
The Managing Director of Sleepwell Hotels has slammed the government for intervening in the financing of the Sefton Group to the tune of £4.5 million.
Mark Wilson says the decision creates unfair competition in the hospitality sector.
He believes the Sefton Group is now free to undertake a policy of anti-competitive discounting and will be the sole beneficiary of the significant volume of government hotel business.
He also states there is now little, if any, rationale for further investment in the Sleepwell chain of hotels on the island.
Mr Wilson says Sleepwell could have guaranteed the jobs of the 300 employed by the Sefton Group, without government becoming involved - but they weren't approached despite having previously stated their interest:-
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