Key appointment for James’ Places

Mike Auld has been promoted from group operations director to managing director of Bowland Inns & Hotels, which trades as James’ Places, taking up the position from owner James Warburton. 

Mike Auld has been group operations director for the Clitheroe based hospitality business since 2020, bringing over 20 years of hospitality management experience and originally joining from Boutique Hotel Group (BHG) in Cheshire, where he held the position of hotel director for five years. Before being promoted to hotel director at BHG, he spent eight years as a general manager for Hotel Du Vin and Peckforton Castle. 

Commenting on the promotion Mike Auld said: "It is both a pleasure and an honour to be promoted to the role of Managing Director. Having navigated one of the most challenging 18 months for the hospitality industry, I am committed to steering the company forward as we continue to grow our brand and announce new acquisitions into the group." 

Ambitious growth plans

Over the course of the past 25 years, James’ Places has grown from a single venue, The Emporium in Clitheroe, turning over £250,000 per year, to a thriving business with eight sites and a £23m annual turnover.

Earlier this year, the company secured a multi-million-pound finance package with Barclays to support its ambitious growth plans, before integrating Bowland Brewery into the James’ Places portfolio.