Epixx scoops luxury hotel contract

A flourishing audio-visual firm has been chosen by one of the Lake District’s most luxurious hotels to handle technology installations at its new six star property in Bowness.

Epixx, a company founded last year by technology enthusiasts Matt Holmes and Ben Tomlinson, has overseen the installation of high-end electrical equipment for a new luxury arm of the award-winning Cranleigh Boutique, recently voted one of the world’s most romantic hotels.

The £500,000 Church Suites venture, based at the site of the former Rose Cottage bed and breakfast on Church Street, comprises four luxury serviced suites with state-of-the-art technology, all controlled wirelessly via an iPad.

The new property boasts top specification kit including two cinema rooms, digital music distribution, electronic blinds, intelligent lighting and an integrated movie library so couples can lock their doors and relax.

Matt Holmes, a director at Epixx, said: “While the Church Suites project is Epixx’s first foray into the leisure sector, working with one of the Lake District’s most prolific hoteliers meant we were able to come up with a vision that showed off our expertise in full.

“The suites feature a bespoke AV automated design system meaning guests can experience luxuriously appointed rooms with all the additional comforts of cutting-edge technology.”

Matthew and Ben have been receiving advice from accountancy and business advisory firm Moore and Smalley, including advice on the financial aspects of starting the company and putting growth plans in place.

Adam Parton, partner at Moore and Smalley, said: “Technology is becoming an increasingly integrated part of our daily lives so it is more important than ever for leisure businesses to stay in tune with evolving trends to attract guests and maintain occupancy rates.

“While this remains a challenge for many firms in the current economic climate, the luxury leisure sector is booming so this represents a huge opportunity for Epixx. We look forward to becoming a trusted adviser to the business as it grows.” The Cranleigh Boutique is owned by local entrepreneur Stephen Hargreaves who also owns the Hideout Boutique House in Bowness.