Rockingham Partners takes on New Forest Collection

The New Forest Collection has entered a partnership with hospitality management company Rockingham Partners.

The privately-owned hotel collection, which includes Burley Manor, Moorhill House, Bartley Lodge, Forest Lodge, Beaulieu Inn and the Drift, had been put up for sale late last year but was withdrawn from the market following the announcement of the partnership and ownership under Nizam Shammas.

It follows the recent departure of former managing director Garry Baldwin, who had been at the collection for nearly six years.

Rockingham Partners has been appointed by the board to grow the business through continued investment and refurbishment programmes, including the upcoming relaunch of Moorhill House in Burley.

The hospitality management and operations company was founded by Simon Maguire and Mike Lashmar, who were both previously at Luxury Family Hotels.

Shammas said: "My family and I are excited about working with Rockingham. This partnership will help us cement our legacy in the New Forest with a collection that we have invested so much in over the years."

Maguire added: "We see incredible potential to build upon the New Forest Collection's success, leveraging their existing portfolio, all in stunning National Park surroundings. With exciting plans already in the pipeline, we look forward to enhancing the brand and building the team, while preserving the collection's unique charm."

Rockingham has also appointed Faye Kelly as group operations director (previously of Luxury Family Hotels and Hotel Du Vin); Elli Sallis as group head of sales (formerly of Gaucho group and Ivy Collection) and Andy Dawson as head of marketing (formerly of Harbour Hotels).