A family run hotel group is celebrating the longevity and contribution of one of its most influential board members as he reaches his fortieth anniversary with the company.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Operations Director Douglas Dale, the group’s longest serving member of staff, started his career there as General Manager of The Wild Boar Inn in 1979.

He joined the board in 1991 and has served as Operations Director since then, helping to oversee major developments such as the management takeover of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe in 2008 and the recent refurbishment of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in Windermere.

Mr Dale also played a leading role in the planning, design and build of Lancaster House Hotel between 1989 and 1991.

“It’s been a fascinating period for a career in the hospitality industry, where cultural change has been increasingly rapid, where the expectations and standards we meet have risen to new highs and where we’ve seen significant growth in international visitors,” says Mr Dale.

“There so many wonderful memories to reflect on in that time. Ten years managing and living at The Wild Boar was certainly a highlight, especially when the children were young and keen to get fully involved in the way of life at the inn.

“I am also extremely proud of the pivotal work we did to build Lancaster House, a particularly rewarding experience to see it take shape from initial design concepts to opening its doors to guests for the first time.

“It has been, and continues to be, a real honour to serve on the Board of English Lakes Hotels. We have a close knit, family orientated management team with a passion for genuine hospitality and a desire to meet and surpass guests’ expectations.”

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Simon Berry adds: “Douglas has given so much to the group with forty dedicated and thoroughly distinguished years’ service with us. It’s been an honour to serve together on the Board of Directors, where fellow board members benefit from Douglas’ wisdom and vast knowledge and experience of the industry.”