Q&A: Wayne Topley, Managing Director, Cedar Court Hotels

With more than 25 years in hospitality, Wayne Topley has built a reputation as a people-first leader, driving transformation and growth across Cedar Court Hotels. The independent Yorkshire hotel collection operates properties in Wakefield, Bradford, Huddersfield and Harrogate, serving business and leisure travellers as well as meetings and events guests across the region.

The group has more than 35 years of experience in the Yorkshire hotel market and, since 2019, has continued to invest across its portfolio. In this exclusive Q&A, Topley discusses the evolution of hospitality, the role of workplace culture and how investment in bedrooms, meeting spaces and public areas is supporting Cedar Court Hotels’ response to changing guest expectations.

Your career spans more than two decades in hospitality, how has the industry evolved?

Today’s customers want flexibility, quality, and experiences that feel tailored to them. At the same time, the way people travel, work, and socialise has shifted, which has changed how we design and use our spaces. That said, the fundamentals haven’t changed – hospitality is still about people, and making guests feel genuinely welcome remains at the heart of everything we do.

What have been the most important leadership lessons you’ve learned?

You learn as much from challenges as success. A key lesson for me was to put people first. Empowered teams deliver better guest experiences, so creating a culture where people feel confident and supported is essential.

What lasting impact has the pandemic had on the industry?

It reinforced the importance of people. Supporting teams through that period brought clarity – hospitality is fundamentally about looking after others. It also accelerated change in flexibility, resilience and how we operate.

How would you define a great guest experience today?

Simple, genuine, and consistent. Guests want to feel welcome and looked after without things feeling overcomplicated. In my opinion, authenticity and warmth will always make the biggest difference.

How does that translate at Cedar Court Hotels?

We pride ourselves on “proper Yorkshire hospitality” – being warm, genuine and approachable. We’ve also invested over £10 million so far, focusing on upgrading bedrooms, meeting spaces, and public areas to ensure they meet the expectations of today’s customer.

What key trends are shaping the sector?

We’re seeing a major shift in how space is used, driven by the rise of hybrid working and digital collaboration. Demand for traditional meeting rooms has changed, so we’re adapting by creating more flexible, multi-use spaces.
This approach makes our spaces work harder – whether that’s for work, community use, or new concepts – and the shift is already proving successful across the business.

What role does company culture play in success?

It’s critical – engaged teams drive better guest satisfaction. We invest in development and promote from within, creating a culture where our people feel valued and motivated to perform.

What advice would you give to someone building a career in hospitality?

Go for it. It’s a rewarding industry with real opportunities. Work hard, build relationships and engage with people you meet along the way – those connections and experiences will shape your career for years to come.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of hospitality?

The opportunity to innovate. The industry is evolving quickly, and that creates space to rethink how we use our spaces and develop our people. At its heart, hospitality is about bringing people together – and that will always matter most.

Want to hear more from Wayne? Connect with him on LinkedIn to start up a conversation.