Brend director marks 40 years

Matthew Raistrick, Area Director at the Brend Collection, has been recognised for four decades of service to the company, marking a career that began in 1984 with a six-month placement at The Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth.

Raistrick, originally from Blackpool, first joined the Brend Group as part of his hospitality degree at Blackpool College. After impressing during his placement, he was offered a permanent role in 1985 as Junior Assistant Manager at Saunton Sands Hotel.

Following several roles across the company’s portfolio, he returned to Sidmouth in 1987. He has remained based there ever since, progressing through senior management roles before being appointed Area Director in 2010. He now oversees both the Victoria Hotel and Belmont Hotel, two of the group’s leading South West coastal properties.

John Brend, Chairman of the Brend Collection, paid tribute to Raistrick’s long service.

“Working with Matthew over the past 40 years has been one of the greatest experiences of my working life. His work ethic is second to none and I’m grateful for all he’s done.”

Reflecting on the milestone, Raistrick said: “It’s been a privilege to work for the Brend Collection for 40 years. I’d like to thank all my colleagues, our team at Head Office, the Brend family—especially Mr John Brend—our loyal customers, and my wife and sons for their support.”

The Brend Collection is a family-owned hospitality group operating luxury hotels and restaurants across the South West. Raistrick’s long-standing career is seen as a rare achievement in the hospitality industry and a reflection of the company’s values of loyalty, development, and service excellence.