Rachael Berry returned to Skipton in June 2012 to join the family business. She brings with her a passion for hospitality and a love of rural enterprise. Some meticulous organisational skills and an enthusiasm to meet new people. And a depth of business experience from working in Cambridge, Leeds and London. Rachael is looking forward to continually improving the holiday accommodation at Newton Grange over the next few years, increasing the amenities provided to holiday makers and encouraging visitors to return time and again.
Rachael’s aspiration is to see Newton Grange on the map as a destination of choice in the Craven area. She speaks of an enthusiasm and passion to get involved:
“I love Yorkshire, I love the outdoors and I love meeting new people. Here at Newton Grange we have a fantastic opportunity to bring all these aspects together by providing high quality visitor accommodation and lots of ideas of what to do in the Skipton area. Our mix of ensuite B&B rooms and charming holiday cottages enables us to cater for larger parties and groups, where families and groups of friends are holidaying together. The reception rooms in Newton Grange can be hired for birthday celebrations or private parties. And in our wedding business it is a real privilege to play a small part in the special celebrations for each and every couple who use Newton Grange as their reception venue.
I’ve been dreaming of being in business ever since I left school. The seed was planted when, aged 14, myself and a few school friends set up ‘The Helping Hand Company’ in a day workshop in the school hall. We won the day, and I remember thinking how much I had enjoyed it. I then joined the Young Enterprise Scheme, and worked as Company Secretary to a jewellery making company we set up called “Accessorize”. We asked the Head Teacher if we could go to a Trade Fair In Belgium to take our products to market. It was a lot of fun. In the sixth form I organised a barn party for 200 people to raise funds for a Yorkshire Schools Exploring Society Expedition to the Pyrenees, surpassing my fundraising target in one night.
My love of planning, organising and fundraising continued in my 20s when I organised three black tie charity balls, raising more than £17,000 for charity. And last year, I learnt first hand how to apply these event management skills to a wedding, as my husband and I had fun planning our own Wedding Day.
So now, here I am. With 10 years business experience under my belt, my feet firmly under the desk and my eyes looking out to the horizon of the new. The exciting part is knowing that each day will be different. Different through the people I meet. Different through the opportunities and challenges I see and must embrace along the way. Knowing that the business landscape is ever changing, and so we must change and adapt with it, to grow.
I’m really looking forward to growing the business at Newton Grange and feel so privileged to have the opportunity to work in such a beautiful part of England with my wonderful family. Working together, let us see what new flavours we can add to Newton Grange in this enchanting part of Yorkshire. If you’re round our way, do call by. We’d love to see you and welcome you here, and share ideas. We’ll soon put the kettle on for a freshly brewed cup of Yorkshire tea and a slice of cake. Did I tell you, I love to bake?”