Optimizing Financial Performance: Insights from Meghal Shah at Suba Group

Optimizing Financial Performance: Insights from Meghal Shah at Suba Group

Admin

Published on March 4, 2024

Transitioning from an illustrious 8-year tenure in audit and taxation at a prominent Chartered Accountants firm, Meghal Shah embarked on a career pivot, driven by a desire to explore fresh horizons within the corporate landscape. Drawn by the allure of the hospitality sector, Meghal embraced a new role as Manager of Finance and Accounts at Suba Group. With a foundation of expertise honed in the intricacies of financial management, Meghal now ventures into the dynamic realm of hospitality, poised to bring her unique blend of skills and experience to chart new successes in this vibrant industry.

What motivated you to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotel finance and accounting?

My previous work experience was with Chartered accountants firm for 8 years in Audit and taxation. As a professional, i wanted to switch my career from firm to industry and explore new areas on my professional front. As an industry, hospitality sector has always fascinated me and i got the opportunity to work with Suba group as Manager- Finance and Accounts.

Can you share some key initiatives you've implemented to optimize financial performance within Suba Group Of Hotels amidst the challenges posed by the hospitality industry?

We have successfully done demerger and merger of our group companies as per the Act post covid to strengthen the financial growth of the Suba group.

How do you foster a collaborative environment within your team to ensure effective financial management and accounting practices?

I always believe that Together Everyone Achieves More and that's what is Team for. As a team leader, i have set target deadlines for specific task for better finance management. We keep communications very clear amongst us and work in harmony.

Could you highlight a particularly successful financial initiative or project you've led within the hotel chain, and how it contributed to the business's overall success?

As stated earlier, post covid we have done demerger and merger of our group companies. The whole project was successfully lead by me right from filing applications to NCLT till getting final approval order from NCLT.

As a woman in a leadership role within the hospitality sector, what advice would you give to other aspiring women looking to advance their careers in this industry?

Someone has nicely said that its easier to lead when doing what you love and i suggest to other aspiring women to love the work and have passion to succeed in the career.

In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the hotel industry today, and how can finance and accounting professionals like yourself address these challenges?

Staff retention and rising salary cost, Operational issues, high financing cost, changes in guest expectations, OTA costs are some of the pressing issues of the industry.

With International Women's Day approaching, how do you personally celebrate and advocate for gender equality within your professional sphere?

By spreading appreciation messages to all the lovely women in my life.

Can you discuss the role of innovation and technology in modernising financial operations within the hotel industry, and how Suba Group Of Hotels embraces these advancements?

Suba Group has always belived in innovation and technology. As a group, we are providing contactless payments, digital menus, mobile ordering for room services, streamlined check in and check out, advanced PMS to integrate financial data.

Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of finance and accounting in the hospitality sector, and how do you plan to stay ahead of industry trends and developments?

The industry has rebound strongly post covid and with increased growth in Indian tourism, Hospitality sector will flourish in future and as a group we have strategis to open more and more hotels in tier 2 tier 3 cities.

This Interview is Published Exclusively in HospitalityNews.in.


Discover Tranquility at The Brigadiers Cottage: Your Ideal Summer Retreat

Discover Tranquility at The Brigadiers Cottage: Your Ideal Summer Retreat

Nishang Narayan

Published on May 4, 2024

This summer, as the bustle of city life grows ever more demanding, find your sanctuary in the tranquil hills of Mussoorie at The Brigadiers Cottage. Known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie offers a refreshing retreat with its cool breezes and misty mornings, setting the stage for a perfect getaway at one of India’s most unique homestays.

The Brigadiers Cottage is not just a place to stay; it’s a journey into a slower, more thoughtful way of life. Owned by Neetu and Aseem Varma, former corporate professionals who traded city life for the mountains, this cottage offers guests a rare blend of luxury and natural beauty. Their commitment to sustainable living is evident in every aspect of the cottage, from its organic farms to the free-roaming poultry and the melodious sounds of a nearby brook.

Guests at The Brigadiers Cottage can experience the joys of farm life with a modern twist. Imagine starting your day collecting fresh eggs for breakfast or taking part in milking the cows. The farm’s produce, including fresh milk, ghee, and honey, is not only organic but also embodies the essence of Himalayan purity.

For those looking to explore beyond the cottage, the Varmas suggest delightful local excursions. Whether it’s enjoying a picnic by the Yamuna River, with tables set up in the shallow waters, or exploring the vibrant Sainji village, known as the corn village of India, there is something for everyone.

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The cottage itself, nestled in lush greenery and designed with an eye for elegance, has hosted a variety of distinguished guests, from diplomats to Bollywood stars, each seeking a slice of peace away from the public eye. Its exclusivity and personal touch make it a preferred retreat for those in the know.

If you're seeking a summer escape where you can unwind, explore, and reconnect with your loved ones, The Brigadiers Cottage in Mussoorie offers an unmatched experience. Plan a stay of at least three days to fully embrace the serene surroundings and the vibrant life of Mussoorie.

Call to Action: Ready to experience the serene beauty and organic luxury of The Brigadiers Cottage? Visit our May issue of the e-magazine for a closer look at this enchanting destination and start planning your perfect summer escape. For more details and bookings, follow us on Instagram @brigadierscottagemussoorie or visit www.brigadierscottage.in.

This article aims to entice readers with the charm and unique offerings of The Brigadiers Cottage, encouraging them to explore further in your e-magazine.


Sweetening the World: Shwetha Rajashekar’s Vision at India Sweet House

Sweetening the World: Shwetha Rajashekar’s Vision at India Sweet House

Nishang Narayan

Published on May 4, 2024

Meet Shwetha Rajashekar, a dynamic entrepreneur who has transitioned from a successful corporate career to revolutionising the desert landscape with India Sweet House. With over a decade of experience at prestigious companies like Goldman Sachs and Tesco, Shwetha brings a wealth of knowledge to her latest venture, aiming to make India Sweet House a globally recognized brand for authentic and sustainable Indian sweets.

In an exclusive interview in our May e-magazine, Shwetha shares her inspiration for starting India Sweet House. The idea was born from her desire to celebrate and preserve India's rich culinary heritage by bringing traditional sweets made with organic ingredients to a broader audience. India Sweet House stands out for its commitment to quality and sustainability, sourcing ingredients from its own organic farm, Karma Farms, ensuring that every bite not only tastes good but also contributes to a healthier planet.

Shwetha discusses the significant role of Karma Farms in maintaining the purity and freshness of their products, from dairy to ghee. This dedication to organic farming highlights a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, which is woven throughout their operations.

Empowerment is also at the core of India Sweet House’s ethos. Shwetha proudly leads an all-woman team, ensuring that the company not only produces delicious sweets but also champions gender equality in the workplace. This empowerment extends to nurturing their talents and fostering an environment where women can thrive and advance.

The article also touches on how India Sweet House balances tradition with innovation. While they cherish traditional recipes, they are not shy about introducing modern twists to suit contemporary tastes, ensuring their delights meet the palates of today’s diverse clientele.

Curious about the blend of tradition and innovation that Shwetha Rajashekar brings to the table with India Sweet House? Learn more about her unique approach to preserving culinary heritage while advancing sustainability in our exclusive May feature. Discover the full story and get inspired by her vision in this month's issue of Hospitality News e-magazine. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @indiahospitalitynews to stay updated with the latest trends and inspiring stories from the world of hospitality.





Mastering MICE: Varun Sharma's Strategic Play at Clarks Exotica

Mastering MICE: Varun Sharma's Strategic Play at Clarks Exotica

Nishang Narayan

Published on May 4, 2024

Join us in an enlightening conversation with Varun Sharma, the visionary General Manager, Operations at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa. Sharma's journey at the resort began in 2014, where he commenced as an Executive Chef. Over the span of 19 years, his career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Through a combination of exceptional skills and a solid educational background in hospitality management, Sharma has ascended to a pivotal leadership role within the resort. His dedication, expertise, and years of experience have undoubtedly contributed to his success and the prosperity of the establishment.

In our May e-magazine, Sharma opens up about the integral role of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in the hospitality industry, particularly at Clarks Exotica. He explains how these events substantially boost occupancy rates and overall revenue, especially during off-peak periods, and significantly enhance the resort’s reputation and brand visibility.

Sharma also unveils some of the strategic initiatives Clarks Exotica has embraced to captivate the MICE market. These include offering bespoke services, such as customised event planning and state-of-the-art facilities, which provide unique and memorable experiences for guests. Additionally, Sharma touches on the importance of technological integration in enhancing event management and guest satisfaction, using tools like AI and virtual reality to create immersive and personalised experiences.

The interview also highlights how Sharma’s leadership fosters an environment that prioritises staff development and service excellence, key factors that contribute to the resort’s success. His insights provide a glimpse into the complexities of managing a top-tier luxury resort and the innovative approaches that ensure its thriving presence in the competitive hospitality market.

Are you captivated by Varun Sharma’s innovative leadership and keen insights at Clarks Exotica? Delve into the full interview for an in-depth exploration of his strategies and successes in our May issue of Hospitality News e-magazine. Follow @indiahospitalitynews on Instagram to stay updated with the latest trends and expert perspectives in the hospitality industry.