Philip Bolson owns “Mr B Hospitality”, a business that simply exists to help Yorkshire Hospitality be
brilliant. The business was set up in 2020 after 30 years in the sector where he has worked with and
learnt from some of the best. He works with various businesses across the region in an advisory,
coaching, mentoring, and more hands-on management capacity.
Over the 30 + years Philip has worked in both General and Regional management roles with
businesses such as Whitbread and Travelodge, through to being the General Manager of the 5 Star
Grand Hotel in York. At the Grand he oversaw a multi-million development including the addition of
100 bedrooms, the development of the Grand cookery school, and the Rise Restaurant.
Philip also sits on the York & North York Chamber Leadership Group advising on Hospitality, a
subject of which he is a passionate active advocate across the Region – both the businesses and
those who work in them.
Susie Brindley has worked for over 30 years at a senior level within the visitor economy, and has delivered hospitality, tourism and culture initiatives across the North of England and is Master Trainer for Welcome to Excellence.
She is the Managing Director of Willow Business Support, a company she has been running since 2006. Susie is also a champion of service excellence and an experienced judge and professional Mystery Shopper of hospitality, catering and visitor attractions.
Susie is committed to supporting the hospitality industry and works with many businesses as a coach and trainer. She is also a passionate Yorkshire woman, very proud of her roots and heritage.
Wayne Topley is a professionally qualified hospitality leader with extensive experience of building strong teams and across a range of different business and organisations. Leading from the front is a personal passion which is demonstrated by a drive of results, and clarity around expectations and a reputation for success. With a career spanning over 30 years in the industry Wayne has lead business across Marriott, IHG, DeVere and Barcelo Hotels before becoming MD of Yorkshire Largest independently owned Hotel group.
His support for the industry has seen Wayne chairing the Leeds Hotel and Venues Association for the last 6 years and as well supporting the Institute of Hospitality as a Board Member of the Northern Region for the last 12 months. Over the last 5 years he has also sat on the BID boards for both Harrogate and Leeds Business Improvement Districts.
A hospitality stalwart, Wayne is a passionate advocate for the industry, vocally lobbying for hospitality recruitment, financial support and recognition for the efforts of hospitality colleagues in the ever-changing face of the service sector.
As the Founder and Director of Coral & Crown, a tourism strategy and destination marketing consultancy, Gemma is committed to empowering tourism businesses and destinations to reach their full potential.
With over 16 years of experience in both the UK and Australia, she brings extensive expertise in attracting visitors through strategy development, creative marketing, and successful event bidding. Her career highlights include pivotal roles such as Head of Tourism for North Yorkshire Council, Head of Destination Harrogate, Tourism Manager for Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Director of Marketing at a leading Tourism Body in Northern Australia. Gemma has also marketed top visitor attractions, including the Yorkshire properties of English Heritage and the National Railway Museum. Passionate about driving growth and innovation in the tourism sector, Gemma leverages her broad knowledge to craft effective strategies that ensure success.
