Portable hotel outfit predicts sales upturn

SNOOZEBOX, the temporary hotel specialist, is eyeing a boost to sales thanks to high-profile events such as the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

Snoozebox is hoping for a boost from the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Getty

The company, which converts shipping containers into portable hotel rooms, was rocked last year by a profit warning that led to a management overhaul, but new chief executive Lorcán Ó Murchú said it enjoyed a “turnaround” in fortunes during the first six months of 2014.

Interim results, due to be published in September, are expected to show that underlying pre-tax losses have narrowed to £1.6 million, from £4.2m a year ago.

Ó Murchú said: “Revenues will be higher in the second half of the year and key events include the British Grand Prix, the Silverstone Classic, Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, the Moto GP and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

“These events are either sold out or experiencing high levels of demand. Room sales for certain 2015 events are already live and the booking rate is materially ahead of last year at the same time.”