CHESTER, CHESHIRE. July 21, 2026 – As SAVVY Collective continues to expand its presence across the hospitality sector, the business has strengthened its senior team with the appointments of Marcus Magee as Operations Director and Stephen Miles as Development Director. The experienced industry leaders join following the company’s recent rebrand and will help drive its next phase of growth, supporting independent hotels, leisure businesses and lifestyle destinations throughout the North West and beyond.
Established by award-winning hotelier Steven Hesketh, SAVVY Collective brings together hospitality management, consultancy, education, investment and events under one umbrella. Built on years of operational experience rather than theory, the business works closely with owner-led operators to deliver practical solutions that support sustainable growth.
Family values remain central to the organisation, with Hesketh’s wife and three children actively involved in the business. That hands-on approach has helped shape a company that understands the day-to-day realities of running independent hospitality businesses.
Today, SAVVY Collective partners with hotels of up to around 100 keys, alongside restaurants, bars, attractions, festivals, social venues and lifestyle destinations. Its portfolio includes The Chester Townhouse, The Annex, The Old Registry, Hotel Wrexham, The Savvy Fox, Queens Square Social, DevaFest, and the Cheshire and North Wales Food and Drink Festival.
The business is growing at a time when investment across the UK hotel market remains strong. During the first quarter of 2026, hotel transaction volumes reached £1.6 billion, more than twice the total recorded during the same period in 2025, with owner operators and private investors continuing to lead market activity.
Magee and Miles bring a wealth of operational and commercial expertise that will support SAVVY Collective’s ambitions as it continues to expand its services and strengthen partnerships across the hospitality industry.
Joining as Operations Director, Marcus Magee has more than 40 years of experience in hospitality, including over 30 years with Hilton Hotels. He was responsible for opening Hilton Liverpool One in 2009 and remained General Manager for more than 15 years before moving to lead DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool. His wider industry contributions include serving as Chair of the Liverpool Hospitality Association and Liverpool Accommodation BID, as well as holding a board position with Liverpool BID Company.
Mr Magee said: “Having opened the Hilton Liverpool One in 2009, I was aware of Steven Hesketh as a hospitality leader and have followed his entrepreneurial journey over the last 17 years, having worked with him on the Liverpool Hospitality Board and, most recently, the Liverpool Accommodation BID Board. I am very proud to be embarking on the exciting journey ahead.
“I have worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, including more than 30 years with Hilton Hotels in single unit and cluster management roles, and I have been part of the opening management teams for three hotel launches across the UK. One of my key objectives will be driving the continued growth strategy of SAVVY Collective, ensuring all our colleagues live and breathe the culture that empowers our team to give guests the best possible experience, alongside a key focus on driving our commercial strategy and maximising profit for SAVVY Collective and our valued business partners.”
Stephen Miles joins the business as Development Director after a hospitality career spanning more than five decades. During his 30 years with Edwardian Hotels, he held several senior leadership positions, including General Manager of The Edwardian Manchester, where he played a key role in improving operational standards, guest experience, employee development and financial performance.
Since leaving Edwardian Hotels, Miles has advised hotel owners, operators and investors through his own consultancy, supporting businesses with development strategies, operational performance and commercial growth. His consultancy clients have included Manchester City Football Club, Bruntwood and Magnuson Hotels.
A Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and a Master Innholder, Miles has also been recognised among the Top 100 General Managers in the World by the International Association of Hotel General Managers.
Mr Miles said: “The energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit that Steven and his team bring to the business is what attracted me. Their ambition, drive and vision for the future were compelling and played a significant part in my decision to become involved.
“I have been extremely fortunate to enjoy a rewarding career in hospitality, including 30 years as a member of the Senior Management Team at Edwardian Hotels, and being part of the journey and contributing to the growth of its people, product, service and financial performance has been a privilege.
“My focus now is reaching independent hotel owners and hospitality operators who are looking for genuine support, real expertise and a trusted commercial partner, and starting the conversations that can help them grow. The trust, energy and honesty that define our culture are exactly what independent operators can expect when they work with SAVVY Collective.”
Steven Hesketh, Founder of SAVVY Collective, said: “As we continue to grow the business, it is important that we strengthen our leadership with people who understand hospitality from the ground up. Marcus and Stephen have built outstanding careers and share our commitment to supporting independent operators with practical expertise and commercial insight. We are delighted to welcome them to the team.”
