Local sales expert joins voco Zeal Exeter Science Park
Beth Ardron
Beth Ardron has been appointed as director of sales & marketing manager of the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, which is due to open in January 2025.
The four-star, 142-bedroom net zero carbon property is currently under construction and on schedule in week 60 of a 75-week construction programme.
Beth joins the group from Klarent Hospitality, where she was cluster director of sales for Mercure at the 98-room Mercure Exeter Rougemont and 156-room Mercure Exeter Southgate. Beth’s previous experience includes sales manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton London - Chelsea and sales & marketing manager at Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch, Pitlochry.
The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, which achieved the BREEAM Outstanding rating at the design stage, will be located adjacent to J29 of the M5 Motorway and less than a mile away from Exeter airport.
The hotel will be operated by Valor Hospitality and will join IHG’s network as the group’s first ever net zero carbon hotel.
Beth said: “It is a privilege to be able to work on this project, which is truly the first of its kind and I’m proud to be part of something which will help the sector meet its carbon net zero goals.”
“I am looking forward to finding clients who share our core values. Corporate clients in particular have been crying out for a product such as this, which can meet and exceed their sustainability requirements.”
Tim Wheeldon, managing director, Zeal Hotels, said: “We are thrilled to have Beth joining us as we move towards opening this groundbreaking hotel. Beth has in-depth experience in the local area, which will be invaluable to the success of the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park.”
Barnaby Kean, general manager, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, added: “Having worked with Beth before I am really looking forward to having her as part of the team at the hotel as she will play an integral role within the management structure.
“Beth has an outstanding knowledge of the local market which will give us a leading edge as we build our standing with both the business and leisure guest.”
About Zeal Hotels
Established in 2012, Zeal Hotels has the specific aim of acquiring strategic hotel sites, developing the hotels and maintaining ownership of the assets. Motivated to reduce a hotel’s carbon emissions through the construction process, as well as operations, Zeal Hotels has launched a new brand, targeting carbon net zero, with the first UK site acquired at Exeter Science Park to be operated under a franchise agreement with IHG. Zeal Hotels is actively seeking further development opportunities. Learn more at www.zealhotels.com
Zeal Hotels press information:
Emily Newman or Katherine Doggrell at NewDog PR emily@newdogpr.co.uk or katherine@newdogpr.co.uk
About Valor Hospitality
Valor Hospitality Partners is a leading global full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With almost 100 hospitality projects in its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting.
