Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Focuses on innovation in 2013

Focuses on innovation in 2013

The Finesse Collection is the East Midlands leading independent 
Hotel Group, James Blick built the group from humble beginnings.

His success story is like many other entrepreneurs, a combination of vision, belief and hard work. Having started working in hotels after leaving college, his rise through the ranks of the global chains was meteoric. His vision was to escape the corporate chains and to own his own hotel, an ambition achieved at the age of 28.

Now at the age of 40, The Finesse Collection has five boutique hotels and Finesse Hospitality, an outside catering and event management company. James’ entrepreneurial instinct has guided him through the toughest times and here he shares his views on what he thinks will be the secrets of success in 2013.

“Like many other East Midlands businesses, the past few years have been challenging. However I now believe the economy has turned a corner and the signs of confidence are beginning to show. Hotels are a great barometer of the economy they touch all aspects of life. Businesses use us for meetings, events and accommodation and consumers use us for meals out, weekends away and celebrations.

"When confidence is low, it’s easy for businesses and consumers alike to cut out these activities, save their cash and sit tight.

"Innovation is the key, giving people a reason to choose you because you are different. No matter what business you are in, there is a lot of competition out there – you must stand out in the mind of the customer. In the words of Seth Godin, you need to make your business remarkable. My favourite book of Seth’s is called Purple Cow, it explains the concept brilliantly.

"If 'The Finesse Collection' wasn’t different to the competition we simply wouldn’t be here today. You need to take a close look at your competition, what your customers want and spot the difference. Innovation is this process, its about looking at what could be better, what customers want and making it a reality."

Here's Seth Godin’s video explaining the principles of ‘the purple cow'.
 

 


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