Mark Wilson appointed as managing editor of Sleepwell Hotels

Midmarket hotel group Sleepwell Hotels has appointed Mark Wilson as managing director amid plans of rapid expansion for the company.

Wilson, who has been promoted from his previous role of regional manager for the North-west of England, has been charged with the continuing development of existing hotels in the chain, as well as overseeing its growth over the coming years.

"We have significant plans for further expansion both across the UK and in Europe and hope to experience rapid growth over the next five years," Wilson told Caterer.

"Initially we plan to focus our expansion on city locations across the UK, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh, through both the purchasing of existing properties and the development of new sites," he added.

The expansion will be funded by entrepreneur James Mellon, sole proprietor of Sleepwell Hotels-owner Burnbrae. Mellon is listed at number 226 in the 2005 Sunday Times Rich List with an estimated value of £210m.

Sleepwell Hotels currently has nine properties in its portfolio in London, Blackpool and the Isle of Man.

Before his promotion, Wilson was general manager of the group's 92-bedroom Carousel hotel in Blackpool, where he oversaw the property's £4m revamp.