A HUSBAND and wife who run a nine-bed boutique guesthouse said they will do "whatever it takes" to keep their business afloat as the cost-of-living crisis bites harder.
Joel, 53, and Tracey Toulmin, 52, who took on Bryn Woodlands House in Colwyn Bay in 2015, are making efforts to reduce their energy usage.
The couple have managed to secure a fixed-rate tariff for their energy for three years, and gas for two, but spiralling bills are having an impact on customers who are leaving it to the last minute to book.
Tracey said: "It is certainly very worrying times for us all. It [the current cost-of-living crisis] is impacting us as people are leaving it until last minute to book their stays rather than in advance, however we do offer an early bird price for booking in advance and it has helped a little.
"We are in the process of changing all our light bulbs to LED's and our boiler has recently been upgraded. We have looked into timing switches and do have signs in the rooms asking for guests to switch off lights.
"Lights in the guest areas are switched off until they either check-in or the first guest comes down to breakfast.
"In the future we hope to introduce solar power but being within the conservation boundary, that will take time."
Joel and Tracey took on the guest house in 2015, something they describe as a "dream".
The couple have experienced a busy summer and are receiving bookings for 2023, but Joel and Tracey - who employ one other staff member - are concerned what the future holds.
"Some guests have given us well wishes when departing, hoping we survive another blow that is coming our way," Tracey said.
"It is very touching because they have genuinely enjoyed their stay and they want us to be successful.
"It certainly keeps everything at the the forefront of our minds about surviving and what actions we can take to stay in the market."
During the pandemic, Joel and Tracey kept their 2019 prices; they didn't think it was fair to try and recoup their losses from those who had also been hit hard.
They have vowed to keep going and stay positive, but they are aware of the hardships winter may bring for the hospitality industry.
Tracey added: "Talking to others in the industry, some are saying they may have to close or reduce their opening further. This could be something to consider for us too. Friends in local bars have advised the increase on beer gas and utilities could cripple them.
"We don't see that there will much change [in terms of support] from the new prime minister.
"You only have to look at the struggles hospitality has faced over the last few days to see our industry is not a high priority."
Joel and Tracey met working in four / five star hotels in North London. Between them they have more than 30 years experience as a restaurant / function manager and receptionist plus conference co-ordinator.
Before taking ownership of the Colwyn Bay property, they had discussed running their own place but always thought it was a pipe dream until an opportunity arose and the couple came across Bryn Woodlands House.
"We came across Bryn Woodlands twice on our searches. It was a sign," Tracey said.
"Our passion is to give everyone that comes to stay the experience of feeling 'home from home' without the stress. One guest said this year it was like coming home to their parents.
"As long as our guests are happy, we are here to serve.
"There is no going back so we will do whatever it takes to keep running our business for the benefit of our visitors."
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