Who we are

The Bowden Group brings together people and resources to assist hard-pressed independent hospitality operators maximise their profits.

David Hunter started The Bowden Group over 25 years ago. He has now been joined by Michael Cockman to fulfill his vision of developing a broad based “Alliance” of independent resources.

Between them, David and Michael have not only extensive operational experience but also are totally committed to a mentoring approach. Here, your own skills are developed for the future.

During assignments they may identify the need for specialist services such as accounting, stocktaking, health & safety, fire prevention and human resources support. Many of these service suppliers are already part of the Bowden Group Alliance.

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Principal Consultants

David Hunter

Hospitality profitability and operational specialist.

An adviser since 1988, David works with both independent operators and SMEs, helping them to increase profits by maximising profitability.

David is a Fellow of the HCIMA (Hospitality Management Institute), and a Fellow of the IIB (Institute for Independent Business). He has worked as a senior General Manager (Operations) in the hotel and the restaurant business, both in the UK and abroad.

Over the last 25 years David has worked as a consultant for a number of larger companies (including Grand Metropolitan, LivingWell and Nestle). However, the vast majority of clients have been owners of businesses in the SME sector.

Helping to launch new businesses and working with existing ones, David has worked with Hotels, Restaurants (up to 3 Rosettes/2 Michelin stars), Pubs, Caterers. Also Nightclubs, Cafes, Dining Pubs, Sports Bars and Entertainment Venues.

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Michael Cockman

Hospitality marketing specialist

An adviser since 2003, Michael works primarily with independent business owners who suspect that they are not maximising their food, liquor or room revenue.

He has many independent clients but also works on behalf of brewery and pub companies helping their tenants and lessees launch new hotel businesses. Then maximises revenue from current operations.

His last corporate role was as Marketing Director for Glendola Leisure where he launched  Waxy O’Connor’s and Rainforest Cafe. As Marketing Director of Hotel Management International he launched new hotels in The Netherlands and the UK.  Also, was previously Director of Marketing for a hotel company in the South Pacific, where he helped launch many new hotels and restaurants.

Michael is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), and author of the book Putting Heads on Beds – the complete practical guide to marketing your independent hotel or guest accommodation”. This is available through bookstores and online retailers.