Professional Hospitality Relief Service
Helping Hands
Hospitality Relief Service
Experienced, trustworthy relief management for B&Bs, guest houses and hotels up to 20 bedrooms — so you can take a well-earned holiday, a few nights away or recover from illness with complete peace of mind.
50+
Years in Hospitality
About Philip Lomax
Cover You Can Trust, From Someone Who's Lived It
I'm Philip Lomax, and for over 50 years I've operated my own hotels, personally managing every aspect of the business — from guest check-ins to staff rotas, housekeeping standards to supplier relationships.
I understand the weight of responsibility that comes with running a small property. When you need time away — whether for a holiday, a family occasion, or simply a rest — you shouldn't have to worry. That's exactly why I started Helping Hands Hospitality Cover.
- 50 years of hands-on hotel operation
- Full understanding of front-of-house and back-of-house
- Guest relations and customer service excellence
- Staff management and daily operations oversight
- Financial and booking management experience
- Discreet, professional and fully reliable
Our Relief Services
Relief for Every Occasion
Whether planned or unexpected, Helping Hands provides seamless relief management for small hospitality properties — up to 20 bedrooms.
Owner Holidays
Take the holiday you deserve. I'll manage your property fully while you're away — guests, staff, bookings and all daily operations — just as you would yourself.
Short Breaks
Even a few days away can feel impossible when you're responsible for everything. I step in seamlessly for short breaks, giving you a proper rest.
Sickness Relief
Illness is unpredictable. When it strikes, the last thing you need is to worry about your guests. I provide rapid, reliable relief management so your property keeps running smoothly.
Family Events
Weddings, milestone birthdays, christenings — life's big moments shouldn't be missed. I hold the fort so you can be fully present for the people that matter most.
Days Away
Training days, industry events, appointments or simply a personal day — I provide short-notice relief management so you can attend without disrupting your operation.
Tailored Relief Service
Every property is different. Whether you need help with front-of-house, check-ins, breakfast service or general management, the relief service is shaped around your specific needs.
Why Choose Philip
The Right Person in Your Corner
Not an agency. Not a stranger. A fellow hospitality professional who has spent a lifetime understanding exactly what your property needs.
50+
Years in Hospitality
20
Max Bedrooms Covered
100%
Hands-On Approach
6
Relief Reasons Supported
Deep Operational Knowledge
Having run hotels for over five decades, I understand every layer of property operations — from guest expectations to linen schedules, from managing a difficult situation with grace to keeping suppliers happy.
Discretion & Professionalism
Your guests will be looked after to the same standard you'd provide yourself. Your reputation and standards are treated as my own.
Tailored to Small Properties
I specialise in B&Bs, guest houses and hotels up to 20 bedrooms — the kind of intimate properties where personal service is everything.
Flexible & Responsive
Whether you need relief management at short notice or months in advance, I work around your schedule and the unique rhythm of your property.
The Process
How It Works
A simple, straightforward process designed to give you confidence from the very first conversation.
Get in Touch
Complete the enquiry form below or call Philip directly. Share some details about your property, the dates you need cover, and what you'd require.
Initial Conversation
Philip will get back to you promptly for a no-obligation chat — to understand your property, your standards, and how cover would work best for you.
Tailored Cover Plan
A clear, bespoke cover arrangement is agreed — including daily responsibilities, handover notes, key contacts and your preferred way of working.
You Relax, We Deliver
Philip takes over, managing your property professionally and discreetly. You get the break you need with full confidence your guests are in safe hands.
Estimate Your Relief Service
What Might a Relief Service Cost?
Select your property size and how long you need relief management for — we'll give you a ballpark figure to help you plan.
Step 1 — How many bedrooms?
Step 2 — How long do you need relief management?
Your estimated range will appear here once you've made your selections above.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
"We were nervous about leaving our B&B for the first time in eleven years. Philip stepped in and we genuinely couldn't tell the difference — our guests loved him and everything ran like clockwork. We finally had a proper holiday."
Margaret & David Thornton
The Old Rectory B&B, Shropshire
FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before getting in touch.
I specialise in B&Bs, guest houses and small hotels with up to 20 bedrooms. This is the sweet spot where personal, hands-on management makes the biggest difference.
As much as possible is always helpful, but I understand that life doesn't always give advance warning. I can often accommodate short-notice requests — particularly for sickness or family emergencies. Get in touch as soon as you know you need relief management and we'll work something out.
Everything you would normally handle yourself — guest check-ins and check-outs, breakfast service, housekeeping oversight, staff management, supplier liaison, handling guest queries and complaints, and general day-to-day operations. The relief service is tailored to your property and your specific needs.
That's entirely your choice. Many owners prefer to introduce me as a colleague or manager — guests simply experience the same standard of service. I'm discreet and professional at all times.
Absolutely. I have 50 years of direct hotel operation experience and a number of satisfied clients who are happy to speak with you. References are available on request — just ask when you get in touch.
Fees are agreed directly with you before the relief service begins — there are no hidden charges or surprises. The quote calculator on this page gives a rough indication, but final pricing is confirmed in our initial conversation based on your specific property and requirements.
I am based in Norfolk and provide relief services nationally across the UK. Travel and accommodation (where required for overnight stays away from base) are factored into the overall arrangement and discussed upfront.
Still have a question?
Make an Enquiry
Ready to Plan Your Break?
Philip will get back to you promptly for a no-obligation chat — if we are both happy with our chat and think we can work together, I suggest we arrange an initial visit so I can see your property in action, to understand your property, your standards, and how cover would work best for you. If you feel you would like to take things further, we can discuss next steps from there.
Philip Lomax
Helping Hands Hospitality Relief Service