awards cabinet; showcasing its commitment to delivering the best experience for every guest. 

Most recently Belmore Court & Motel where absolutely thrilled to be crowned ‘Hotel and Guesthouse Reception Team of the Year’ by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) at a glittering awards ceremony on Wednesday 30th April 2014.  Reception Team team member, Angie McDaniel was also a finalist in the ‘Hotel and Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year’ Category. Belmore Court & Motel pride themselves in offering a warm Fermanagh welcome and this award is testament to the dedicated, friendly reception team.  

Belmore Court & Motel’s Housekeeping Team cleaned up at the annual NIHF Awards by winning the 'Under 90 Rooms' category, fending off stiff competition from Malmaison, Ten Square, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel and Galgorm Resort & Spa.

Belmore Court & Motel have also been shortlisted for the forthcoming Northern Ireland Tourism Awards (NITA) in two categories: ‘Serviced Accommodation of the year’ and ‘Customer Service Excellence’. The Awards are considered the ‘Oscars’ of the tourism sector in Northern Ireland will take place at the Ulster Hall Belfast on Thursday 29th May 2014.

With the growing importance of environmental issues and Green Tourism, Belmore Court & Motel was proud to be awarded the ‘Gold’ Green Tourism Award by NITB, demonstrating that the highest standards of sustainability are been adhered to.

As the first business in Northern Ireland to join Zero Carbon World, Belmore Court & Motel are meeting the needs of a new market of electric vehicle owners by giving them the option of an overnight charge. To promote this facility, users of the service have the opportunity to avail of a night’s free accommodation!

Commenting on the 5 year milestone, Owner Terry McCartney ,“We are proud to reach this company milestone in what has been a challenging, yet exciting time for Tourism. Fermanagh was showcased to the world as the host location for the 2013 G8 Summit and continues to develop as a tourist destination. At Belmore Court & Motel we are passionate about delivering the best experience for all our guests, whilst offering value for money. We continuously strive to improve the facilities and services available at Belmore Court & Motel. We would like to thank all our customers and dedicated staff for their continued support”.

Enjoy a Spring break to the beautiful Fermanagh Lakelands with a stay Northern Ireland’s only 4 Star Motel and avail of Belmore Court’s 5^th Birthday offer which is available throughout May (Sun – Thurs).

*Offer subject to availability valid Sun – Thurs May 2014. Book Online www.motel.co.uk/Birthday or T: 028 6632 6633

Going for Gold . . .

The Belmore Court and Motel has achieved Gold status from Green Tourism, a body recognised by the UK and regional governments as being a crucial part of its drive towards sustainability.

Those who achieve Gold Status are classed as being 'Inspirational/Outstanding'. Establishments achieving Gold are cited by Green Tourism as achieving the highest standards of sustainability with a "strong and broad ethos and excellent examples throughout." Businesses who achieve this will employ the latest technologies, from LED lighting to efficient boilers and renewable technologies. The business will have an efficient control over their resource use and will demonstrate effective monitoring with targets set for savings. They believe "Green procurement will include sustainable meat/fish sources, a range of ethical products and working with local suppliers to provide fresh, local and even organic items." Green Tourism feel that changes implemented should lead to significant benefits to the business, community and supply chain.

Belmore Court and Motel have undertaken several actions to fulfil their commitment to sustainability. These include:

·        Complying with requirements of environmental legislation and approved codes of practice.

·        Continuously seeking to improve environmental and social performance.

·        To reduce pollution, emissions and waste.

·        To reduce the use of energy, water and other resources.

·        To raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in sustainable business practice.

·        We expect similar environmental standards from all suppliers and contractors.

·        Assisting customers to use products and services in an environmentally sensitive way.

·        Liaising with the local community.

·        Minimising our risks associated with social and environmental issues.

·        Joining the Green Tourism Business scheme as an indicator of our sustainable practices.

·        Responsible visitor charters have been placed in every room, with seven steps indicating how guests can help reduce their impact on the environment whilst staying at the Belmore Court and Motel.

·        Practical steps taken include recycling, minimising paper use, choosing phosphate free cleaning products, using local suppliers where possible, water conservation, sensible lighting and fuel use, no PCs or TVs left on standby.

·        Creating an updated charge point for electric vehicles in the Belmore Court and Motel's car park.

·        Working with suppliers to minimise packaging.

·        Introducing more fair trade products.

·        Promoting cycle hire from Lakeland Bikes for £25 per day.

The Belmore Court and Motel is one of eighteen establishments offering a Green Tourism experience in Northern Ireland and one of only three to achieve Gold status!

Annual Guest Survey Results

In April 2012 the Belmore Court sent out its seventh annual guest survey to gather feedback from those who had stayed in the previous 12 months. We sent out almost 5000 surveys both online and by post. There was a geat response with more than 15% replies helping us to improve our service and facilities.

As an incentive we offered 3 x two night breaks to encourage guests to complete the information. The winners of these are:

Jacqueline Walker, Lisburn
Gwen Ross, Omagh
R Niblock, Belfast

 

It is fantastic to read that more than 98% of respondents found the booking process to be Excellent or Very Good. Comments include; Clear & Concise Information given to me, online system easy to use, Very straightforward easy-peesy, Excellent video presentation on website, Informative and friendly manner of staff who took booking was one of the deciding factors in choosing Belmore Court, Very helpful staff on reception! Their friendliness persuaded me that the Belmore would be a good choice and I was right!

 

It was a credit to the reception team that no one felt that the welcome or service at reception was poor and that 99% thought the 1^st impressions, welcome, service and booking accuracy were either very good or excellent. This is reflected in the comments; 100%. Never met a nicer girl than one at reception. Couldn't do enough to please, Made to feel very welcome - delighted with service, Excellent all round service, room, staff and night porter, Everything well organised! Great hospitality on arrival!

 

It is also a credit to the housekeeping department that 98% or guests found the cleanliness of the room to be very good or excellent. And that 96% found the maintenance with a similar breakdown of scores. Comments included; Really lovely - especially a good bed for back problems!, Magnificent, Very attractive rooms with up to date in house facilities, professionally maintained to a very high standard. A number of comments were like this one; Decor was dated, facilities in motel room substandard. As a result we have updated these rooms.

 

Continental Breakfast - It is positive to see that 95% of customer found the hosts friendly – 2 percentage point increase from last year. 95% also found the quality to be Very good or excellent – 9 percentage point increase from last year. 88% were very happy with the choice. Once again an increase – this time 13 percentage points.

99% of respondents would consider staying again with 69% definitely booking with us. (15% increase ). Disappointingly 4 people would not stay again. Comments: No complaints; Great location friendly staff; I would certainly consider staying again. Would try lodge next time; You can’t be beaten – quality & value; hoicealways.100% we will;

 

Less than 1% found our accommodation not to be value for money. Comments: Excellent value; Superb value for money; reasonably priced.

 

More than 90% of our guests felt that we achieved our Vision. Comments: Yes and have exceeded it; Good progress towards it; Excellent experience; Under promise & over deliver; Good security; Staff made it special; really enjoyed BC; Pity no bar/restaurant; Far surpassed other accommodation; Exceeded your vision; BELMORE(Best Enniskillen Leisure – More Opportunities to Relax and Enjoy.

 

1st WallPod installed in Northern Ireland at Belmore Court

The no-nonsense pro-active charity Zero Carbon World (ZCW) is dedicated to undertaking projects that reduce carbon emissions in the UK today.

To support the development of a national charging infrastructure and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, ZCW are donating 1000 Electric Vehicle (EV) ‘WallPod’ Charging Stations to businesses around the UK.

Today ZCW announce the donation of two more WallPods to The Belmore Court & Motel inEnniskillen. Belmore is the first business in Northern Ireland to join Zero Carbon World.

Each WallPod is simple, robust and reliable. Supporting both a 13-Amp socket and 32-Amp connector they enable all EV drivers to recharge overnight or ‘top up’ their vehicles as required.

“There are no restrictions to use our network. You don’t need to be a member, subscribe, pay in advance or use a smart card to access electricity. Wherever EV drivers are, they can recharge while eating, sleeping, working or simply relaxing “ said Kevin Sharpe Founder of ZCW and Chair of the Trustees. “We are extremely proud to be creating the UK’s only Open Charging Station Network”. 

Terry McCartney, owner of Belmore and The High Sherriff of Fermanagh stated: “Installing a WallPod reconfirms our commitment to reducing pollution as part of our Green Policy and is visible evidence that we support green travel.” He continued: “We are also opening our business to a relatively new market of electric vehicle owners giving them the option of an overnight charge. I am delighted that I am the first in the area to attract EV drivers to local businesses.”

Growing rapidly with 66 donations to date, ZCW is on track to install 1000 WallPod’s in the UK by the end of June 2012.

What a Christmas Present!

It's now the second week in December and we are all gearing up for Christmas. At the Belmore Court we have the Christmas tree and decorations up, the festive music is playing in the background and the staff are ready to go carol singing around Enniskillen (only joking about the carols).

Although it has continued to be very busy we now have time to reflect over our last 12 months. Our year started on a Green note when we achieved the Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award; this awards reflects our commitment to sustainable tourism by reducing waste, congestion and pollution, supporting the local businesses and enhancing the natural environment. We also retained out AA 4 Star Guest Accommodation status.

 

By the time Easter came around our Reception Team and Housekeeping Team had entered their respective Northern Ireland Hotels Federation competitions. The Reception team came runner up in the over 60 bedrooms category while the Housekeeping team won the over 60 bedrooms category beating the Killyhevlin and the Merchant Hotel. This was a fantastic achievement.

For the second year running we were commended in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board annual awards for Serviced Accommodation and we trained all our staff in Welcome Host thus becoming a Welcome Host Gold Employer. Our breakfast room and kitchen were awarded 5 stars in the Fermanagh District Council Food Safe programme.

After the Summer our marketing plan was commended in the Tourism & Hospitality section of the Chartered Institute of Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards. In the inaugural Digital Advertising Northern Ireland awards our online strategy won best in Northern Ireland while one of our viral adverts and our mobile web app received commendations.

This is where the icing on the cake arrives. As if the year had not been fantastic enough already, following a change in NITB classification and certification the Belmore Court & Motel was confirmed as 4 Star Guest Accommodation after a mystery shopper visit in December and we achieved Investors in People - Bronze award.

The IIP awards shows our commitment to oyur staff. They are an integral part of the running of our business. Without good people we wouldn't have a good business. December also seen a milestone with one of our receptionists, Arlene, being employed with me for 10 years and another employee reaching aht 5 year mark. Not bad for a relatively young business.

It's been a great year already and I hope that even in these difficult financial circumstances that we can continue to prosper and grow.   

Merry Christmas everyone.

A Greener Belmore Court & Motel

BELMORE COURT & MOTEL BECOMES THE FIRST INDEPENDENT BUSINESS TO ACHIEVE SILVER AWARD FROM GREEN TOURISM BUSINESS SCHEME

Belmore Court & Motel has achieved a Silver award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme, for demonstrating excellence in environmental practice and promoting sustainable tourism.

The locally owned Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen is an award winning Guest Accommodation and was opened originally in March 1991 with 30 rooms and relaunched with an additional 30 bedrooms in March 2009. 

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. The scheme honours establishments that demonstrate high levels of commitment in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism with bronze, silver and gold awards. Award winners are scrutinised on over 145 separate measures by qualified advisors before being appointed the relevant award.

Terry McCartney, Manager commented: “Through a dedicated ongoing maintenance programme, waste reduction, use of local suppliers and continuing commitment to greener options in the motel, we aim to become an industry leader in environmental management and contribute to demonstrating that being green is attractive to the consumer as well as vital for all our futures.”

Belmore Court & Motel offers comprehensive range of accommodation to suit all needs and  is unique, successfully combining the Motel, a distinctive terrace of houses, and the splendour of the new Belmore Court.