Hall & Woodhouse invests in Dorset hospitality startup Holidaymaker

Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse (H&W) has invested in a local small business, Holidaymaker, as it looks to help the holiday park and hospitality industry achieve better guest engagement.

The Holidaymaker guest experience app launched in 2020 to drive revenue, boost brand loyalty and increase repeat business for hospitality brands.

The founding aim of the business was to develop a technology that revolutionises the way businesses in the sector connect with guests.

H&W has invested in the startup to allow for further enhancement, implementation and reach of this technology.

Anthony Woodhouse, chairman of H&W, said: “We feel strongly about backing Dorset-based winners and enabling entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential.

“Holidaymaker was an obvious investment for us as a business due to its work in the hospitality sector.

“It’s an exciting time to be working closely with Holidaymaker as it looks to grow and push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the sector.

“We’re eager to see what learnings we can apply to our own business through this partnership.”

H&W’s investment helped enable Holidaymaker to evolve from functioning solely as a guest experience app to a multidimensional software platform that enables parks to market directly to their guests and owners.

Anthony Woodhouse also sits on the Holidaymaker board in an advisory capacity.

David Lakins, co-founder and CEO of Holidaymaker, said: “Having Hall & Woodhouse’s backing has provided us with the foundation to take the next steps to grow the business and expand our offering.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Anthony’s great insight, experience and guidance on the board, and his company is the perfect match – sharing innovation, passion and culture.”

Holidaymaker is currently working on a new app for H&W which will create a personalised communication tool for the business.

The app will host information on H&W’s menus, dining offers and local attractions.

Guests will also be able to book a table or accommodation, as well as browse other pubs in H&W’s estate across the South.

Anthony added: “Holidaymaker has a really interesting product with a strong management team.

“We believe in the team’s vision to provide technology that delivers innovative solutions for the hospitality sector.

“We feel fortunate to be part of the team’s journey to achieve this ambition.”