Klaus Spiekermann
Klaus Spiekermann is General Manager of BLVD, an award-winning boutique hotel basedin Blackpool – the latest offering from fourth-generation family-run Blackpool Pleasure Beach which also runs the eponymous theme park and The Big Blue Hotel – which opened its doors in 2019.
With over 18 years of experience working in luxury hospitality – with previous experience including senior positions at the likes of the Banyan Tree Hotel, Seychelles, Le Meridien Hotel, Munich and The Corinthia Hotel, London.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
BLVD is an award-winning boutique hotel based in Blackpool, which first opened its doors in 2019. Founded by the fourth-generation family-run Blackpool Pleasure Beach team, BLVD is one of the only five-star standard hotels within the North West region of the UK, boasting 120 stylish rooms that offer both coastal and park-facing views.
Alongside offering luxury accommodation for guests to enjoy, The Shoreside Conference Centre within the hotel provides unique meeting places with state-of-the-art technology and turnkey event planning for conferences, weddings and other corporate events. As General Manager, it’s my role to oversee coordinate, oversee, and organise all the activities involved in the smooth and effective running of the hotel and ensuring both my team and our guests are healthy and happy.
- How did you get into the industry?
By chance really; my family have got no ties to the hospitality industry, but I experienced lots of travel and explored different countries and cultures from an early age so it was always an area of interest. But in terms of starting my career journey, one of my best childhood friends – who I still know today – started doing an apprenticeship in Hospitality Management and I just thought, “why not do the same?.” From there, I never looked back!
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
The aftermath of the pandemic has allowed us the chance to challenge the status quo and invest in new innovations. One of the biggest threats to any industry is the age-old mantra: ‘we’ve always done it this way’ – you have to evolve or die. We now have the opportunity to start using new technology and tools to be able to better adapt to suit our guests’ preferences; I’m confident this will help the hotel to continue to thrive.
In terms of challenges, attracting and retaining the best talent has been and will be the main focus and challenge of any leadership team in our industry. Hospitality can be one of the most rewarding industries, yet some companies don’t appreciate the value of their team members; so I can’t blame people for wanting to move to other industries if as senior management, we aren’t able to get the basics right.
It is getting harder and harder to find people with a genuine passion for our industry, as you need to have a real commitment towards the work and love it as a lifestyle rather than seeing it as just a job; so it’s our job to be accommodating, empowering and exciting for fresh talent.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
I don’t think there is such a thing as a “leadership” style; a good leader changes and evolves all the time in response to everything they learn and experience. The most important work traits are respect and trust, and both need to be earned to succeed.
I also find “walking the talk” goes a long way with my staff, and I always look to see the value in all team members. Plus, make sure to give back to the local community in which you are operating.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
Empower your team and include them in your decision-making process. Learn to let go, and let them make mistakes and take on individual responsibility, rather than spoon-feeding or micro-managing people.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Our talented team: without the right staff, any leader is bound to fail. Equally, having a clear vision in mind that has been communicated to everyone always helps the day-to-day run smoothly.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
It’s been one of the most rewarding years we have had to date, from both a business point of view and for myself personally too. Post-pandemic, it was a learning curve for us all but we had the chance to reset processes and return to the drawing board and implement several key changes to how we do things.
- What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
We had a very successful 2021, and 2022 so far; currently, everything is ticking over very nicely and business on the books is strong. Looking ahead, we have some exciting projects in the pipeline but it’s too early to share those just yet!
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
Being able to travel and work all over the world, exploring different cultures and meeting amazing people. It has truly broadened my horizons and taught me to be a better man.
- What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
“Don’t talk unless you’re asked to” – be confident and speak up if you have ideas. Other than that, there are probably too many people calling themselves “industry experts” out there currently, yet they don’t provide any value or substance.
- What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
My parents always taught me that a job is about a lot more than your pay cheque. It’s about dignity, respect and your place in the community – I couldn’t agree more with this mantra.
To find out more about BLVD, visit: www.boulevardhotel.co.uk.
