The Celtic Manor Resort has strengthened its corporate relations team with two new appointments as it seeks to build on its position as the UK’s leading conference hotel.

Ali Morrill takes up the position of corporate relations manager for the key London region where the resort hopes to capture more business from the major UK companies and national associations based in the capital.

Celtic Manor has already been voted the UK’s Best Hotel for the fifth time in six years at the 2016 Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards, and is set to become an even more attractive venue for major conferences.

It was recently announced that construction work will begin in September on an £80m Wales International Convention Centre which will bring many more of the largest events to Celtic Manor and to Wales, following its successful staging of the 2014 NATO Summit.

Ali will be tasked with bringing new events to Celtic Manor’s existing conference facilities which have just been bolstered by the acquisition of the neighbouring Hilton Newport, now rebranded as the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor.

She said: “It’s a fantastic time to be joining the Celtic Manor Resort which has so many excellent facilities and a great reputation for hosting the finest events. I’m really looking forward to meeting new and existing clients of the Celtic Manor and letting them know exactly what we can do to make their next event extra special."

Celtic Manor has also promoted Gemma Smith to sponsorship and hospitality executive as it continues to build its impressive events portfolio. Annual events at the five-star resort include Polo at the Manor, the Celebrity Cup presented by Bulmers, a Fireworks Spectacular and the month-long Christmas Kingdom.

She said: “I’m looking forward to working on the exciting events in the Celtic Manor calendar and bringing in new sponsors to experience not only these special occasions but all that the Resort can offer as part of the year-round benefits of partnering with us.

“I’ll also be managing the relationships we have with our existing loyal sponsors and seeking ways to develop these and offer even more opportunities.”