Operational Advisory for Manila House, The Philippines

Project Type

Operational Advisory

Country

The Philippines

Case Study Title

Business Model, Corporate Structure and Pre-Opening Project Direction for Manila House Private Club Inc. 

The Client

Manila House Private Club Inc. https://www.manilahouseinc.com/ 

Background

Identifying a potential niche for a hip private members’ club in the capital of the Philippines, the Client sought international management and consultancy expertise to translate that ambition into a professionally-operated and commercially-focussed enterprise. 

Offering a unique setting for a modern, diverse clientele from a wide spectrum of industries, stimulating debate and discussion alongside impeccable service and first-class facilities, Manila House was conceptualised as being the most sophisticated meeting place for a new generation of professionals in Manila. 

The Project

A 2,385 sq metre site on the eighth floor of a new building in Metro Manila to include all-day dining, meeting/function rooms, speciality Filipino restaurant, bar, cigar room, reception and back of house areas, plus a 3,000 sq metre garden open to the public. 

Overall Scope of Work

The essential starting point for the project was the raising of investment funds, and Hotel Solutions Partnership (HSP) was engaged to write the Investor Prospectus – following up with creating an organisational structure and pre-opening development plan. 

HSP was fully embedded in the project from day one, advising on all areas including design and construction, project management, marketing and membership sales, through to the club opening.   

HSP continues to monitor and oversee the Club’s operations.  

Pre Opening Services

Hotel Solutions Partnership was responsible for preparing financial projections used as the basis of the investor prospectus.  The required capital was raised in a record time of less than three months.  

Among the technical services provided in the pre-opening phase, HSP contributed to: 

• The review of the total design concept, materials and operating equipment; 
• The establishment of the project team, costings and schedules, tendering and procurement, plus hand-over; 
• The oversight of the Club management structure and standard operating procedures, food and beverage concepts, financial reporting, human resources recruitment, training, IT, plus marketing, PR and membership sales. 

 Soft Opening Services

Hotel Solutions Partnership has overseen the fine-tuning of the Club’s operations in the soft opening phase, with its Asian team involved in a range of issues including the recruitment of a new General Manager and a strong Finance Director. Katrina Craig served as Non-Executive Director (NED) on the club’s board for 2 years, and Vicki Aldaba served as the club’s interim Sales & Marketing Director. HSP continues to support the Club’s international relationships and is currently negotiating reciprocal rights with other international private clubs. 

What did Hotel Solutions Partnership achieve for the client?  

HSP provided the critical expertise to translate an ambition to a commercial enterprise, contributing the vital flesh to the bones of a concept. 

The Manila House Private Members club is now well on its way to meeting the expectations of its investors and has become the place to be seen in Manila.   

In addition to a stunning setting with contemporary interiors, garden spaces and multitude of dining experiences, Manila House offer a programme of exclusive events and activities that encompass everything from art and film to fashion and wellness; business and tech to food and wine; parenting, politics, literature, art, music and more. 

With the club’s growing membership base, HSP continues to work in tandem with the marketing team to position the venue on trend for every type of reception or event, from ballroom dancing to arts, education and social events. 

Key to success has been finessing the operational aspects of the Club while harnessing the creative potential of the original concept to offer a new and exciting hospitality and meeting centre in the heart of Manila. 

June 2017