Dalata Management Services

Dalata Management Services (“DMS”), a division of Dalata Hotel Group, manages hotel assets on behalf of the owner(s). All properties managed by DMS become Partner Hotels of Dalata Hotel Group, which is also the parent company of the Maldron Hotels brand.

The Company provides a complete management solution and focuses on the implementation of the necessary operational and physical asset changes and the introduction of the appropriate systems and controls to maximise the return of the asset owner(s).

The DMS team has a wealth of experience in the management of hotels through all economic cycles and is the ideal partner to effectively undertake the difficult assignment of managing underperforming hotel assets.

Finance

Effective financial management is a key component of our service. Dalata Management Services (DMS) implements detailed planning, reporting and control processes in all properties.

Effective financial management is a key component of our service. Dalata Management Services (DMS) implements detailed planning, reporting and control processes in all properties.

The finance function is expected to provide more than a bookkeeping service. Our financial managers participate in the weekly revenue forecasting process and work closely with their colleagues in operations to ensure variable costs, especially payroll, are carefully planned to match revenues.

Cash flow is a priority for all owners. We manage receivables and payables closely and prepare a detailed cash flow analysis and forecast each week.

Our experienced Central Office team will monitor and analyse financial results and will share key performance data across the Group to allow properties compare and benchmark their progress. We also provide extensive support to the management team at property level.

Operations

Dalata has a proven team of specialists, operating in all aspects of the hotel business.

Dalata has a proven team of specialists, operating in all aspects of the hotel business.
Following careful assessment of an operation, we provide the expertise to address any issue and work closely with the team of the property, providing a clear focus and strategic plan towards profit. Dalata has experience across all hotel grades and pays particular attention to customer service, resolving any guest experience issues.

DMS also ensures each business complies with and fulfils its obligations in relation to Health & Safety requirements, fire procedures and compliance with all legislative needs.
The following are just some of the areas that our operational expertise covers; accommodation, food & beverage, leisure clubs, golf clubs and resorts, spas, conferences, weddings, special events and concerts.

Marketing & Sales

Managed properties become members of the Company's Partner Hotels portfolio and are included on the Dalata Hotel Group website as well as all relevant Dalata Hotel Group collateral.

The central sales and marketing team supports the local hotel sales manager through input on strategy and tactics in the preparation of the sales and marketing plan and participation in initiatives that are aimed at leveraging the Group’s platform. These include international representation at trade shows, national advertising and promotion campaigns, and providing a one-stop-shop solution for tour operators, travel agents and conference organisers. The central team supports the local sales manager with content management of the local hotel website, design of online campaigns and management of social media interaction.

Revenue Management

The primary focus of DMS to gain the maximum revenue on any given day.

The central revenue management team monitors room bookings on a daily and weekly basis and supports the local hotel revenue manager in making decisions on pricing and room allocations across the various market segments. Responsibility for the pricing decision rests with local hotel management but the central revenue management team provides support through analysis, critique and benchmarking of outcomes and strategies. The central revenue management team also provide on-going training to the local hotel revenue managers.

Purchasing

All Maldron and Partner Hotels benefit from the strength of Dalata Group Purchasing. Deals are negotiated after an intensive tender process on one or two year contracts to achieve the best possible product, service and pricing.

All Maldron and Partner Hotels benefit from the strength of Dalata Group Purchasing. Deals are negotiated after an intensive tender process on one or two year contracts to achieve the best possible product, service and pricing.

The benefits to hotels within Dalata Purchasing include:

• Quality control guarantee of all products purchased
• Traceability of all food purchases through a detailed HACCP system
• Regular audits of current and potential supplier premises
• Full disclosure of supplier systems through a detailed Supplier Approval Questionnaire
• Ability to demonstrate high attention to detail through the supplier selection process
• Provision of “best practice” through leverage of high purchase volume
• Reduction in purchasing costs and attainment of maximum margins, achieved by the close working relationship between Dalata Purchasing and each hotel
• Achievement of improved gross operating profits without compromising product or service
• Identification of particular areas in each hotel that require additional focus
• Low inventories at property level, maintained through regular deliveries
• Consistent benchmarking of laundry and utility costs
• Reciprocal business from suppliers to the hotels, e.g. accommodation, meetings, etc. is demanded of suppliers signed up to contracts with Dalata Purchasing
• Provision of supplier support for hotels’ special events and marketing campaigns
• Any issues relating to product or service quality are quickly resolved through the regular contact between National Account Managers and Dalata Purchasing
• Being part of the largest hotel buying group within Ireland generates profile and extra attention which is a positive benefit to the individual businesses within the Dalata Group Purchasing system

Property Development & Project Management

DMS has extensive experience in evaluating, assessing and formulating solutions for hotel operation, site and physical asset related issues.

DMS has extensive experience in evaluating, assessing and formulating solutions for hotel operation, site and physical asset related issues.

Licencing & Compliance

• Fire certification and related safety systems
• Planning and environmental matters
• Management of Liquor, Dance and Live Music Licence applications

Property Development & Capital Expenditure

• Critical appraisal of proposed capital outlays
• Assessment of the timing of any spend including impact on cash flows
• Optimisation of capital expenditure

Design Management

• Pre-design budgeting and budget preparation
• Design specification and review of drawings
• Management of tender process and negotiation with suppliers
• Review of tender documentation and processes
• Fixtures, fittings and equipment selection

Project Management

• Delivery of project on time and to budget
• Limit disruption to the hotel operation
• Management of health and safety risk
• On-site monitoring and progress reporting provided at regular intervals
• Consultation and liaison with external consultants
• Post-completion follow-up and snagging
• Invoice approval

Human Resources

The Group operates a decentralised human resource model with local level HR managers supported by a central Group HR function.

The Group operates a decentralised human resource model with local level HR managers supported by a central Group HR function. There is a large focus on developing our people and growing our talent to ensure we have the next generation of leaders and managers available to us. Group HR run numerous development programmes throughout the year, open to all the hotels in the Group.  We focus on upskilling and developing the managers in the operation to ensure excellent compliance, employee engagement as well as talent management. The Group HR team are very experienced in change management, restructuring as well as managing employee relations.

IT

Initially, DMS undertakes a comprehensive review and assessment of the IT systems and costs in the property and a plan of actions required in this area is compiled.

Initially, DMS undertakes a comprehensive review and assessment of the IT systems and costs in the property and a plan of actions required in this area is compiled.

Ongoing services provided by DMS include:

• IT project management
• IT cost management
• Design, development and improvement of systems
• Asset management, hardware and software life cycle planning
• Technical management and escalation support
• Security, anti-virus, backup and data management advice and support
• Vendor selection

Additional Expertise

Many Partner Hotels present challenges in relation to their operating business, and there may also be challenges regarding their physical asset. In order that the business can operate, DMS involves itself in a host of activities to rectify the many serious problems it encounters.

Many Partner Hotels present challenges in relation to their operating business, and there may also be challenges regarding their physical asset. In order that the business can operate, DMS involves itself in a host of activities to rectify the many serious problems it encounters!!

DMS has a strong record in:

• Managing hotels through the receivership process
• Managing large, complex assets
• Handling complicated planning issues
• Communicating with local authorities in connection with municipal rates
• Working with licensing authorities on all licence requirements
• Managing hotels where there are issues regarding non-compliance of planning or issues with the physical structure
• Working with building contractors to ensure hotels are completed to the required health and safety standards
• Implementing and controlling the necessary company structures to manage hotels when the existing structure is liquidated
• Implementing redundancy programmes
• Negotiating with utility suppliers
• Handling insurance issues and negotiating insurance cover

Managed Hotels

The Group has been providing a complete hotel management solution since 2009 to owners, receivers and banks. There are currently 4 partner hotels under management agreements. All of the hotels are located in Ireland. We seek to generate increases in both cashflow and capital value for the owners through introducing the Dalata approach to managing hotels. We have a strong track record of significantly increasing the profitability of the assets that we manage.