In the heart of the Herefordshire countryside lies Glewstone Court, a charming Georgian manor turned wedding venue, where Gary Homewood, along with his family, has woven his diverse professional tapestry. From aspirations of veterinary science to steering multinational corporations, Homewood’s journey is a testament to adaptability and vision.
“I wanted to be a vet when I was very young,” Homewood reminisces. His academic pursuits in Animal Physiology and Nutrition were a stepping stone, not to veterinary clinics, but to the bustling world of food and beverage. He pivoted towards a corporate career, joining Cargill on a graduate training scheme. It was here that Homewood’s flair for revitalising struggling businesses began to shine. “My expertise is going into businesses that are struggling and doing a turnaround job,” he states.
Homewood’s career is marked by a series of strategic moves across various sectors, including a significant stint in financial services where he picked up transferable skills, he explains. Gary’s ability to improve efficiencies and manage mergers transcended industry boundaries, leading him back to food and beverage, where he took on roles that spanned continents.
As the director of BRF for Europe (Retail & Foodservice), Homewood managed a €300 million business, overseeing 23 countries with eight regional managers. His international experience brought with it a vast experience in cultural intelligence amidst different languages and cultures.
At the core of Homewood’s success is his philosophy on change management. “People are very resistant to change,” he observes. Convincing teams to embrace transformation and understand their role in it has been a cornerstone of his approach. “It’s a case of bringing people with you,” Homewood asserts, highlighting the need for collective buy-in to achieve key goals and objectives.
But Homewood’s story is not just about professional triumphs; it’s about the human connections made along the way. “The people I met across the world were incredibly friendly, and made you feel like part of the family straight away,” he fondly recalls. It’s this blend of business acumen and personal touch that has defined his tenure at Glewstone Court and beyond.
Charting New Horizons
Gary’s professional journey took a pivotal turn when he decided to step away from the corporate whirlwind and into the realm of personal enterprise. “It was a lot of travel and time away from home,” Homewood reflects on his tenure with BRF. The desire for change led him to Glewstone Court, a venue ripe with potential and familiar from past visits.
“We knew it had a lot of potential and we knew it from the past,” Homewood says of the Herefordshire venue that had been on the market. With a vision for its transformation into a premier wedding and events destination, Gary and his wife embarked on a journey of renovation and innovation. “We invested a lot of personal money to get the business looking the part,” he shares, underscoring the commitment to revitalising the property.
But the unforeseen challenge of COVID-19 tested Homewood’s resolve. “Just as we got to the point where we were starting to turn a corner, COVID lockdowns came upon us,” he recounts. Yet, in the face of adversity, Homewood’s leadership shone through. Prioritising staff welfare and community support, he navigated the business through turbulent times, even accommodating weddings for servicemen amidst restrictions.
Emerging from the pandemic, Glewstone Court found itself inundated with a backlog of weddings and new bookings. The venue’s reputation for excellence was cemented by prestigious accolades such as the 2AA Rosette award and the coveted Red Star award for superior service and quality. “The hotel business was really taking off,” Homewood notes with pride.
However, the success brought about a strategic crossroads. “We were moving between being a boutique hotel running a wedding going back to that,” he explains, highlighting the operational challenges. The decision was made to focus solely on weddings and events, a bold move that relinquished a steady income stream from the hotel and restaurant operations. “The first year was always going to be tricky,” Homewood admits, yet the transition has proven fruitful, with Glewstone Court thriving as a dedicated venue for life’s most celebrated moments.
The Allure of Glewstone Court: A Blend of History, Romance, and Personal Touch
Glewstone Court stands as a testament to British history and architectural grandeur. “It’s a historic building, with lots of beautiful Georgian and Regency architecture,” says Gary. The estate’s rich past, dating back to ownership by Guy's Hospital and later by the wealthy landowner Charles Ballinger, adds a layer of intrigue and charm that captivates couples seeking a venue with a story.
But it’s not just the history that draws people to Glewstone Court; it’s the breathtaking natural beauty and the venue’s adaptability to modern demands. “We’ve got a beautiful view across what we call the Chinn Valley, it’s stunning,” Homewood enthuses, describing the picturesque landscapes that provide a romantic backdrop for weddings. The venue’s ability to evolve with the times, catering to the Instagram-savvy Gen Z and adapting to the UK weather and economic challenges, has set it apart in the industry.
Homewood proudly shares their success in exceeding industry standards, with booking statistics that double the norm, a testament to the venue’s allure. “We’re currently booking about 8% of our inquiries, with the norm being 4%,” he reveals, highlighting the impressive conversion rates.
At the heart of Glewstone Court’s appeal is its family-run ethos and the exceptional culinary experience led by their head chef. “We’ve got a lot of flexibility in terms of catering and food offerings,” Homewood explains, emphasising their commitment to personalising menus to meet diverse dietary needs.
Above all, it is the personal touch and the familial atmosphere that truly sets Glewstone Court apart. “The team is our USP, absolutely,” Homewood asserts. The staff’s dedication to knowing each guest by name and attending to every detail is reflected in the venue’s stellar reviews. “It’s all about the people, we go out of our way to look after people exceptionally well,” Homewood states.
Envisioning Glewstone’s Legacy
As Gary contemplates the future of Glewstone Court, his vision for its legacy is clear: “We create an environment where people come and really celebrate life,” he shares. With aspirations to expand their family of venues, Homewood and his team are dedicated to ensuring that each event is a cherished memory for those who attend. “It’s a place where you make memories,” he reflects, acknowledging the full spectrum of life’s moments, from joyous weddings to wakes.
For Homewood, the journey has been one of learning and legacy-building. He hopes to pass on his wealth of experience to his team and family, ensuring that the essence of Glewstone’s hospitality endures. The recognition of their efforts, as finalists in the SME of the Year category at the Great British Business Awards, is not the goal but a welcome affirmation of their commitment to excellence. “We’re not in it for the awards,” Homewood asserts, “we’re in it for people to make memories and have a great time here.” This sentiment encapsulates the enduring legacy that Glewstone Court aims to leave: a haven for celebration, a place where life is honoured, and memories are forged to last a lifetime.
