A self-catering holiday cottage company has hired a former John Lewis manager to attract more homeowners to let their properties.

Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages’ new general manager George Bradley aims to entice people to lease their quaint lodgings with tax relief schemes.

Entrepreneur’s relief applies to holiday homes cutting any potential capital gains tax to 10% rather than the usual 18%.

Mr Bradley said: “There are tax benefits when a property is used as a furnished holiday let and this is becoming increasingly attractive as tax relief benefits are scaled back for buy-to-let investors.

“Anyone choosing to provide services to holidaymakers such as breakfast should also ask their accountant about claiming business property relief as HMRC is looking more closely than previously at what level and type of services will attract business property relief.”

Experienced in the retail market and self-catering cottages, Mr Bradley was a manager for the John Lewis Partnership both in store and in a head office capacity and has led another self-catering holiday accommodation company.

He said: “I am very excited to be working in Kent and plan to be actively involvement in local business and tourism.

“I am keen to improve our presence in both the UK and Europe and will be working hard with the whole team to ensure that we maximise bookings and continue to take on new properties to meet the market’s needs.

“As well as hoping to attract more home owners in both Kent and Sussex we are also actively looking for properties in the Canterbury area as we have regular enquiries from tourists looking to take short breaks and explore the city.”