Reeds Hotel: a Social Enterprise in our midst

When you think of the term Social Enterprise you wouldn't normally associate it with a hotel. You wouldn't be alone in thinking like this because being a hotel and a social enterprise is not a commonplace situation; in fact, The Reeds Hotel, situated just off Far Ings road, is the only hotel that is run in this way in the entire Yorkshire and Humber region. Reeds became a social enterprise nearly one year ago, in order to fund further their endeavours at The Odyssey Centre (a place where people with Cancer and their carers can receive help, advice and treatment for free), based just up the hill from the hotel. All the profits from Reeds go to help fund their important work at The Odyssey Centre.

Clearly a picture NOT taken today! Reeds from the front.

Overlooking the pond at the back.

Working very much in tandem with each other, Reeds and The Odyssey Centre are both on the cusp of exciting developments. Within the next three years they both have plans for self-sustainability; including bio-mass boilers, solar panels and Geothermal energy. Reeds are also looking to install 13 eco-friendly cabins, where people from all over the world will be welcomed for respite from suffering from illness.

Up at The Odyssey there will be an Organic food production project set up, with the food grown being sold to Reeds.

All sorts goes on in here, from weddings to conferences.

Reception and bar area.

In the restaurant.

Although Reeds already provide services for weddings and civil ceremonies, they are also looking to expand into 'Green-themed weddings', where local produce will be eaten, recycled napkins used, wedding albums covered in leaves etc. Plus the fact that the hotel will one day be self-sustaining, this will make an attractive option for those wanting to marry in a 'green' way.

They provide a full wedding and civil ceremony planning service.

Reeds also have a welcoming spa treatment area, where you can enjoy facials, massage, body wraps, Reiki, Manicures and lots more therapeutic services designed to make you feel good. Yes please!

Nature's Spa reception area.

Meditation room upstairs at the Spa.

It's a good job there was no wedding there today as the weather was utterly horrendous. Luckily I had taken some photos on a sunnier day for you to see.

I will be back at Reeds and The Odyssey Centre to follow their exciting developments in the near future.

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What is a Social enterprise? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_enterprise