RBS And Michels & Taylor To Launch New Hotel Brand

The Royal Bank of Scotland and Michels & Taylor, the hotel asset management company, have announced their intention to launch a new hotel brand for Ireland under a joint venture arrangement.    The brand, tipped to be called "The Collection", will be launched across Ireland in the new year with the aim of having an initial group of at least 25 hotels carrying the new flag.    A limited group of hotels that currently have existing lending arrangements with The Royal Bank of Scotland, through its Ulster Bank  subsidiary, have been selected and will be invited to join the group.   Sir David Michels, who sits on the board of Michels & Taylor has previous experience in branded hotels from his time as Hilton Group chief executive.   "Ireland has been without a major domestic hotel brand for many years and we believe there’s a real opportunity for a group of hotels to get together and offer the customers something tangible and inherently Irish," said Michels.   "The country is famous the world over for its hospitality and friendly welcome, and we intend to utilise this wonderful asset," he said.    Michel's other previous ventures include stints as deputy chairman of Marks and Spencer and easyJet.