- 16
- Episodes
- 2024
- First episode
- 739
- YouTube views
About Live From The Hive 🐝
A show sharing all of the highs and lows about being a holiday cottage owner, as well as marketing top tips and tricks.
- Publisher
- Katie Bessant
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 16 Sept 2024
- Latest episode
- 22 Aug 2025
Latest episodes
16 episodes in the feed.
22 Aug 2025
Ep #16 - What It Takes to Transform Land or Property Into a Thriving Business with Sonia Aucott
Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Sonia Aucott of Aucott Interior Design to explore how farms, vineyards, country estates, and rural businesses can successfully diversify into hospitality. In this episode, we unpack: 🌿 The key questions to ask before starting a hospitality project on your land 🏡 How to decide between cottages, glamping, event barns, or other accommodation types 📋 Why planning, operations, and guest experience all need to be mapped out early ✨ The design touches that create that all-important “wow factor” for your guests ♿ Why accessibility is becoming a must-have (and how it boosts ROI) 📸 How branding, photography, and partnerships can help you stand out and attract bookings 🌟 Find out more about Sonia's upcoming event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-diversification-heritage-hospitality-and-land-use-reimagined-tickets-1552165281139?aff=oddtdtcreator 🌟 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH SONIA 🌟 Website: https://www.aucottinteriordesign.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aucottinteriordesign/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aucottinteriordesign/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniaaucott/
18 Jul 2025
Ep #15 - Why You Should Ditch Your Agent and Run Your Holiday Cottage Yourself with Katie Bessant
Join me as I chat through the pros and cons of running your holiday cottage yourself and some top tips on your first steps to going it alone! In this episode, we dive into the benefits of taking control of your holiday rental business, and I share my top 5 tips for setting up and taking your own bookings.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHiveIf you've got any questions about marketing your property, please email them over to katie@theholidayhive.com
4 Jul 2025
Ep #14 - Taking Control: A Host’s Guide to Direct Booking Success with Leo Walton from Truvi
Host Katie Bessant interviews Leo Walton from Truvi about strategies for holiday let owners to confidently increase direct bookings, protect their property, and overcome common fears, offering practical advice for a more profitable hosting strategy.
27 Jun 2025
Ep #13 - Sustainable Holiday Letting at Scale: Renate’s Story of 9 Cottages in Scotland with Renate Powell
Host Katie Bessant interviews Renate Powell, owner of nine holiday cottages in Scotland, about her journey modernizing properties with sustainable practices and managing the unique challenges of rural hospitality.
19 Jun 2025
Ep #12 - Why You’re Not Getting Booked on Airbnb - and What to Do About It with Kay Gibbs
Host Katie Bessant interviews holiday let coach Kay Gibbs, who shares five tips to boost Airbnb bookings, highlighting the impact of photography and common mistakes to avoid.
13 Jun 2025
Ep #11 - From Victorian Cottage to Coastal Haven: Joanne's Journey to a Dream Holiday Let
Host Katie Bessant interviews Joanne from Our Place in Portland about transforming a Victorian cottage into a coastal holiday let, highlighting marketing strategies and sustainable practices.
5 Jun 2025
Ep #10 - Booked by Design: Styling, Systems & Smart Marketing for Holiday Homes
Host Katie Bessant interviews Sharon and Dee, The Holiday Home Girls, about styling, systems, and marketing strategies that attract guests and boost bookings for holiday homes.
10 Nov 2024
Ep #9 - Behind the Scenes at Seaflowers: Building a Standout Guest Experience with Suzy Greenwood
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Suzy Greenwood from Seaflowers, Devon. During the episode we chat about: - How Suzy renovated her family's B&B into a luxury guest house - The renovation process and how she curated unique, themed rooms - Marketing strategies to generate bookings, including press opportunities - The daily challenges of managing a rental and the importance of a support network. - Suzy's future plans for Seaflowers 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) 🌟CONNECT WITH SUZY 🌟 Website: https://seaflowers.co.uk/ (https://seaflowers.co.uk/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaflowersdevon (https://www.instagram.com/seaflowersdevon) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaflowersguesthousedevon (https://www.facebook.com/seaflowersguesthousedevon) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
4 Nov 2024
Ep #8 - Hen House Success: Why I Move Out Every Weekend to Host Strangers with Charlotte Hughes (The Scarlet Hen)
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Charlotte Hughes from The Scarlet Hen. During the episode we chat about: - How The Scarlet Hen started - Why Charlotte has chosen to let her own home out to hen parties - The challenges Charlotte has overcome to get the property up and running as a holiday let - The secret to getting bookings 18+ months in advance - How social media generates Charlotte bookings - Plus so much more! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) 🌟CONNECT WITH CHARLOTTE 🌟 Website: https://www.scarlet-hen.co.uk/ (https://www.scarlet-hen.co.uk/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_house_scarlet_hen/ (https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_house_scarlet_hen/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scarlethenatnorfolkhouse (https://www.facebook.com/scarlethenatnorfolkhouse) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.scarlet.hen (https://www.tiktok.com/@the.scarlet.hen) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com (katie@theholidayhive.com)
28 Oct 2024
Ep #7 - 5 Top Tips to Generating More Bookings For Your Holiday Rental with Katie Bessant
During this episode, I share my five top tips for generating more bookings for your holiday rental and what marketing you should be investing in. During the episode I chat about: Why you need to know in detail, who your target guest is The importance of professional photography and staging to promote your property How to use social media to generate more bookings The power of email when trying to boost your bookings The importance of a direct booking website and the role it plays when increasing your profits Plus an exciting announcement! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) Want to learn more about The Host Marketing Academy? Find out more here (https://holidayhive.kartra.com/page/0pk764).
21 Oct 2024
Ep #6 - Optimise Your Holiday Rental Listings and Boost Profits with Stefan Hoffelner
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Stefan Hoffelner from Your AirHost. In this episode, Stefan shares expert strategies on how to optimise your holiday rental listings, enhance guest experience, and boost profits through effective marketing, professional photos, guest reviews, and leveraging property management tools. During the episode we chat about: - The market trends and how the industry has changed over the years - Effective strategies for generating bookings throughout the year - The importance of guest reviews for securing more bookings - Marketing strategies to drive more direct bookings - How to price your property to drive bookings - Common mistakes and pitfalls - Plus so much more! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) 🌟CONNECT WITH STEFAN 🌟 Website: https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/ (https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourairhost/ (https://www.instagram.com/yourairhost/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourAirHost/ (https://www.facebook.com/YourAirHost/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com (katie@theholidayhive.com)
14 Oct 2024
Ep #5 - Turning a Remote Location into a Desirable Destination with Paul Honeywell
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Paul Honeywell, owner of Oran na Mara on the Isle of Harris. In this episode, Paul shares the rewards and challenges of running a remote holiday rental, from marketing strategies that helped him attract guests to building relationships with the local community. Discover how Paul transformed his unique property into a sought-after destination and the key lessons he’s learned along the way, including tips for new holiday property owners. Paul's insights are sure to inspire! During the episode we chat about: - Paul's journey to becoming a holiday cottage owner - How the industry has changed over the years - The design and architectural inspiration behind Oran na Mara - How to ensure a luxurious and memorable stay for your guests - What marketing strategies have been most effective in attracting guests to Oran na Mara - How to manage guest bookings and experiences throughout different seasons? - Challenges faced when managing Oran na Mara - Advice to owners starting their own holiday cottage business - Plus so much more! Paul's diverse career began in Formula One motor racing as an assistant to world champion John Surtees. After transitioning to marketing, he rose through the ranks to become CEO of Europe's largest design and marketing consultancy. Later, Paul co-founded The Storytellers, an internal communications specialist serving major corporate clients worldwide. During this period, Paul spent much of his life traveling, often joking that he lived on airplanes! Upon selling his share of The Storytellers, Paul and his wife Helen embarked on an exciting new venture. They designed and built Oran na Mara, an iconic and highly unusual self-catering property on the Isle of Harris in Scotland. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) 🌟CONNECT WITH PAUL🌟 Website: https://www.orannamara.com/ (https://www.orannamara.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oran.na.mara/ (https://www.instagram.com/oran.na.mara/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orannamara (https://www.facebook.com/orannamara) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orannamara (https://www.tiktok.com/@orannamara ) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com (katie@theholidayhive.com)
7 Oct 2024
Ep #4 - Glamping Success: Marketing Secrets from Dragon's Den Star, Derry Green
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Dragon's Den star, Derry Green from The Secret Garden Glamping about how to set up your glamping business for success and successful marketing strategies to generate bookings year-round. During the episode we chat about: What inspired Derry to start The Secret Garden Glamping What sets The Secret Garden Glamping apart from other glamping sites What marketing strategies have been the most effective for getting bookings How to attract guests during the off-season How the TV exposure from Dragons Den affected the business Top tips for other glamping site/holiday cottage owners Plus so much more! Derry is a entrepreneur and business owner of The Secret Garden Glamping, based in Skelmersdale, who appeared on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den receiving offers from not one but four Dragons; Deborah Maaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies and Touker Suleyman, to support his niche business. Derry came up with the glamping idea through the covid period when he set up a camp in the family garden as a way to entertain his children. Before long, using his own self-taught construction skills, he turned the tent into a fully-fledged luxury glamping pod and The Secret Garden Glamping was born. The Secret Garden Glamping is now the most viewed, most followed and most booked site in the UK and has won many awards including Visit England Award for camping, Glamping and holiday park of the year, The AA Glamping site of The Year and the BiBAs Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) 🌟CONNECT WITH DERRY🌟 Website: https://www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/ (https://www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretgardenglamping (https://www.instagram.com/thesecretgardenglamping) (https://www.instagram.com/oliveandwildeinteriors/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesecretgardenglamping/ (https://www.facebook.com/thesecretgardenglamping/) (https://www.facebook.com/oliveandwildeinteriors) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesecretgardenglamping (https://www.tiktok.com/@thesecretgardenglamping) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com (katie@theholidayhive.com)
30 Sept 2024
Ep #3 - Interior Design Tips & Tricks for Your Holiday Cottage with Laura Delage-Pandeli
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Laura Delage-Pandeli from Olive & Wilde Interiors about how to use interior design to boost your holiday cottage bookings. During the episode we chat about: - Interior design trends in the industry - Simple design tips to elevate your property and make it stand out - How to balance aesthetics with durability, especially in high-traffic areas - The role of social media in promoting your property - Plus so much more! Laura, at Olive & Wilde Interiors specialises in designing standout holiday lets and Airbnbs. With a knack for blending bold colours, textures, and patterns, she creates spaces that captivate guests and enhances their overall experience. Laura’s designs not only look beautiful but also reflect the local vibe, ensuring each stay is memorable and unique. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive (https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive) 🌟CONNECT WITH LAURA🌟 Website: https://www.oliveandwilde.co.uk/ (https://www.oliveandwilde.co.uk/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliveandwildeinteriors/ (https://www.instagram.com/oliveandwildeinteriors/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliveandwildeinteriors (https://www.facebook.com/oliveandwildeinteriors) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-delage-pandeli-bba04a8b/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-delage-pandeli-bba04a8b/) Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/oliveandwilde/ (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/oliveandwilde/) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com (katie@theholidayhive.com)
27 Sept 2024
Ep #2 - Using Social Media to Boost Your Holiday Cottage Bookings with Jemima Stones from Cool Stays
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Jemima Stones about how to use social media to boost your holiday cottage bookings. During the episode we chat about: How CoolStays approaches its social media strategy to engage with its target guests. Which social media platforms have proven most effective for CoolStays for generating bookings. How to encourage user-generated content and engage with your followers on social media. Collaborating with influencers and travel bloggers. The latest social media trends in the travel and accommodation industry. Plus so much more! Jemima Stones is the Social Media Manager at Cool Stays. She lives by the sea in Deal with her fiance and our cat, Tubby Custard. She's been with Coolstays for 4 years, and was previously a social media manager for a large historic attraction, a gin distillery and has a whole host of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Coolstays is a digital directory for amazing stays across the UK and Worldwide, think fairytale treehouses, woodland cabins, architectural marvels and quirky country cottages. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) 🌟CONNECT WITH COOL STAYS🌟 Website: https://www.coolstays.com/ ( https://www.coolstays.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolstays/ (https://www.instagram.com/coolstays/ ) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coolstays/ (https://www.facebook.com/Coolstays/) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coolstays (https://www.tiktok.com/@coolstays) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com (katie@theholidayhive.com)
16 Sept 2024
Ep #1 - Setting up Your Holiday Cottage Business for Success with Jane Mack
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Jane Mack about her experience in the holiday letting industry. During the episode we chat about: Jane's journey in the holiday let industry Some of the biggest challenges owners and agency owners face when managing holiday lets What's changing within the holiday let industry and guest expectations Tips for new holiday let owners to set up their property for success Effective strategies for holiday lets to maximise bookings and revenue and maintain a good work-life balance Plus so much more! Jane Mack is the owner of Jane Mack Consulting, providing consultancy and coaching services to the holiday let industry. Jane and her husband bought a holiday home property management company back in 2010, and decided to expand it to offer advertising and bookings. By 2012 they had created a full holiday letting agency. Their business continued to grow until they sold it to the UK’s largest holiday letting company in 2017. After a few years of continuing to run and manage the local office for the company, Jane decided that it was time for a change. After doing training in social media and Facebook Ads to better her knowledge of the ever changing online world, she got her coaching accreditation and put her focus into the holiday let industry. Having managed over 100 holiday properties, thousands of guests and with 10 years of hands-on experience, she decided to help others in the industry to grow their businesses, just as she had done. Jane is also a mum of 2 boys and lives on the beautiful Isle of Arran where she enjoys morning runs, big walks and beach BBQ’s. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ (https://theholidayhive.com/) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ (https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/) Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/) LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/) 🌟CONNECT WITH JANE🌟 Website: www.janemackconsulting.com (https://www.janemackconsulting.com/) LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemack-consulting/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemack-consulting/) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/janemackconsulting/ (https://www.instagram.com/janemackconsulting/) Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/janemackconsulting/ (https://www.facebook.com/janemackconsulting/) To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Who has been a guest on Live From The Hive 🐝
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- Leo Walton
- Renate Powell
- Kay Gibbs
- Joanne from Our Place in Portland
- Sharon
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- YouTube views
- 739
- Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 37
- Social presence
- 94
- YouTube
- 66
- Engagement
- 0
Contact Live From The Hive 🐝
- Guest appearances
- Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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