The business is owned and run by the Reay family, who took over in January 2008. Chris (44) and his mother, Sandra, world-travellers for global companies, relished the challenge of working for themselves in the hospitality industry, despite having no experience other than as guests. Chris’ father, wife and son are also part of the team.
They chose Weymouth because they’d enjoyed years of family holidays on the golden sands, and because they felt the town retained something of its historic character, which other resorts had lost. That Weymouth was an Olympic venue did not influence their choice.
The Olympic impact on guesthouse business
The Grade II listed townhouse looks out across Weymouth Bay, making this one of the few businesses I’m following from which it will be possible to watch the London 2012 sailing as it happens.
When Chris and Sandra took over The Channel in 2008, not a single 2012 booking had been made. That has not changed, although members of several Olympic and Paralympic teams have stayed there. Sailors from Argentina, the USA and Germany have all been guests, along with officials and media staff from other nations.
“There have been some Olympic enquiries,” said Chris. But he expects the real benefits to come once the Games are over. Two weeks of global television coverage of the incredible Jurassic Coast could turn it into one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. That’s his hope.
The Olympic fortnight in 2012 shouldn’t make much immediate difference to guesthouse business. “We should be full in July and August anyway,” explained Chris, “because it’s our busy season.” There are no plans to slap an Olympic premium on their regular prices.
The real focus of The Channel is to be a green business
You don’t talk to Chris and Sandra for very long without uncovering their real passion – to run a green business sourcing good quality, local produce.
In May this year, they won a coveted Gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. They are one of only three accommodation providers in Dorset to win recognition for all the hard work they’ve put into balancing environmental and commercial concerns.
While the only meal they serve is breakfast, it’s one they take very seriously. They’ve gone to huge efforts to source local produce while also addressing healthy eating concerns. Cooking oil has almost been completely eliminated and they are trialling imaginative alternatives to the traditional fry up.
I look forward to talking with Chris and Sandra in the months ahead to discover what difference the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics are making to their personal and business lives in The Channel guesthouse.
Below: The Reays: Brian, Sandra, Chris, Sue and CJ.
