Mehul Sharma, Founder at Signum hotels and resorts

Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?

Mehul Sharma : Being part of the hospitality industry for a while, have always seen a gap in the global market for ‘affordable yet luxury brand’ making a significant impact in our daily lives hence - Signum.

So, we envisioned to create, Affordable yet aspirational luxury where there is seamless integration with immersive inclusions.

Great Companies: What are the various Services provided by Signum hotels and resorts

Mehul Sharma : Signum Hotels and Resorts, the rapidly emerging independent hospitality organization, has several renowned properties spread across India. We are focused on providing the best hospitality solutions to guests.

We provide authentic experiences set in a background of comfortable and hidden luxury. Guests are our centre of gravity and inspire everything, we do. We dedicate ourselves to crafting the most amazing personal experiential memories and stays.

At Signum hotels and resorts we understand the value of comfort and convenience and deliver high-end services that bring delight to our customers. We own the state-of-the-art methodologies to run and manage the best of properties in the best of locations.

Great Companies: What makes Signum hotels and resorts different from hundreds of other similar service providers?

Mehul Sharma :

Signum Hotels and Resorts, the rapidly emerging independent hospitality organization, has several renowned properties spread across India. This leading hotel chain brand is focused on providing the best hospitality solutions to guests. Our key strength is providing affordable luxury and excellent experience to guests.

We aim to provide authentic experiences set in a background of comfortable and hidden luxury. Affordable yet aspirational luxury where there is seamless integration with immersive inclusions.

Great Companies: What are the struggles and challenges you face?

Mehul Sharma : Hospitality businesses are continually faced with many challenges regarding trends and customer expectations.

Unforeseen situations like COVID-19 outbreak has presented unprecedented circumstances before the fragile tourism and hospitality industry. Other challenges are majorly identified in areas related to the changing political scenarios, provision of skilled human resource, land acquisition price and making the most of social media and latest technological advancements to bring about growth in the hospitality business.

Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Signum hotels and resorts?

Mehul Sharma : Our focus as a brand will continue to provide significant experiences and impact on the in-design architecture. We would continue working towards making our mark stronger in the niche market, this positions us to compete against giant hotel brands and also experience-oriented players. We want to be known as an amalgamation of great product with high-end service and local engrossment.

Also, we plan to leverage our investment AI to seek a competitive edge and innovate. The key attributes are AI-driven services like Food App, Mobile App, Signum Training Academy & Loyalty Programme.

All this will lead to:

• Conversational AI

• Intelligent Process Automation(IPA)

• Increase Direct Bookings

• Instantaneous Responses

• Reduce Labour Costs Upto 10-15%

• Increase Staff Efficiency

• Reduce Customer Wait Times

• Increase Upselling and Cross Selling

• Increase Sales and Marketing Productivity

• Increase Guest Satisfaction and NPS

• Increase Loyalty

We have plans of acquiring and operating 50 hotels, globally in the next 2 years, betting on experiential offerings and undefined factors. We aim to strengthen our position as a global hospitality chain that believes in leaving a lasting legacy for its guests, the community and stakeholders.

Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Mehul Sharma : Ensure that first and foremost you and your team members have a clear understanding of your 'why'. Once you have this, you will develop your passion and purpose, which will drive you forward and help you overcome all obstacles that may come your way.

Develop a growth mindset. You will face many challenges and difficulties along the way, the key is to see them as learning opportunities. Also, clear business plan, strategy, hard work will take you a long way and try to remain debt free as long as possible.