Independent Hotel Show London 2026 Exhibitor List

Zoe started her journalism career as a reporter on two b2b magazines in Essex, before moving to London to become Editor of Boutique Hotelier, the industry’s leading title for the UK’s independent hotel operators, just one year after its launch to the market. It’s here where Zoe got the bug for the hospitality industry; interviewing owners and entrepreneurs of exciting hotel businesses, breaking news stories and meeting inspiring individuals to help drive innovation and excellence within the sector. Fast forward seven years and Boutique Hotelier has cemented itself as one of the industry’s best-loved bibles.

Managing Director of Exclusive Collection founded in 1981, a family-run independent group of 7 country house properties, two spas, golf club, cookery school, inn and award-winning restaurants. Danny is actively involved in the wider hospitality industry, he was voted Hotelier of the Year in 2014 by the Caterer, The Brit List Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry 2024 winner, and previously Chairman of the Master Innholders. Danny has a passion for developing the talent of the future. Such passion has also resulted in the launch of its Exclusive Chefs’ Academy, Graduate Manager’s Programme, Food and Beverage Academy, and strong learning paths in all areas. Design is at the forefront of the evolution of the Exclusive Collection, with the ground-breaking shape and feel of the new spa at South Lodge, the sleek cookery school at Lainston within the juxtaposition of a 17th century wellhouse or the cutting-edge bathrooms in the hotels. Danny values and invests in his people with over 900 employees in the group, has an annual turnover of £65m and has secured the coveted title of being one of the ‘Best Places to Work in Hospitality’, with Acorn award winners, St Julian Scholars, MasterChef and Great British Menu winners, and just a great team of talented people. Exclusive Collection became the first hotel group in the UK to become an accredited B Corp leading the way in sustainability for the hospitality sector, redefining sustainable luxury. Exclusive is pushing hard to grow its own with 5.2 hectares of vineyard, planted acres of orchards and some hugely productive kitchen gardens, championing zero and low food miles as well as innovation in circularity particularly on food waste and partnerships with Olio a food sharing platform.

Adam brings over two decades of hands-on experience in hospitality management to his role at Willingham House Hotel. With a proven track record at such renowned establishments as Corpus Christi College, Madingley Hall, and Luton Hoo, he excels in hotel operations, leadership, and guest experience. At Willingham House, Adam has spearheaded the property’s renovation and operational transformation, systemising processes, increasing bookings, and securing glowing guest reviews as he continues to elevate the hotel’s reputation.

Gemma’s astute entrepreneurial vision as CEO of Cotswold Cottage Gems has built a thriving, award-winning accommodation business. With a BSc from the University of the West of England, she launched her hospitality venture in 2018 and has since grown a portfolio of luxury cottages and a boutique 20-bedroom hotel. Gemma excels at embedding operational efficiency, utilising smart technology and developing innovative guest experiences, consistently achieving top reviews and strong returns in the competitive Cotswold market.

Since taking the helm at The Bird, Bath, part of the Kaleidoscope Collection, in 2023, Amy Gleadow has spearheaded a remarkable repositioning of the hotel, revitalising its brand and profitability. Her vision has been instrumental in restoring The Bird’s restaurant to its rightful place on Bath’s vibrant culinary scene, attracting both locals and visitors alike. This success is underpinned by her strategic recruitment of a new, high-performing senior food and beverage team, whose expertise has elevated the dining experience. Recognising the challenges of a saturated market in Bath, Gleadow has championed brand agility, constantly adapting and innovating to drive direct bookings and achieve sustainable growth. Her focus on understanding evolving guest preferences and implementing targeted marketing strategies has resulted in significant increases in direct revenue. She fosters a culture of collaboration and empowerment, inspiring her team to deliver exceptional service and personalised experiences. Her team surrounding her say her dedication, strategic acumen, and passion for hospitality make her ‘a true inspiration to work with’. Prior to her current role, Gleadow worked with Accor Hotels and Gravetye Manor as general manager.

Janet has over 30 years’ experience in tourism both at national and local level, having led teams at the front line in attractions, shaping and changing the visitor offer to aid growth in footfall and secondary spend. She has delivered marketing and PR campaigns for Imperial War Museums at IWM North, RHS at Hyde Hall in Essex, Vardon Attractions SeaLife (now Merlin Entertainments) and the Aspro Ocio owned Blue Planet Aquarium in the North West. She has also led quality assessment teams and been integral to the modernisation of VisitEngland’s quality schemes for accommodation businesses. Janet continues to champion the importance of not only knowing your customer, but ensuring their expectations are met at all touchpoints and raising the quality of that experience pre, during and post visit. As Head of Industry Development at VisitEngland, Janet now leads the teams that deliver business support in the areas of accessibility, regenerative tourism (sustainability), training, quality assessment, the Business Advice Hub and the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Emma Frayling is the PR and Communications manager for Visit West, leading on PR strategy and media activity for Visit Bath. 2025 has been a particularly busy year for Bath and Emma with phenomenal interest from media all around the world in the Jane Austen 250th anniversary. Emma also oversees corporate PR for Visit West.