PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7th June 2011

Lion Quays Lays Down Foundation for Growth

Derrick Dulson, Chairman and founder of Lion Quays Waterside Resort, near Oswestry, Shropshire, has recently appointed Barry Pearson as their new CEO. This position will help implement an innovative phase in the evolution of his business. “this appointment is key in taking the business forwards; we have a number of new and exciting ventures that we want to undertake and Barry has the expertise to structure and manage our business to provide the best platform for our future and enable us to achieve our goals.” says Derrick.

New CEO, Barry Pearson, has a track record of establishing and growing successful businesses after coming out of the corporate banking arena several years ago. Barry now owns a portfolio of successful companies.

Lion Quays Waterside Resort is part of Shropshire Leisure Group, a major employer in the Oswestry and surrounding areas, employing more than 300 staff. The Group consists of a number of successful businesses which also includes Moreton Park Garden Centre and its Pub and Hotel. Derrick reports “We are looking at a variety of opportunities to expand and improve the existing businesses. Since his appointment, Barry has already made a number of changes and recruited some quality people to compliment our existing team and there is no doubt in my mind that there are some interesting and exciting times ahead for us”.

In response to recent reoccurring rumors suggesting Lion Quays was up for sale, Derrick passionately advised “These rumors could not be any further from the truth; we are investing across the whole Group and Barry’s involvement is a further statement of our commitment to the business. We have no plans to sell any business in the Group and Barry has just completed the first phase of our strategy which involves investment in a number of new managers at Lion Quays Resort and Moreton Park Garden Centre. Our new managers are already showing positive results such as the arrival of the first of the concessions at the Garden Centre; Cotton Traders and Pavers Shoes.”

Barry says “Shropshire Leisure Group is a family run business which cares deeply about its customers and staff: my challenge is to retain and develop these fundamental core values whilst ensuring the necessary corporate structure and systems are in place to take the business forward”

The changes have already started to have a positive impact when Lion Quays Resort was a finalist at the Shropshire Business Awards for the Outstanding Customer Service Award. Lion Quays Resort comprises of 4 Star Hotel, Waterside Restaurant, Nico’s Brasserie, Country Club, Conference & Banqueting Facilities and 5 Star Spa.

-ENDS-