Our History

Formed in Glasgow in 1997 by Brian Simmers, David Thompson and Louis Woodcock; BDL opened its first hotel Holiday Inn London – Heathrow in 2000.

Historical Time Line

• 1997 – Formed
• 2000 – 1st Hotel Built (HI Heathrow)
• 2001 – 1st Management Contract – (Howard Johnson Greenock – converted to HIX)
• 2001 – 1st HIX Built (East Midlands)
• 2002 – 1st Crowne Plaza Built (Marlow)
• 2004 – Acquisition of Eastlake Hospitality (4 HIX)
• 2005 – 1st Ramada Encore
• 2005 – Exit of 13 HIX to Somerston Hotels
• 2006 – Signed Master Franchisee to build 40 Ramada Encores with Wyndham International
• 2007 – 1st ‘Resort’ Hotel at Chessington World of Adventures partnering with Merlin Entertainments
• 2008 – 1st Staybridge in Europe (Staybridge Liverpool)
• 2009 – Management of 14 McKever Hotels in Administration
• 2010 – 1st ‘Golf Resort’ (Five Lakes)
• 2011 – Take over management of 9 Ramada Hotels from from Jarvis