A new serviced accommodation business in the county has proved a lifeline during lockdown for key workers and construction workers and is now hoping to bring more tourists back to the county.

Stay Lets, which launched last year, has a block of 19 apartments in Cheltenham - ranging from studio flats to six-bed apartments. When hotels were closed, Stay Lets really came into its own.

Oliver Williams, property director of the company which is part of Gloucester-based Markey Group, said: "We've been able to stay open safely as our properties are unmanned. Our business model is all about remote booking and access, you even use your mobile phone as a key. When hotels were closed, we were able to look after NHS and other key workers, construction workers and ex-pat Brits who were unable to fly home.

"We don't like to think of profiting while other businesses are suffering, but we've been able to offer a service that is needed. We've met with Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough Councils and talked to them about how we could help them meet emergency housing needs.

"We think we've found a gap in the market for affordable accommodation, which provides good service."

As businesses start to reopen, he believes more companies will be looking for serviced accommodation to keep their staff safe.

"The world has changed and many businesses will want to revisit their travel and accommodation policy to incorporate staying somewhere which offers safety and security with less contact with others. All of our apartments provide a quality workspace to make it easy to work remotely, whether visitors are staying for the short, medium or long term.

"We can support students or construction workers from outside the county. There isn't a market we can't cater for, from tourism to the corporate market to engineering.

"The accommodation has been beautifully refurbished and furnished with no expense spared, to provide a quality home from home experience. We are very keen to talk to local businesses who might have a need for these kind of facilities.

"With the announcement this week that hotels can open again, we expect to release a lot of pent-up interest from people who want to get away for a break. Through our own marketing, we will be looking to tap into this and help attract more visitors to the town, which will of course benefit other businesses at this crucial phase of recovery."

Stay Lets also operates accommodation in Egham in Surrey and is actively looking for more property to expand its business.

Contact Stay Lets on 03301 075622 or email bookings@staylets.co.uk