Redefining hospitality through a culture of innovation, sustainability and embracing diversity, equality and inclusion – read on to hear Interface’s case story from Glen Mhor Hotel
Background
Glen Mhor, a hospitality business based in Inverness, is committed to redefining hospitality by fostering a culture of sustainability, green energy innovation, improved mental health and wellbeing, and embracing diversity, equality, and inclusion. In 2006, Jon and Victoria Erasmus bought the Glen Mhor Hotel, and have since expanded by purchasing neighbouring buildings converting them into hotel accommodation and apartments. They have also built a low carbon brewery and Distillery within the grounds of the hotel. In 2022, they opened their river water source energy centre to decarbonise the hotel’s heating and hot water system. Through the construction of groundwater boreholes and the use of water source heat pumps, there is only one building left to connect in 2024 to see the business entirely gas free. This water source energy centre is the first of its kind in Scotland. Their mission is to provide an exceptional guest experience whilst leaving a positive impact on the planet and community.
Challenges
Jon and Victoria were keen to explore two distinct areas of their business which they recognised would require external expertise. The first, to develop a robust, evidence-based methodology for assessing and monitoring the new water source energy centre. As this is the first of its kind there is no data available to study the usage and contrast of how this compares from the old gas systems. The second challenge focussed on their workforce and the adoption and integration of new workforce processes and practices to enable inclusive workforce onboarding and practices to support neurodiverse staff.
Solution – energy centre
Interface connected Glen Mhor to the School of Engineering, Computing and the Built Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) who have expertise in the area of energy management, carbon assessment and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Professor Jim Baird undertook a detailed assessment of the metered energy systems and costs to develop an economic model for the hotel. The system analysis will also determine the amount of carbon emissions saved through the implementation of the energy centre. This project was funded through a Standard Innovation Voucher designed to support the development of a new product, process, or service for a company.
Solution – workforce
Interface identified expertise at Edinburgh College from lecturer LizAnn Francis and Student Services Officer Rachel Robinson. Through this partnership, Glen Mhor and Edinburgh College devised a new recruitment policy and inclusive job advert template – both of which prioritise inclusivity, offering a sensory-friendly experience from application to employment. This project was funded through a Workplace Innovation Voucher designed to develop a company’s internal workforce, including new or enhanced workplace processes, innovative workplace practices, or innovative business expertise.
Business Benefits
- Sharing best practices and looking at ways to future proof and develop its green vision further is core to Glen Mhor’s mission.
- Following the project with GCU Glen Mhor fully realise the benefits of their energy centre investment and are well placed to promote the project as best practice to the wider Scottish community.
- They have safeguarded and created jobs, increased turnover and reduced costs.
- For their work with Edinburgh College, early benefits include tailored support for job applicants and improved staff retention using health passports.
- Looking ahead, societal impacts are expected to include a more inclusive work environment, increased job satisfaction, and meaningful employment for neurodivergent individuals and those facing mental health issues.
Victoria Erasmus, Director of Glen Mhor, said: “Collaborating through the Innovation Voucher scheme has been transformative for our business and has not only advanced our operational capabilities but also underscored our commitment to innovation and inclusivity. With Interface’s support, we have developed an evidence-based methodology to understand and monitor our new water source energy centre and tackle workforce integration challenges by developing and inclusive onboarding policy and strategy to support neurodiverse staff and those with disabilities. Both sector leading projects would not have been possible without this collaboration, and we are very grateful to all those involved.”