NEWS
Grand Metropolitan Hotels announces takeover of Signature Hotels
Grand Metropolitan Hotels, one of the world’ s leading hotel management companies based in Zurich, has confirmed the strategic takeover of London-based Signature Hotels. The takeover gives Grand Metropolitan Hotels a significant footprint in the UK market. The commercial term of the deal remains undisclosed.
Signature Hotels currently operates boutique and upper-midscale properties across London, with two additional properties set to open during the next 12 months. The group’ s portfolio is characterised by a focus on individuality, local character and human-centred hospitality, balancing sustainable performance with culture, wellbeing and social responsibility.
Through this takeover, Grand Metropolitan Hotels expands its reach within London’ s upscale hotel segment while extending into one of the world’ s fastest-growing hospitality markets, India, where Signature has two properties under development. The partnership further aligns two family-led groups united by shared values, long-term vision and a commitment to meaningful, people-focused hospitality.
“ Signature Hotels offers a powerful combination of local credibility and international ambition,” said Martin R. Smura, Founder and Chairman of Grand Metropolitan Hotels.“ London remains one of the most competitive hospitality markets in the world, and Signature’ s operational strength, coupled with its ties to India, provides GMH with an immediate and meaningful platform for growth.”
Ramesh Arora, current CEO of Signature Hotels group, will be retained as Supervisory Board Member for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels. With over four decades of international experience across Asia, the Middle East and Europe, Arora has been recognised with numerous accolades.
UKG study finds AI adoption linked to reduced burnout for UK frontline workers
Anew 10-country global study of 8,200 frontline employees by
UKG, a leading global AI platform for HR, pay and workforce management, reveals that frontline workers using AI report fewer instances of burnout than those not using AI. However, workers’ concerns around job security and workload remain high, highlighting the need for clearer communication, better education and more transparency from employers.
The study shows that burnout continues to be a pressing issue for UK frontline workers, with 77 % saying they feel burned out at work. Among those affected, 88 % report being less productive and 77 % admit to making more mistakes. Interestingly, the data suggests that AI may help alleviate some of this strain: frontline employees who use AI report lower rates of burnout( 36 %), compared with those who do not( 59 %).
Currently, 33 % of UK frontline workers use AI to support their roles, with many citing improvements in scheduling flexibility and operational efficiency. Retail and manufacturing are the leading sectors for frontline AI adoption in the UK, followed by financial services and logistics.
Despite the benefits, barriers to adoption persist. One-third of UK frontline workers fear AI will replace their jobs, while another third worry it will increase their workload. Additionally, 57 % believe AI will negatively impact the experience of customers, patients or others they serve.
Employers have a clear opportunity to address these concerns and take meaningful steps to help frontline workers overcome doubts about using AI.
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