A Coffee with The Leader...

Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 Back to press releases >

Digitel Europe Ltd was pleased to host Wirral Chambers' strategic partners meeting with councillor Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council, on the 5th of January. This event was deliberately kept to a small group of strategic partners which resulted in a better interchange between the seven strategic partners attending. The meeting was chaired by Andy Snell of the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Councillor Phil Davies gave a detailed overview to the development plans for the Wirral area. Everybody got involved, and all in attendance thought it was a really productive session. It was good to see Phil Davies so enthusiastic regarding all the development plans; of particular interest was the Hoylake Celtic Manor Golf, Spa and Conference Centre Resort project.

It was great to hear that Terry Matthews' company Celtic Manor Golf Resorts is to head up the development of the exciting new Hoylake Celtic Manor golf, hotel spa and conference centre resort development, involving around £120 million investment and 175 new jobs. The Celtic Manor luxury resort in Newport, South Wales has hosted the Ryder Cup.

I know Terry from when I lived in Canada, when he was involved with Mike Copeland at Mitel and later with his Newbridge businesses. He is a very successful businessman with a community spirit and I know his company will deliver a world-class golf resort, hotel and conference resort; anybody who has been to Celtic Manor will know that the Wirral is extremely lucky to have him and his company involved in the Hoylake project.

It's not all about golf, the four-star hotel and conference centre will contribute greatly to the local economy not only in terms of employment but for local suppliers of products, services but also approximately £1 million in rates for Wirral council. The total contribution to the Wirral economy could be in excess of £6 million per annum.

I believe this development will be transformative for the Wirral; we are desperately short of hotel accommodation and conference facilities as witnessed when the British Open was hosted here. It's time for the Wirral to come out from under the shadow of Liverpool and start to dream big. The building of the new Celtic Manor golf, hotel spa and conference centre Resort with a Jack Nicklaus designed course will be a giant step in the right direction, I sincerely hope that the Wirral community including Wirral businesses get behind this impressive project.

Tom Cullen
Group Managing Director
Digitel Europe Ltd