Simon Mason originally started training as an engineer before switching to hospitality and he will now oversee the running of the Hatton Garden hotel which employs 70 people. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s four-star Richmond Hotel has appointed Simon Mason as its new general manager.

Mr Mason takes the place of award-winning manager, Joe Little, who is now operations manager with Know Group – the parent company of the Richmond.

Located in Hatton Garden in the city centre the Richmond offers 152 bedroom/apartments and employs 70 people.

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Born in Chelmsford in Essex, Mr Mason started to train as an engineer before taking up a full-time role at a Marriott Hotel and moving on to become a trainee manager.

His passion for great food and service led him to a Michelin star restaurant and then as food and beverage manager at the former Reebok Stadium in Bolton. His first venture into Liverpool was becoming operations manager at Holiday Inn at Lime Street where he stayed for four years.

Mr Mason said: “Liverpool is a great city – there is so much culture and so much to do, it’s truly thriving and vivacious. It’s great to embrace the city’s enthusiasm and sense of fun and translate that to visiting tourists through the way we deliver customer service.”

His most recent role has been with the University of Manchester’s Chancellor Hotel and Conference Centre, where he looked after dozens of staff and delivered events across a number of sites including Whitworth Hall.

Mr Little will now oversee Know’s operations for both the Richmond and the Townhouse, Chester, as well as sister company Love Thy Neighbour which is due to open a third site this spring.

He said: “I’ve loved working at The Richmond – it really is a very special hotel and I’m glad that in my new position I can continue to work with the wonderful team we have there.”