2016 has certainly been a fantastic year for all the team at Signature Living, as we have enjoyed many landmark moments over the past 12 months. Our hard-working team have come together to not only welcome the many wonderful guests through our doors, but to create and celebrate some amazing events and achievements.
1. 30 James Street Features in a Fiction Book
30 James Street has played a significant role in Liverpool’s maritime history, as the building served as RMS Titanic’s port of registry. However, it’s not just history our wonderful building has influenced, but works of fiction, too.
In January 2016, we were delighted to welcome author Bev Dulson to 30 James Street, after she requested a tour of our beautiful Liverpool hotel, where her grandfather once worked. Our hotel proved to be the ideal location to feature in her book, which she also referenced in her acknowledgements.
2. Signature Living Sponsor RBS British LGBT Awards
We had the privilege of sponsoring this year’s RBS British LGBT Awards, which were held in London on Friday 13th May 2016 and hosted by Mel B and Duncan James. The event was held to show support to the LGBT+ community, celebrating businesses, celebrities and pioneers of the LGBT+ community’s core message. Signature Living is dedicated to encouraging both equality and diversity throughout our venues, and our support of this fantastic event has only strengthened that commitment.
3. Echo Investment of the Year Nomination
Signature Living was honoured to be nominated for the Echo of the Year Nomination at the Liverpool Echo Regional Business Awards, and we were delighted to be nominated alongside some ground-breaking companies such as Peel Ports, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Agent Marketing.
This award recognised out investment into the city of Liverpool, since the beginning of the year and the exciting development plans we have for the city in the near future.
4. Signature Living Sponsor Open House Event
Signature Living was more than happy to provide financial support for an open house event, organised by the City of Liverpool College. The volunteer-based support event took place on 2nd June 2016, with the college opening its doors to those in need or requesting help.
Our Executive Chef, Matt Cox, helped prepare breakfast and lunch services, as people could enter the college for a warming meal and an opportunity to learn more about the vital services on offer, which could provide an individual with a chance to improve their circumstances.
The city’s most vulnerable individuals had an opportunity to discuss their health, housing and emotions, and could also receive free food, toiletries and haircuts. They also could learn more about courses and counselling for self-development.
5. Signature Living’s Undercover Angel
Lawrence and Katie Kenwright, the husband and wife team behind Signature Living, have consistently supported a number of charities and organisations over the years, with the aim of giving back to the community whenever possible.
After losing everything to building one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the UK, Lawrence knows more than anyone that a little support is sometimes all that is needed to turn a person’s life around – which is why he endeavours to help as many people as possible to improve their circumstances. For this reason, he recently appeared on National Geographic’s Undercover Angel. After helping to build a playground for disabled children through the charity KIDS, he later revealed his identity and pledged £20,000 to The Adventure Playground and KIDS Hackney to ensure the charity remains open.
6. The Opening of Arthouse Bar & Pizzeria
We were absolutely thrilled to open Arthouse Bar & Pizzeria this July, which offers the perfect blend of Hollywood glamour and fantastic food and drink. Located on Seel Street, Arthouse Bar & Pizzeria allows you to immerse yourself into the world of film, whilst enjoying great music and atmosphere. With a scrumptious USA inspired food menu, impressive cocktails and a stunning interior, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, have a dance or enjoy a relaxing drink.
7. First Residents Move into Daniel House
We were delighted to welcome our first residents into Daniel House on 26th July 2016, who can enjoy a luxurious apartment that offer premium onsite amenities, such as Sky TV, Wi-Fi and a gym membership, with utilities included in their weekly fee.
8. The Opening of Noctua
Located underneath the atmospheric Bar Signature is the city’s most intimate and exclusive bar, Noctua. The invite-only members club is one of the safest bars in the city, thanks to the strict vetting process, and opened in August 2016. Become a member today to enjoy a VIP bar with delicious cocktails, champagnes and spirits, and will change the way you come together in the city.
9. Created Nearly 100 Apprenticeships
Signature Living has proudly partnered with the City of Liverpool College to create nearly 100 apprenticeships to the young people of Liverpool. As we expand and develop new hotels and sites, 2016 has allowed us to increase the amount of apprenticeships we offer.
Apprenticeships with Signature Living range from construction and financial roles to hospitality and head office opportunity’s which include digital, sales and events.
We’re committed to creating exciting and educational opportunities to students in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. As Signature Living continues to grow, we will continue to offer these apprenticeships across all sectors of the business.
10. The Exchange Hotel’s Open Day
After many months of planning and preparation, The Exchange Hotel held an open day to the public on 5th November 2016. The people of Cardiff could step inside our recently restored Grand Bassey Hotel to experience the beautiful architecture and our stunning refurbishment.
We are proud to have provided this exquisite building with a brand new lease of life, as the building has fallen into disrepair and dereliction. We will, therefore, showcase the story of Cardiff and the Coal Exchange to our guests from across the world, who will stay at our 200 bedroom hotel, which features a spa, restaurant and wedding and conference venue.
Our team were more than happy to listen to the public’s many wonderful stories about the building and the local history, proving just how much this historic property means to the people of Cardiff, and we will endeavour to embody this passion throughout the hotel.
11. Wedding Fayre at The Exchange Hotel
Just fifteen days after our open day at The Exchange Hotel, we were delighted to host our first wedding fayre to help a happy couple plan their dream day in Cardiff. We brought together the finest wedding suppliers in the city, who can help create the wedding day you have been dreaming of, and there was also a fabulous catwalk show, highlighting the latest wedding trends. You could also take a look at our breath-taking Grand Bassey Hall to imagine what your ceremony and reception could look like at The Exchange Hotel.
12. Hosted Over 250 Events
From memorable weddings, which are nothing short of spectacular to baby showers and magical birthday celebrations, Signature Living has hosted over 250 breathtaking events.
Our dedicated events team endeavour to put on events which you will remember forever and will ensure your special day is one of a kind.
13. Christmas Party for Kids
Each and every year we host a special Christmas party for kids in care.
Signature Living is a family business and at this time of year, we want to help those who may not have families, have a wonderful Christmas. Our annual party for kids is a really special occasion, held in the White Star Grand Hall, local children can enjoy a festive feast, Christmas disco, presents and a visit from Father Christmas himself & friends. Celebrities from the local area come out to show their support and have a dance with the children as well as posing for photographs.
Signature Living 2016 has undeniably been a fantastic year, and we cannot wait to see what 2017 brings. We would like to thank our hard-working team and lovely guests for making the past 12 months an absolute joy, and we will continue to exceed expectation at every opportunity to provide our guests with an unforgettable hotel experience.
