Keith Liddell is retiring after being at the helm of The Inn Collection Group for more than 15 years THE man who founded a leading pub operator is retiring. Keith Liddell has stepped down from his role as executive deputy chairman of the Inn Collection Group, after being at the helm of the company for more than 15 years. The group last year bought The Black Swan Hotel in Helmsley and also runs The Stables at Crossbutts, Whitby. Keith founded the company with his first Northumberland site, The Lindisfarne Inn – formerly The Plough at Beal, near Holy Island in 2006. He said: “The group has achieved countless accolades and successes over the years and its ability for continual evolution in its people and estate is down to the unique team behind it. I know I am stepping down safe in the knowledge that the company is in the best possible hands.