Residents and protestors captured the arrival of migrants by taxi at the Highfield House hotel in Southampton, as financial records reveal record profits for the company behind the site.
Ashley Hotels Southampton Limited, which operates the Highfield House Asylum Hotel, posted a pre-tax profit of £1,982,979 for the year ending 31 December 2024—an average of more than £38,000 a week. This marks a steep climb from £1,455,533 in 2023, £1,189,191 in 2022, and £689,619 in 2021, according to newly published accounts at Companies House.
The group’s latest turnover reached £4,463,078 before deductions, with costs for tax, machinery, vehicles, and other business expenses yet to be subtracted. Ashley Hotels, owned and managed by the Hirji family, operates a number of properties nationwide. The business traces its roots back to 1994, when director Karim Hirji bought his first hotel in London and later expanded across the capital and beyond.
Meanwhile, a taxi company transporting asylum seekers under a government contract has seen its own profits rocket. PTS-247, which holds a contract worth £4 million a year with Home Office hotel contractor Clearsprings Ready Homes, reported a dramatic rise in annual profits—from £52,153 in 2022/23 to £586,762 in 2023/24.
The lucrative deals have prompted political backlash. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun on Sunday: “This is disgusting. Taxpayers are being fleeced by the Government to ferry illegal immigrants around the country.
“Many hard-working people can’t afford to shell out for taxis themselves. Why should illegal immigrants get this chauffeur-driven service? They should walk or take a bus or train like other people. In fact, these illegal immigrants all need to be deported, not given silver service treatment. No wonder they’re flocking here from around Europe.”
The controversy continues to fuel anger among some local residents, as the financial rewards for hotels and transport firms rise alongside the government’s use of private accommodation for asylum seekers. And the lose of community facilities such as hotels and restaurants.
