Brooklands Guest House, 1 year on
Sue Grundy, owner of Brooklands Guest House, is celebrating a successful first year in the Hospitality sector which has seen her five-star Guest House shortlisted for an international award.
The former supermarket deputy manager turned her dream of running a Hospitality business into a reality, after purchasing a Guest House in Penrith, only months after being involved in a serious road accident.
Sue always held an ambition to be a business owner, and after being awarded compensation following the accident, she worked with us at The Cumberland, to land her dream operation in Brooklands Guest House.
Since opening last Christmas, Sue has faced numerous challenges but has quickly established herself as a rising star in the hospitality industry.
Despite initial hurdles, including a hacked booking systems account and getting to grips with the complexities of digital marketing, Sue’s perseverance has paid off.
Her boutique seven-bedroom B&B has seen a strong increase in bookings, with 2025 promising to be a bumper year.
“Running a B&B has certainly come with its challenges, but the past twelve months have been an incredibly rewarding journey,” Sue said.
“It’s been a steep learning curve, from mastering the day-to-day operations to understanding the needs of the guests, but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow.”
Sue's commitment to providing exceptional service has not gone unnoticed. Her establishment has already been shortlisted for an award, including being named one of the top ten in the “Best Under 20 Room Guesthouse” category for the European division.
This recognition has led to an exciting invitation to Cape Town, South Africa, for an award ceremony – a testament to her rapid success in the industry.
Sue credits her success to the personal touches she provides for her guests. From surprising one lady with a birthday cake on her 40th birthday to offering complimentary bottles of prosecco, these small gestures have helped her stand out in a competitive market.
Looking ahead, the 56-year-old is exploring innovative ways to enhance her guests’ experiences.
“We are considering partnerships with local bike shops to offer cycling packages, and we are even looking into golf packages and flight deals through Expedia,” said Sue.
Reflecting on her journey, she advises aspiring B&B owners to do thorough research and be prepared for the all-encompassing nature of the business.
“It does take over your life, so you have to weigh that up,” she said. “It's not for everybody, but if that's what you want to do, go for it.”
“Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far things have come, and I’m excited to build on this foundation in the year ahead. I can’t wait to see what the next twelve months bring as we continue to refine and enhance the experience for Brookland guests.”
Sue credits her success to The Cumberland, who have guided every step of the way.
Holding more than 20 years' experience in supporting businesses in the Hospitality sector, we are now expanding our operations to serve the Healthcare, Professional Services, and Food & Drink sectors.
As well as providing Commercial lending, we also offer business current and savings accounts.
“From the very beginning, their team provided exceptional support and advice, helping me every step of the way with all the challenges that come with running a hospitality business,” said Sue.
“What stood out most has been the personal touch,” she added.
“The Cumberland team genuinely care about my success, frequently checking in and offering proactive solutions to potential hurdles.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the difference their support has made in helping me build a thriving B&B. It feels like they’re as invested in my dream as I am.”
Tina Crookston, Business Relationship Manager at The Cumberland, commented on Sue’s landmark first year: “Sue’s story serves as an inspiration to those looking to make a career change and pursue their dreams.
“With her determination and commitment to excellence, it's clear that this is just the beginning of her success in the world of luxury accommodation.
“The most rewarding part of my job is helping people to achieve their dreams, and I’m so pleased that we were able to help Sue not only make hers a reality, but to really run with them and experience great success.”
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