CHESTER, CHESHIRE. July 21, 2026 – SAVVY Collective has welcomed two well-known hospitality professionals into senior leadership roles as the business continues to expand. Marcus Magee has been appointed Operations Director and Stephen Miles joins as Development Director, strengthening the team as the company builds on the momentum of its recent rebrand and broadens its support for independent hospitality businesses across the North West and beyond.
Created by award-winning hotelier Steven Hesketh, SAVVY Collective combines hotel management, consultancy, education, investment and events within one business. The company has built its reputation by offering practical support shaped by first-hand operational experience rather than purely advisory expertise.
Its approach reflects the challenges and opportunities of running family-owned hospitality businesses, with Hesketh’s wife and three children all actively involved in delivering services across the organisation.
The collective works alongside owner-led hotels and hospitality businesses of up to around 100 keys, as well as restaurants, social venues, attractions, festivals and lifestyle destinations. Its growing 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 appointments come as confidence continues to return to the UK hotel investment market. Hotel transactions totalled £1.6 billion during the first quarter of 2026, more than doubling the figure recorded during the same period a year earlier, with owner operators and private investors driving the majority of activity.
Bringing decades of senior hospitality experience, Magee and Miles will help guide SAVVY Collective through its next stage of growth, supporting both the business and the independent operators it partners with.
Magee joins as Operations Director with more than 40 years in the hospitality industry, including over three decades with Hilton Hotels. During his career, he led the opening of Hilton Liverpool One in 2009 before spending more than 15 years as its General Manager. He most recently held the position of General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool.
Alongside his operational career, Magee has played an active role within the regional hospitality sector, serving as Chair of the Liverpool Hospitality Association and Liverpool Accommodation BID, as well as sitting on the board of 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.”
Miles takes up the role of Development Director after a career spanning more than five decades. He spent 30 years as part of the Senior Management Team at Edwardian Hotels, where he held several senior positions including General Manager of The Edwardian Manchester. During his time there he helped drive improvements across operations, customer service, employee development and commercial performance.
Following his executive career, Miles established his own hospitality consultancy, providing strategic advice to hotel owners, investors and operators. His client list includes Manchester City Football Club, Bruntwood and Magnuson Hotels.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, a Master Innholder and has 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: “Bringing Marcus and Stephen into the business represents a major boost for our leadership team. Their combined operational experience, industry knowledge and passion for hospitality will be invaluable as we continue supporting independent operators and expanding the reach of SAVVY Collective.”
