Strengths
•Strategy: established differentiation strategy.
•Structure: flat, decentralized structure.
•Skills: diverse range of service skills within management and staff.
•Style: strong, participative culture.
•Staff: specialized and experienced staff that are motivated and highly skilled. A well trained team who are proud of their hotel and respect and promote the brand values.
•Shared Values: clear and well communicated.
•Brand Strength: brand values well represented engendering brand loyalty amongst existing and new guests.
•Reputation: a strong reputation within the local market and corporate and travel trade markets for reliability, exemplary service and quality.
Weaknesses
•Strategy: differentiation strategy needs to be more clearly communicated externally, within local and national markets.
•Systems: formal systems result from the detail oriented work and environment. Interdepartmental communications could be improved.
•Staff: seasonal turnover requires ongoing training and orientation of new staff.
•Facilities: certain rooms require renovation and upgrade as regards technical equipment, such as high speed Internet access and laptop links.
Opportunities
•Market: returning growth after a period of slump.
•Competitors: no direct competition exists at present, in terms of the five star 'boutique business property' niche.
•Suppliers: strong, long-term relationships established with suppliers.
•Guest Dependency: repeat corporate business based on personal service and quality, in a small but luxurious environment.
Threats
•Market Entry: potential for a competitive, global brand to enter the market with a similar product.
•Substitutes: fully furnished and serviced business apartments offering lower daily rates.
•Economy: recovery from slight recession may take time.