A leading independent Liverpool hotel has appointed a new management company in the same month it marks its second year anniversary.

Since opening in May 2013, The Richmond Hotel Liverpool on Hatton Garden has firmly established itself within the City Region’s thriving hospitality sector and Visitor Economy. The Grade II Listed building is the former headquarters of Merseytravel.

The management contract has been awarded to Know Hotels Liverpool Limited (KHLL) as the new hotel management company, and this is seen as a positive step to further strengthen the hotel’s position in the sector.

The move will see General Manager Steven Hesketh remain at the helm of The Richmond Hotel Liverpool but now in the role of Managing Director of KHLL.

Mr Hesketh has played a key role in the development of the hotel prior to opening and then beyond. He is also Treasurer of Liverpool Hoteliers Association.

Steven Hesketh, Managing Director of Know Hotels Liverpool Limited, commented:

“The Richmond Hotel Liverpool has been part of my life for the past three years from development to opening – and now marks its two year anniversary with this latest step in taking it forward. Being in the driving seat of overseeing this property blossom and grow is a personal triumph. The team have worked so diligently and I am so proud of what have achieved and strive to accomplish in the future.

“I came to work in Liverpool’s hospitality industry six years ago after winning the converted Acorn Award through national magazine Caterer. I have continued to grow both personally and in business to apply my hospitality skills and industry experience to develop, build and strengthen tourism businesses.

“We are now looking forward to the next stages of growth at The Richmond. Our excellent standards of customer service are always praised by guests, and we have doubled the number of staff to a team of over 60 who all play a vital role in the hotel’s future.

“As business continues to grow in 2015, we are delighted that The Richmond has now also become a key licensed wedding venue with more than 25 weddings now scheduled for the remainder of 2015, and dates already confirmed through to 2018. The last phase of bedrooms and suites are about to become available, and in the Summer we will be launching Florentyna’s, an exciting new, exclusive dining experience.

“We are a fully committed supporter of the Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy and hospitality sector and this is a very exciting time for The Richmond Hotel Liverpool. We must say thank you to the loyal customer base we have built since opening in 2013, which continues to grow from strength to strength.”

The Richmond Hotel Liverpool has become a key player in the City Region’s Visitor Economy, which generates an economic impact of £3.64billion a year and supports 48,600 jobs

Key highlights in the last 12 months have included being the headquarters hotel for the World Corporate Games; working with Liverpool Vision to host overseas delegates attending the International Festival for Business; being selected by Liverpool Football Club as the host for the LFC Dream Team worldwide fan group who spent time training with club coaches before playing a match at Anfield Stadium; and supporting Everton in the Community’s inspiring apprenticeship scheme.

Know Hotels Liverpool Limited (KHLL) forms part of the Know Collection, which consists of a number of city-based tourism/hospitality businesses.

Mr Hesketh added:

“The Know Collection brings the best in housekeeping and maintenance services not only to The Richmond Hotel Liverpool, but to the wider business community. People want and expect their business and residential properties to be maintained to a very high hotel standard, and the Know Collection has the ability and experience to deliver just that. I am extremely positive of the growing opportunities ahead.”