WE ARE FAMILY: The Marsham Court has been run by the same family for over 30 years. Seen here – finance director Russell Dixon Box, projects director James Dixon Box and their sister, managing director Rosie Wallace.
The family which has operated the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth for over 30 years hopes to be crowned the top family business at the Dorset Business Awards (DBAs) this week (November 1).
The Marsham Court won the DBAs Business Engagement with Education award in 2016 – The same year it won Large Hotel of the Year at the Bournemouth Tourism Awards.
Now, sibling directors Rosie Wallace, Russell Dixon Box and James Dixon Box hope its reputation for offering a real family welcome will help add to its silverware.
MD Rosie said: “The Marsham Court is one of Bournemouth’s last, remaining, family run hotels and was bought by our parents in 1987.”
She continued: “Our mum Jennie Deavin, was present for both the Large Hotel and Business Engagement with Education award wins, but sadly died in 2017 following a long battle with cancer.
“When she died it made my brothers and I even more determined to make the hotel the best it could possibly be and I think Mum would have been thrilled by the refurbishments and other changes Russell, James and I have introduced since.”
Rosie added: “Mum was committed to her family and the way she ran the business was to make all our staff and guests feel like family too.
“Our mantra is still ‘A real family welcome’ and although we are up against some stiff competition from BV Dairy of Shaftesbury and Hall & Woodhouse of Blandford Forum, we are determined to bring the trophy to the Marsham Court.”
This year’s Dorset Business Awards Gala Dinner will be held in the Windsor Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre, on Thursday 1st November 2018.
The Family Business Award is sponsored by PKF Francis Clark.
Picture caption:
WE ARE FAMILY: [Thirty1] The Marsham Court has been run by the same family for over 30 years. Seen here – finance director Russell Dixon Box, projects director James Dixon Box and their sister, managing director Rosie Wallace.
Media information: Debbie.granville@deepsouthmedia.co.uk tel: 07884 6577827
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Rosie’s parents Jennie Deavin and Chris Dixon-Box bought the formerly De Vere-owned Marsham Court, in 1987.Jennie later ran it with her second husband Hugh Deavin.
Rosie and her brothers Russell Dixon Box (finance director), and James Dixon Box (projects director) assumed overall responsibility for the business when Jennie passed away in 2017 following a long battle with cancer.
In May this year the family appointed directors from outside the family for the first time, with Business Development Director Jane Swift and Director of Facilities and Training Nigel Reeve joining the siblings on the Board.
The Marsham Court is part way through a major renovation, which has already seen the refurbishment of its Solent Suite, and installation of more accessible rooms and linked rooms, and will also include the Lobby, bar area and numerous conference and meeting rooms in 2019.
The hotel won the Business Engagement with Education award at the Dorset Business Awards 2016. Plus Silver in the Dorset Tourism Awards Venue and Business Tourism category in 2015. And Rosie Wallace was named Unsung Hero at the Bournemouth Tourism Awards 2017, for her dedication in championing the success of Bournemouth’s hospitality industry.
