HE IS only 24 and has never worked in a hotel.

But Jamie Richardson has bought the Westbourne Hotel in Upper Rock Gardens, Brighton.

It is a true challenge for the university of Sussex graduate.

Mr Richardson said: “I’m 24 years old and I’ve had zero experience. But I always wanted to be my own boss and I wouldn’t be happy if it was any other way.”

“Obviously when you go to Sussex you tend to flirt with Brighton. I got to love many of its aspects. Plus this is where all my contacts are.”

Before pushing the boat out, Mr Richardson worked in Brighton’s nightlife. He hit the ground running at King of Clubs, an events company he set up with his best friend Sammy Verghese.

“We ran a lot of weekly events, and it was very hard work,” he said.

“After that I had part ownership of a nightclub. It was called Digital, then it was rebranded into The Arch.”

Mr Richardson and Mr Verghese owned half of The Arch and their friend Albie Saliba owned the other half.

Then Mr Richardson set his sights on owning his hotel and beyond.

Mr Richardson sold half his share so he could become a 100 per cent owner of the hotel. The plans were given a boost when he gained a business loan through Lloyds Bank to buy the hotel.

Now running an 11-bedroom hotel with two cleaners, is hunting for a new receptionist and getting a little help from his mum with the laundry, he is excited about his long-term goals.

He has a large office and plans for the hotel to help fund a “business empire”.

“In ten years time I hope to see this hotel running near to full occupancy nine to ten months of the year,” he said.

“I see a 12th bedroom as we only have 11 at the moment, and I also see myself having one or two more.”

And he is enjoying success so far.

He said: “I’m selling out most nights and the scares abroad mean that people are tending to keep their holidays in the UK with Brighton being their number one destination and that’s really been a benefit for us.”