The Hotel Fixers

Nellie knows that the hotel is in need of a makeover but doesn't know where to start. There is strong competition from modern hotels nearby and Francis and John need to persuade Nellie to up her game. If she takes their advice, she will have a mountain of work to do, but can she afford to ignore their recommendations?

In addition to running their 8-bedroom B&B and 31-bed hostel, Avery and Niamh Coryell are in the process of building six studio apartments. With the June Bank Holiday looming, can they complete their building work before the busy summer season kicks in? And can Francis and John help them upgrade every aspect of the business and find ways to improve their out-of-season trade?

Though nominally a Golf Lodge, Conor has seen his market change as Lahinch's popularity as a surfing destination increases. Francis and John encourage Conor to exploit the Lodge's appeal to this emerging market. But Conor has several projects on the go at once and struggles to find the time to follow their advice. Can he upgrade to become a surfer's paradise?

Wieslawa O'Brien's business has been badly hit by strong competition from new hotels in the area. To make matters worse, the re-scheduling of flights at nearby Shannon Airport has led to a fall in bookings. Can Francis and John help her to find ways to exploit what she has on offer, come to terms with branching out and consider a radical change of direction?

Nancy O'Hara from the Old Rectory in Shannon Harbour, Co. Offaly, has no sign and no website, and is indeed part of 'Hidden Ireland'. Can John and Francis encourage Nancy to stop treating the business as a hobby and to start marketing what's on offer, find new customers and make more money? And can they ever persuade her to ditch her soft toys?

Els Jongejans and Peter O'Connor, proprietors of Glenribbeen Lodge, Lismore, Co. Waterford aim to create a truly eco-friendly B&B. Can they upgrade sufficiently to meet the latest stringent eco-industry demands? And, just as importantly, can Francis and John harness Peter's enthusiasm and get him to focus on one project at a time?