Murray Roberts writes about hotel amenities HK Magazine January issue | Page 10

COMPANY PROFILE HOUSEKEEPING MANAGEMENT DISCUSSES OUT OF EDEN - THEIR HISTORY AND SERVICE TO THE HOTEL INDUSTRY S winging into the driveway of Out of Eden, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were entering the farmyard of any of Cumbria’s countless sheep farms. The actuality that you were instead pulling in to the headquarters of one of the nation’s leading hotel supply companies would probably be quite far down your list of possible scenarios. Traditional dry stone walls encompass the area and quaint refurbished farm buildings look out over the dramatic Cumbrian fells. It certainly isn’t the usual modern warehouse, on a drab industrial estate, that one would imagine, but then, Out of Eden aren’t your usual, run of the mill, hotel supply company. Founded in 1993, on the edge of the Lake District, by husband and wife team Ian and Janet Hartley, it started out life as Cumbria Hotel Furnishers, a small scale home-run hotel furnishing company. Ian would ride around in his van selling beds and linen to the local hotels and B&Bs of Cumbria and North Yorkshire. Fast forward to today and Out of Eden has never forgotten its roots. Despite the exponential growth it has undergone in recent years, the business still operates out of Home Farm buildings. The same Kirkby Stephen based site where the company moved to in 2001; when it finally outgrew Ian and his van. It is now known as one of the UK’s major suppliers to the country’s thriving hospitality sector. Supplying products to everyone from: the biggest players in the hotel industry, to restaurants, art galleries, cruise liners, universities and even the military. Although more than adept at supplying everyone from soldiers to sommeliers it has also cemented itself as a trusted supplier to the nation’s small hospitality businesses. Supplying Britain’s hoteliers with everything from kettles, smart-bins, hairdryers and hospitality trays, to natural 10 Housekeeping management fill, feather and down bedding, Out of Eden has made its name over the last 23 years by supplying quality goods for a price that is within reach of many independent accommodation providers. Out of Eden still maintains its family run ethos, due in no small part to the Hartley’s determination that the company stick to its core principles of caring for the customer, community and environment. Whether that be through a highly incentivised walk-to- work scheme or sponsoring latrines in sub-saharan Africa; the company is fiercely proud of both its charitable work and exemplary customer service record. Mike Gannon, Managing Director of Out of Eden said: “We will never be one of those faceless companies, where you have to press buttons just to speak to someone! Should you ever have a problem or just want to have a friendly chat with us for some advice, there is a team here in Cumbria just a phone call away” In line with its environmental ethos Out of Eden places great importance in offering a range of energy efficient products including its popular eco-towels & robes, which helps hoteliers save on energy costs and its low wattage eco-kettle which can help reduce the impact on both the environment and a business’s bills. It is clear from the way that Out of Eden operates, that customer service is the lynchpin of everything it does. It is by no means coincidence that years of stark dedication to this cause and championing the customer, has resulted in the position that it is in today as one of Britain’s favourite suppliers to the nation’s small army of B&B, guesthouse and hotel owners. www.outofeden.co.uk