CLH Digital - Issue #231

THE LEADING PUBLICATION FOR THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR & LICENSED TRADE Issue 231

Hospitality Faces £1bn Business Rates Bombshell Bills Could Quadruple www.CLHNews.co.uk

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The Chancellor is coming under increasing pressure to stop a ‘billion-pound tax bombshell’ that could quadruple hospitality operator bills.

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UK Hospitality has said operators face a ‘devastating cliff edge’ in April when business rates relief is set to end, landing the sector with a £928m bill unless the Government addresses the looming crisis.

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With the relief, all hospitality and leisure businesses have 75 per cent reduction on their business rates bill, with the discount capped at £110,000 per firm, but this is sent to end on March 31, 2025.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

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CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Editor's Viewpoint

Welcome to the latest issue of CLH Digital BUSINESS RATES - THE LOOMING CRISIS

PUBLISHED BY RBC Publishing Ltd 3 Carlton Mount 2 Cranborne Road Bournemouth Dorset BH2 5BR

The UK's hospitality sector faces an impending crisis unless swift reforms are made to the outdated business rates system, as recently warned by UKHospitality.

EDITOR

Peter Adams

With the current system set to impose a staggering £1 billion bill on operators by March 2025, many businesses risk seeing their rates quadruple, with hikes of up to £95,000 for some. This looming increase, on top of existing financial pressures, is simply absurd.

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Since the Covid-19 lockdowns—arguably one of the most questionable policy decisions in recent history—the hospitality sector has been reeling from escalating costs.

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First, it was energy price hikes and soaring inflation, both of which have had a devastating impact on consumer footfall. As demand falls, costs rise, creating a nearimpossible situation for businesses to stay afloat.

idea to ban pints and replace them with two-thirds measures to reduce beer consumption.

The UK’s business rates system is among the most complicated in Europe, with our counterparts enjoying far lower duty and hospitality VAT rates.

This suggestion was so out of touch that many operators simply boycotted the research altogether.

We need fewer ill-conceived interventions from "researchers" and more focus on It’s no wonder that UK hospitality groups are calling for reform. We’re long past the point where successive governments can continue to place blame on "the other lot" protecting the beating heart of our high streets—the pubs, restaurants, and hotels that so many depend on for employment and enjoyment. and offer austerity measures and tax rises as the default solution.

CLHNews

EDITOR Peter Adams

SALES EXECUTIVES David Bartlett Guy Stephenson

After 15 years of these policies, the public, and indeed the hospitality sector, have had enough. It’s high time we saw leadership that inspires confidence, with policies that stimulate growth and put some much-needed cheer back into the economy.

If the government doesn’t act quickly to extend business rates relief beyond March 2025 and commit to a meaningful reform of the business rates system, the sector could face catastrophic closures.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

The modest 1.3% sales growth reported by Britain's hospitality sector in August 2024, as revealed by the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, is a testament to the resilience of the sector—not the government’s support.

Enough is enough—show some leadership and put the hospitality industry on a path to recovery!

PRODUCTION & WEB ADMIN

If this sector can achieve growth despite the government, imagine what could happen with real, thoughtful, and targeted assistance.

Moreover, amidst all this turmoil, we’re now seeing nonsensical proposals like the

Matthew Noades Charlene Fox

I can always be contacted at edit@catererlicensee.com

Published by Published by

Once more I would ask you to please follow us on X (Twitter), and encourage as many people you know in the trade to sign up to our digital issue, further details can be seen at www.catererlicensee.com

The Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News Group is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, 3 Carlton Mount, 2 Cranborne Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BR. Contributions are welcome for consideration, however, no responsibility will be accepted for loss or damage. Views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Whilst every care is taken when compiling this publication to ensure accuracy, the publisher will assume no responsibility for any effects, errors or omissions therefrom. All rights reserved, reproduction is forbidden unless written permission is obtained. All material is assumed copyright free unless otherwise advised.

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Hospitality Faces £1bn Business Rates Bombshell Issue 231

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(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

being. It’ll also impact on the mental health of business owners who will suddenly have to find tens of thousands of pounds.”

The government have pledged reforms and said the system ‘disincentivises investment, creates uncertainty and places an undue burden on our high streets’.

QUADRUPLED BILLS

In its manifesto, the party pledged to ‘replace the business rates system, so we can raise the same revenue but in a fairer way’.

However, sector leaders and businesses are deeply anxious the proposed reforms will take too long, and waves of venues could close before then.

A local pub could see an increase of £11,000, a town centre restaurant an additional £30,000, and a seaside hotel could be left with an increase of £40,000.

CLIFF EDGE

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Roxane Marjoram, who co-owns several pubs in and around Suffolk with husband David, said the potential quadrupling of rates bills fills her “with dread”.

She said: “A quadrupling of rates bills, if the current relief ends, will fill all small operators like us with dread.

Even though we’re operating in an environment with significantly higher costs post-Covid, pubs and restaurants like ours can and will play a strong part in economic recovery going forward, if we’re supported with fair rates bills.

“A new lower, permanent and universal business rates multiplier for the whole sector, as proposed by UKHospitality, will help give us much-needed certainty looking forward.”

UKHospitality, is calling for the Chancellor to introduce a new lower, permanent and universal rate for hospitality’s business rates at the Budget on 30 October.

DIRE NEED OF REFORM

The current business rates system unfairly penalises hospitality, with the sector paying three times more than it should do. Labour, in its manifesto, committed to replacing the business rates system and level the playing field between the high street and online giants.

He said: “In a year when we have seen a drop in demand and extra costs on almost everything, we have seen profits drop to break-even point. A huge rise in our business rates bill would have a massive impact, particularly on our investment plans.

A lower, permanent and universal rate, or ‘multiplier’, for hospitality would be a critical first step to deliver that change.

“The current business rates system unfairly penalises property-based businesses like ours. It’s in dire need of reform.”

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality businesses are facing a devastating cliff-edge next April, when many will see their bills quadruple.

CRITICAL JUNCTURE

“The scale of this almost billion-pound tax bombshell is just not viable. Many will face risk of closure, be forced to let people go to stay afloat, or shelve their investment plans.

“None of those outcomes are good for the people we employ, the communities we serve, or the economic growth the Government wants to deliver.

“There has to be a solution that avoids this cliff edge, and a lower, permanent and universal multiplier for hospitality would deliver that. Not only would it give certainty and stability to businesses, but it would allow the Government to begin delivering on its own manifesto commitment.

“The dangers of not acting are stark – whether you’re a pub, coastal hotel or soft play centre for kids and families.

“At the Budget, the Chancellor can choose to act and take the brakes off the sector’s growth by avoiding this cliff-edge. I hope she does just that because inaction could be fatal for many businesses.”

Operators of all types have warned of the detrimental impact an end to relief without another solution would have on their investment plans, business viability, and the communities they serve.

£95,000 INCREASE Safari Play Venues is a small family-run business that operates two soft play venues in Milton Keynes and Peterborough. Gordon Forster, its owner, said business rates already accounts for up to 10% of their turnover and they would be facing £95,000 in additional rates, if relief ended and there was no solution.

Gordon said: “Business rates support has allowed us to keep trading, keep employing staff and keep paying taxes – all positively supporting the Government finances.

“Not addressing business rates could destroy many hospitality and leisure businesses. We have Covid loans to pay and we put everything on the line to survive, including our house.

“The Government must avoid a business rates cliff edge that will cost jobs, investment and community well-

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Tim Hassell, who runs the Thurlestone Hotel in Devon, would have to find £110,000 if relief ended in April.

Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA and Vice President of the International Nightlife Association, warns: “We are at a critical juncture for the UK’s night-time economy and independent businesses. The impact of inflation, rising energy costs, and business rates is crushing operators, many of whom are facing the very real prospect of closure in the coming months. Independent venues and cultural businesses are the lifeblood of our cities and communities, but without urgent government intervention, we risk losing them forever."

"The Chancellor must act now to extend business rates relief, freeze alcohol duty, support independent cultural businesses and address energy costs, or we will see a mass exodus of businesses by early 2025. The reality is that the old financial models are gone, and with the current trading conditions, many businesses are struggling to adapt. We can’t afford to wait for long-term reform while businesses disappear—we need action now to stabilise the sector and protect the future of our industry.”

The NTIA is urgently requesting an extension of the business rates relief scheme beyond 31st March 2025 to help stabilise businesses amid rising costs. It proposes a phased reduction in rates after the extension, allowing businesses to adjust gradually while managing increasing operational expenses, including the full impact of the NLW.

COMMUNITY HUBS Sacha Lord, Chair of the NTIA and Greater Manchester Night-Time Economy Advisor, reinforces this urgency: "The past few months have highlighted just how vital the hospitality and nightlife industries are, not only to the UK economy but to the cultural fabric of the nation. This sector brings people together, fosters community, supports and encourages investment in local areas, and provides jobs to all ages and in both rural and urban areas."

"Pubs and bars become community hubs after an England match, grassroots music venues nurture bands that can bring an entire nation to a standstill, and independent restaurants earn the country global acclaim. The UK has long been a trailblazer in nightlife innovation—London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities have served as blueprints and influenced policies in city planning worldwide for decades—but we are now in danger of being overlooked on this global stage."

Top Tips For Managing Tips Under New Legislation 4

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Issue 231

With just two weeks to go until the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 takes effect across England, Scotland and Wales, it’s important for employers to prepare now.

Paul Holcroft, Managing Director at Croner, says, “From 1 October it will be illegal for employers to withhold tips from workers. Under the new law businesses will have to have set processes in place to record and distribute tips amongst employees, or risk finding themselves in Employment Tribunal.

“This new obligation will require employers to consider what would be a fair allocation and in doing so have regard to the Code of Practice which sets out a list of factors for consideration. They would then need to consult with workers about it and seek broad agreement. However, in the runup to the election, the new government stated that they would strengthen the law in this area to ensure that hospitality workers receive their tips in full and give workers the right to decide how tips are allocated, rather than the employer.

“We will have to wait to see whether they act on this pledge and whether the law in this area changes again in the future.

“The first step for employers is to consider whether they are impacted by the new tips law. They then need to look at what fair allocation is for their business, in line with the factors set out in the Code of Practice, setting up their tronc system accordingly.

“Here are my top tips for managing tips once the new law comes into effect:

INVOLVE EMPLOYEES IN THE PROCESS Not only is it good practice to include your team in the decision-making process regarding tips and gratu-

ities, but it’s also essential. Many people working in hospitality come to rely on tips as part of their income, so their opinion carries a lot of weight. Not only that but front of house staff also usually determine how generous tips are, and if they feel there is any unfairness in the way they are allocated, they may feel demotivated.

This, in turn could result in a decline in service standards.

ALLOCATE A TRONCMASTER This should be one of the first decisions you make, as it will determine who manages your tronc system. You can choose either an employee or a third-party provider to manage this. So how do you decide? Well, there are positives and negatives for each option, so you should consider which would work best for your specific business.

Assigning an employee will save you costs but they may lack the necessary skills and experience to effectively manage the system, so additional training may be required.

A third-party troncmaster will come with additional costs, but they will have the necessary experience and expertise.

CREATE A TRONC POLICY Creating a clear policy will ensure that all staff are informed on the way tips are collected and distributed, as well as outlining any fees or deductions, and the overall scheme structure to ensure complete transparency.

There are various options of scheme structures from equal division of tips across all employees, to points based or performance based reward systems, to a tiered system dependent on job level of service and/or seniority. Set out your system clearly in the policy to ensure fairness or all employees, including those in temporary or agency roles.

It is good practice to include a dispute resolution system in this policy, setting out how staff should raise a dispute, and the process that will be followed.”

Do You Have What It Takes To Become A Champion Welsh Chef? hot and one chocolate element.

Chefs who have what it takes to become a Welsh champion are being encouraged to enter prestigious competitions at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) 2025 without delay.

Chefs must be at least aged 16 and not be older than 23 on February 1, 2025 and the winner will be automatically seeded into the UK semifinal of the Young National Chef of the Year.

The Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), which is organising the three-day Welsh talent and food and drink showcase event ICC Wales, Newport from January 20-22, is urging chefs to showcase their skills.

In the Vegan Chef of the Year contest, which is sponsored by Cygnet Gin, chefs must be aged 17 or over on February 1, 2025. They are challenged to cook a three course menu for six people free of all animal products. Closing date for entries if November 15.

All chefs who intend to enter the National and Junior Chef of Wales 2025 competitions must pre-register by October 7 to attend a mandatory virtual briefing session in advance of submitting their menu by November 15, 2024.

Finalists will be selected for each competition from the menus they submit. Application forms at: https://www.culinaryassociation.wales/competitions/ .

For the National Chef of Wales contest, chefs must cook a three course dinner for 12 diners featuring Welsh ingredients and Cygnet Gin, a headline sponsor. Competitors must be aged 24 or over on February 1, 2025.

The menu must include a plant-based starter suitable for a vegan diet, a main course featuring two different cuts of GI Welsh Beef and a dessert featuring hot, cold and chocolate elements and a biscuit or tuille.

Junior Chef of Wales competitors must cook a three course pescatarian meal for six diners with a plantbased starter suitable for a vegan diet, main course featuring Chirk Farm Trout and a dessert including one

For all three competitions, chefs must be of Welsh descent or working or studying for a catering qualification in a college or establishment in Wales.

With Wales winning the bid to host the Worldchefs Congress and Expo from May 16-19, 2026, the country has secured a golden ticket for the Global Vegan Chef Challenge Final.

CAW president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, said: “We are searching for chef to showcase their knowledge, culinary ability and innovation to be considered to represent Wales I the Global Chef Challenge Finals here in Wales in 2026.”

The National Chef of Wales final will be held on January 20 and the other two finals on January 22.

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UK Eating Out Market To Benefit From Falling Inflation And Stabilising Economy Issue 231

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The latest insights from Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index reveal a promising outlook for the UK’s eating out market in 2024.

on consumer preferences for specialised offerings and strong community engagement.

Falling inflation is set to ease pressure on business margins and consumer wallets, with average earnings expected to outpace inflation for the first time in two years. A stabilising economy is poised to reinvigorate the sector, fostering greater demand for food and drink experiences outside the home following a period of constrained spending.

In the branded contemporary fast-food market, turnover growth of +14.9% is expected in 2024, fuelled by physical expansion from brands including Five Guys, German Doner Kebab, and Popeyes. This surge is supported by the success of franchise models and increased presence in key travel hubs.

Consumer confidence has gradually returned to near pre-pandemic levels, settling at -13 in August. This rebound is driven by falling inflation, mortgage-friendly interest rate cuts, and increased political stability following the general election.

The UK pub and bar sector is forecast to grow by +1.5% in value in 2024, benefiting from easing inflation and major sporting events.

However, challenges remain, with a projected -0.9% decline in outlets due to strategic disposals of underperforming sites and rising business costs. The top 10 operators are forecast to achieve +4.2% growth in 2024F driven by market leader The Lounges and the success of experiential concepts are predicted to lead turnover growth in the coming year.

Despite these positives, lingering uncertainty about the broader UK economy has caused consumer confidence to stagnate.

The restaurant market is forecast to grow by +1.4% in 2024, though this remains slightly behind the total eating out market’s projected growth of +2.8%. Strategic restructuring among restaurants and cautious consumer spending are likely to temper further gains.

In contrast, premium brands like Dishoom, The Ivy, and Miller & Carter continue to thrive due to their focus on high quality offerings, with fast-growing brands such as Yard Sale, Rudy’s, and Slim Chickens capitalising

In the coffee and sandwich sector, leading brands are set to achieve +2.8% outlet growth in 2024. Costa and Greggs continue to drive efficiency through tech integration and supply chain improvements, while brands such as Grind and WH Smith focus on expansion into travel spaces through format innovation and strategic partnerships.

‘Relief’ For Hospitality Businesses As Rail Dispute Ends Train drivers have accepted a pay deal that will see the end of more than two years of strike action in England, Scotland and Wales.

Aslef union members accepted an offer which included a 5% backdated pay rise for 2022-23, a 4.75% rise for 23-24, and a 4.5% increase for 24-25.

“The strikes have been enormously disruptive over the past two and a half years, with businesses estimated to have lost out on £3.5 billion in sales as a result. It’s also cost workers who have not been able to make it for shifts and impacted families who have had to cancel plans.

The pay deal draws a line under strike action that is estimated to have cost hospitality businesses £3.5 billion in lost sales.

“A resolution as we head towards the winter months and the critical ‘golden quarter’, when hospitality makes a significant chunk of its revenue around Christmas, was absolutely essential.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality businesses will be breathing a huge sigh of relief at the news that ASLEF members have voted to end the union’s national pay dispute.

“With a line now drawn under this dispute, I hope all parties can work together to rebuild faith and confidence in our rail network, which is so critical to hospitality, leisure and tourism.”

Recruitment Expert Issues Alert Ahead Of Law Changes To Hospitality Industry 6

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Issue 231

A leading recruitment expert has warned owners of restaurants and pubs across the UK to ‘stay one step ahead’ with new legislation governing tips for hospitality workers only weeks away from being introduced.

restaurants across the UK who are unprepared for the changes to how they manage tips from 1 October.

The alert has come from employment and jobs specialist Michelle O’Connor who has spoken out ahead of the Government’s new Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act coming into force on 1 October.

“But more importantly, it’s great news for workers as the allocation of tips will be more closely monitored and distributed transparently, meaning a new system of fairness across the board. It’s good news from that perspective, but there are many businesses who simply aren’t prepared for the change.

The ‘Tipping Act’ as it’s commonly known, will usher in a new Code of Practice which will ensure the fair distribution of tips and service charges for over two million workers in the hospitality sector.

“There are complex details and processes they must prepare for in the coming weeks to ensure they are compliant with the legislation, even around record keeping and producing a clear policy on how tips are being managed.

In a sweeping change it will see, for the first time, hospitality businesses like pubs and restaurants having to pay tips at the end of each month, producing written policies, maintaining stringent records of payments, and disclosing how tips have been allocated. It will also give powers for workers to request information on tips if they feel there has been wrongdoing.

“If employers in the hospitality sector don’t stay one step ahead, then the consequences of any breach through a complaint can be wide ranging, especially as tribunals will be given new powers to compensate workers for up to £5,000 for a proven breach.

Michelle O’Connor, a director at Midlands firm Pineapple Recruitment (www.pineapple-recruitment.co.uk), said: “There are many pubs, hotels and

“That’s money many pubs, hotels and restaurants don’t have to throw away, so they must get ahead now, take the right advice, and prepare for a new way of working which really will change the landscape.”

Popular Licensee Celebrates 50th Anniversary Milestone At Shiremoor Pub

Admiral Taverns is celebrating passionate licensee, June Dixon at The Grey Horse in Shiremoor who has been at the pub for 50 years and licensee for 24.

team, the wonderful community and Admiral so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played their part in making this all possible.

For as long as June can remember, she has been passionate about hospitality and came to the pub in 1974 having been born and raised in the local area. After joining The Grey Horse, June worked her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming the pub’s manager in 1993, before coming to the helm in 2000.

As I move into my 51st year here at The Grey Horse, I will endeavour to continue cementing it at the heart of Shiremoor and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Admiral Taverns’ Chief Executive Officer, Chris Jowsey, recently presented her with a certificate that recognises her incredible service to both the pub and the local community.

June Dixon, licensee at The Grey Horse commented: “This is a really exciting milestone that I feel incredibly proud to be celebrating! The last five decades have been amazing and I couldn’t have done any of it without all the incredible support I’ve had from my

Samantha Banks, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns said: “On behalf of myself and the whole team at Admiral, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to June for this incredible achievement. She really has worked tirelessly during her reign at The Grey Horse to create a fantastic community pub that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere to all that walk through the door. It’s been a pleasure working with June and supporting her vision and I’m looking forward to seeing the pub continue to flourish for years to come.”

TGI Fridays Falls Into Administration With 87 Sites And 3,000 Jobs At Risk

The UK operator of TGI Fridays has gone into administration as the hospitality firm seeks to sell its chain of 87 restaurants across the country, which if successful will secure up to 3,000 jobs employed with the chain.

The American-themed diner opened its first UK restaurant in 1986 and went on to become a popular destination for cocktail nights and birthday parties, but its collapse comes after a deal to buy it for £177million fell through earlier this month, due to a management change that would have prevented Hostmore from collecting royalties on the TGI Fridays brand.

Hostmore, which is listed on the London stock market, said administrators from advisory firm Teneo would be appointed and its restaurants sold off to rivals. The restaurants will continue to operate as normal in the interim.

Hostmore said the sale, which will complete by the end of the month, would generate less than its debts and it was suspending trading of its shares, whose value has fallen to almost zero. The company has debts of up to £35m. In a stock market update earlier this month, Hostmore said sales so far this year are 12 per cent lower than the same period last year, blaming ‘persistent warmer weather than the comparative period in 2023 and underlying weak consumer

spending’.

A statement issued to the London Stock Exchange, Hostmore said: “The board is immensely proud of all Hostmore colleagues, both in store and in the support centre, who worked tirelessly to execute a turnaround programme over the past 18 months and to deliver a successful result on the proposed acquisition of TGI Fridays, Inc. “The board inherited a very challenging set of circumstances, but a focus on reducing costs, revising the group’s capital allocation policy and implementing both board and senior management changes, meant that the group was able to reduce annualised expenditures by £12million, significantly reduce losses from unprofitable stores, and operate the group’s stores at a best in class efficiency level for the sector, all while improving guest scores to our highest levels on record.

“Unfortunately, all of the board’s efforts to implement a lasting solution to support the long-term financial future of the business came against a highly challenging trading and macroeconomic backdrop, and efforts to create value for shareholders through the proposed acquisition of TGI Fridays, while well-advanced, encountered adverse events outside of the board’s control.”

New Welsh Tax Laws Are A Blueprint To Fixing Business Rates Issue 231

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The changes to Welsh law pave the way for a lower level of business rates for hospitality.

while also freeing up much-needed cash for hard-pressed venues.”

The Local Government Finance (Wales) Act became law today and introduces measures to easily reform business rates. This includes:

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “With a manifesto commitment to level the playing field between high street businesses and online giants, the UK Government can look towards its counterparts in Wales for a blueprint on how to begin that journey.

• Enabling changes to the calculation of payments for different categories of ratepayers.

• More flexibility to make changes to reliefs and exemptions.

UKHospitality is urging the Welsh Government to use these new powers to immediately introduce a lower, permanent and universal multiplier for Welsh businesses.

“Hospitality businesses pay three times as much in business rates than they should do, and legislation like this that enables differential business rates is a practical way to address that imbalance.

The new laws also provide a framework of how the UK Government in Westminster can implement similar measures to introduce a lower multiplier for hospitality businesses in England in a cost neutral way.

“With a looming business rates cliff edge in April, where venues face their bills quadrupling, there needs to be urgent action at the Budget and a lower, permanent and universal multiplier for hospitality must be a central part of that.”

David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru, said: “This is a pioneering move from the Welsh Government and clearly demonstrates that they have been listening to our concerns about the broken business rate system.

Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “With the Scottish Government committed to reviewing business rates for hospitality, now is the perfect time to engage with the Welsh Government to learn about these changes.

“With the law now changed, I hope the Welsh Government will immediately utilise it to implement a lower multiplier for hospitality. This would begin to fix a system that is stacked against bricks and mortar businesses,

“Developing a fair business rates system for hospitality in Scotland is vital to unlocking investment, growth and employment opportunities.”

‘St Giles Hospitality Academy’ Launches to Help Those in Need into The Hospitality Sector St Giles Hotels’ foundation, ‘Hotels with Heart’ has engaged Saira Hospitality to join forces once more to offer hospitality training to 20 marginalised individuals from the local community suffering from long term unemployment or displacement The innovative partnership, funded by St Giles Hotels, had a hugely successful first run in April 2024, is back stronger than ever on the 14th October, to offer a four-week hospitality school inside the St Giles London Hotel. The aim is to place candidates within the hospitality industry from November and December, a notoriously difficult recruitment time. Hospitality businesses are preparing for a busy festive season and the Academy aims to place all trained graduates of the hospitality school into meaningful work with its dedicated hotel and restaurant partners.

On Wednesday 9th October, all screened applicants, referred by over 40 different charities, NGOs and government funded foundations will attend Saira’s Immersion Day. Here,

they will engage with hospitality employers and interview for a place at the St Giles Hospitality Academy. The top 20 applicants will be trained extensively in essential life skills and hospitality training for four weeks.

They will also be given the opportunity to gain Level 2 qualifications and a Service Excellence Certificate from Cornell University. As part of the course, students will receive access to financial advice, be granted a virtual bank account and be provided with support on local transportation, uniforms for work and enjoy a hot meal for every day of their study at the Academy.

The course includes modular learning in Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Employability Skills, Customer Service, Essential Life Skills, Introduction to Hospitality and Leadership. Students will also engage in 4 days of live work experience at partnering hotels and restaurants and take explorative excursions and tours to London’s leading hospitality establishments for fine dining experiences, breaking down the barriers of accessibility.

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Grey Summer Ends with 1.3% Growth for Hospitality Groups in August Issue 231

Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved modest year-on-year sales growth of 1.3% in August 2024, the latest edition of the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals.

Groups have now achieved like-for-like increases in every month of 2024 except April. However, it is a second successive month of below-inflation growth, and the Tracker has topped 4% only once since the start of the year. Total sales growth in August, including new venues opened during the last 12 months, stood at 3.7%.

The Tracker—produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK—shows managed pubs outperformed the licensed sector as a whole in August, with year-on-year growth of 2.9% despite disappointing weather.

Restaurants recorded a 0.8% increase, but bars continued a long run of negative numbers with a drop of 9.0%.

The on –the go segment achieved 5.0% growth.

Sales rose by 1.2% inside the M25 in August, while venues further afield fractionally outperformed with 1.4% growth. It is only the second time this year that the capital has recorded weaker figures than the rest of the country.

Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “August’s figures com-

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plete a modest summer for hospitality groups, and with the weather and consumers’ confidence both underwhelming, real-terms growth has been elusive. While some bars and restaurants have found it hard to sustain footfall, the picture has been brighter at pubs, especially given the impact of the cool temperatures on beer gardens and terraces. Consumers remain eager to eat and drink out when they can, but operators will be hoping they will feel confident enough to spend more freely as we move towards the crucial final quarter of 2024.”

Saxon Moseley, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK, said: “After a lacklustre summer, the hospitality sector will be hoping for further government support in the Autumn Budget, including business rates reform, a reduction in VAT to bring the sector in line with our European counterparts and a fall in employer national insurance contributions to help operators cope with increases in wages. All these things can help reduce the cost burden on hospitality and, crucially, stimulate sales growth. However, a “painful” Budget could dent consumer confidence and with it, discretionary spending and business investment which would hold back any recovery and apply more pressure ahead of the all-important festive trading season.”

New General At The Royal Hotel, Deal Swaps The City For The Coast Working at The Royal Hotel in Deal is the perfect change for new General Manager Paul Finn, as he wanted to move from the city to the sea – and he couldn’t get much closer to it than The Royal.

I came to The Royal was an opportunity. I saw a great business at the heart of the town, and lots of opportunities to re-engage with the local people and local community – there’s always something going on in Deal.”

The 18th century coastal hotel, which has 18 rooms, is literally feet from the shore, with drinkers and diners able to sit outside and enjoy beach views and the sound of the lapping waves.

“And, of course, there was that view!”

Paul, 39, moved from the bustle of Birmingham, where he was running The High Field in Edgbaston for the Peach Pub Company, to Deal to run the Shepherd Neame venue at the height of summer when it is at its busiest.

But, after more than 20 years in hospitality under his belt, the task did not faze him. “I love hospitality – the biggest thing is that it’s always a challenge,” he said. “There’s something every day that gets you thinking. And walking in at the peak of the season was certainly one!”

Despite having not visited Kent before, he said: “The first thing I saw when

Though new to Kent, Paul is feeling at home working for Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, which has 300 pubs in and around London and the South East. “I have found Shepherd Neame very welcoming – it has been pretty much everything I was told it would be on the tin. I loved the idea of working for a family brewery. It also makes quality beer and I love talking about beer. I’m quite happy drinking it too.”

Paul, who has a Masters in Business Administration, made the move from the Midlands with partner Jaii Andrew, who is also in hospitality, and is taking on the role of Creative Director for Deal Pride next year, and their dogs, Akitas Kady and Capone. So making sure the hotel continues to be dog friendly is a priority.

New Study Reveals Where in the UK Has The Priciest and Cheapest Hotel Room Space 10

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Business travel is growing increasingly popular, with forecasts predicting the global business travel market to show 188 percent growth

But Birmingham is equally as attractive to businesses, raking in the third highest level of GDP across the UK at £85.192 (billions) in 2022, according to data from the Office of National Statistic (ONS). The city is also known as Europe’s youngest city, with 40 percent of its population under 25 years of age, offering businesses a young and robust workforce.

But business travel can be demanding and stressful, often pulling employees away from their families and home comforts while they manage the pressures of securing new business, maintaining key client relationships and speaking at events.

In second place as the worst value city is Edinburgh, averaging £1.05 per sq. ft. Despite Edinburgh hotels offering the biggest hotel rooms, 299.36 sq. ft on average, it still found itself taking third place for offering the least value hotel rooms, with rooms costing £314.80 on average.

With business trips becoming increasingly longer, a hotel room serves as a crucial refuge. However, cramped and stuffy rooms can quickly become oppressive, leaving employees feeling claustrophobic and potentially less content than they might otherwise feel.

Edinburgh, a popular tourist hub, is renowned for its historic cobbled streets, being home to Edinburgh castle and for hosting the hugely successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The ONS data also reveals that Edinburgh ranks among the top 10-GDP generating cities, solidifying its status as a prime business location. Business travellers, looking for high value, should consider not just the price but also the size of hotel rooms – unless they plan to spend most of their free time exploring Ediburgh’s tourist attractions, in which case room size may be less important.

But while you might expect bigger rooms to come with bigger price tags, this isn’t always the case. Leading business travel management company, Good Travel Management, has uncovered which UK cities outside of London have the priciest or cheapest hotel room space.

In first place is Plymouth, with visitors paying on average just 18p per sq. ft. for a one-night stay. Located on Devon’s south coast and known for its maritime heritage and cobbled streets, the city offers the best value when it comes to room size versus price. On average, Plymouth hotel rooms are 864.44 sq. ft, almost three and a half times bigger than those of Birmingham, and cost, just £153.68 per room However, while Plymouth is popular among tourists, it is not widely considered a top business destination in the UK. With a three-and-a-halfhour train ride from London, business travellers are less likely to enjoy these spacious hotel rooms.

York came second to Plymouth, offering hotel rooms at a rate of £0.32 per sq. ft., almost double the price.

York welcomes 8.9 million visitors each year who can expect rooms to be, on average, 489.44 sq. ft and cost £157.80 per room. As one of the UK’s oldest cities, York is known for its beautiful historic architecture steeped in Viking and Roman roots.

Liverpool, which saw an 875 percent surge in search interest due to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, ranks third among cities cheapest hotel rooms when comparing price versus size. With an average price of only £99.40 per night, its room sizes are generous (245.48 sq. Ft.) when compared to the average size of the more expensive Birmingham hotels (251.36 sq.

Bristol (74p per sq. ft), Southampton (72p) and Manchester (68p) complete the five worst value UK cities to stay in.

Laura Busby, Commercial Director at Good Travel Management, commented on the findings:

ft.).

Hull (42p per sq. ft.) and Newcastle upon Tyne (45p) complete the top five cities to stay in with the roomiest hotel rooms with the lowest price tags.

Birmingham, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Trades’ and the UK’s second-largest city, takes the top spot as the city with the worst value hotel rooms, charging an average rate of £1.14 per sq. ft when comparing price against room size. The most expensive hotel rooms in Birmingham cost £549 per night at 269 sq. ft.

In 2022, Birmingham attracted a record-breaking 45.4 million visitors, meaning hoteliers can capitalise on the city's popularity by charging premium rates for a comfortable stay in this vibrant city. This could be due to Birmingham’s brilliant diversity and its reputation as a top tourist and foodie destination, boasting the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside London.

“Every business must manage its business travel spend according to the budget it can afford, but prioritising employee wellbeing and comfort is an important part of drafting business travel policies and deciding on budgets.

“As business ambassadors, employees must feel cared for, rested and ready for the business day ahead of them, empowering them to offer the very best to important clients and build relationships with prospective clients too. Being in a comfortable, and affordable room helps them to do so.

“With business trips becoming longer, it could be more sensible for businesses with smaller budgets to opt for long-stay solutions offering employees access to amenities such as kitchens, gyms and clothing washing facilities all in one.”

You can view the full data here.

Splendid Hospitality Group Helps the Homeless in York with a Hot Meal Splendid Hospitality Group, which operates Hotel Indigo York, delivered goulash, bread rolls and water to homeless people in York. The Hungarian kitchen team led by Head Chef Peter Vincze prepared the hot food and other team members from the hotel helped with distribution as the autumn weather got colder.

Nadeem Boghani, Executive Vice Chairman for Splendid Hospitality Group, said: “Our incredible team members are always committed to helping the local community. The Indigo brand, which we operate in partnership with IHG in York and Scotland, is all about being at the heart of the neighbourhood.

At Splendid Hospitality Group this matters to us because we believe hospitality and care extend beyond our hotel doors.”

This is the second year running that Splendid team members at Hotel Indigo York, located in the historic district of Walmgate, have supported the homeless population in the city centre.

In addition to delivering a hot meal for the homeless, the group supports over 20 aid organisations in the York area alone including the Lord Mayor’s civic charities. It works as a major or minor partner depending on the circumstances.

New Packaging Rules Risk ‘Double Penalty’ For Hospitality The disposal of thousands of tonnes of packaging will be unfairly paid for twice by businesses, due to ill-thought through and complex Extended Producer Responsibility rules.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) intends to hold relevant businesses responsible for the end-of-life consequences of packaging ending up in household waste streams.

However, in many hospitality businesses, packaging deemed as household waste will actually never make it out of a venue and will be disposed of commercially. This means firms will be paying both a commercial waste fee and incurring an EPR charge.

Defra’s policy intends to have a single point of compliance for packaging and the ‘double counting’ of charges contradicts this intention.

In a letter to Steve Reed, the Defra Secretary of State, UKHospitality is calling for: The introduction of a clear and simple route for demonstrating packaging is non-household, and therefore exempt from EPR charges. For example, beer or wine bottles sold to customers for consumption on premise

but then collected and disposed of commercially.

The supply chain to be allowed to calculate the proportion of packaging provided to hospitality customers.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “At a time when hospitality businesses are facing rising costs in almost every area of their business, a double penalty of being incorrectly levied a EPR fee and paying for commercial waste disposal is the last thing the sector needs.

“We understand that tracking packaging is complex, but there needs to be a clear and simple route for both wholesalers and hospitality businesses to demonstrate when packaging is non-household.

“It’s unfair to expect hospitality businesses to pick up the bill twice, just because an issue is complicated.

“Empowering the supply chain to help provide data-driven solutions, as part of a simpler, clearer process, would be a sensible way to avoid double-charging, something Defra has acknowledged it wants to avoid.”

Long Term Reforms Without Support Will Decimate The Sector In Early 2025 NTIA Says Issue 231

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has submitted a letter of urgent appeal to the Chancellor, outlining a series of critical measures designed to support the UK’s night-time economy and broader business landscape. With inflation, energy costs, and business rates putting immense strain on businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and independent operators—the NTIA is calling for immediate action to prevent widespread closures and further damage to this vital sector.

Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA and Vice President of the International Nightlife Association, warns: “We are at a critical juncture for the UK’s night-time economy and independent businesses. The impact of inflation, rising energy costs, and business rates is crushing operators, many of whom are facing the very real prospect of closure in the coming months. Independent venues and cultural businesses are the lifeblood of our cities and communities, but without urgent government intervention, we risk losing them forever.”

“The Chancellor must act now to extend business rates relief, freeze alcohol duty, support independent cultural businesses and address energy costs, or we will see a mass exodus of businesses by early 2025. The reality is that the old financial models are gone, and with the current trading conditions, many businesses are struggling to adapt. We can’t afford to wait for long-term reform while businesses disappear—we need action now to stabilise the sector and protect the future of our industry.”

The night-time economy is not just an entertainment sector; it is a key pillar of the UK’s economy, social well-being, and cultural identity. From independent music venues and restaurants to pubs and nightclubs, these businesses provide jobs for millions and act as crucial hubs for communities. However, NTIA data shows that nearly half of night-time businesses now report that their operating models are unsustainable. Rising operational costs, reduced consumer spending, and diminished govern-

ment support are pushing these businesses to the edge.

Sacha Lord, Chair of the NTIA and Greater Manchester Night-Time Economy Advisor, reinforces this urgency: “The past few months have highlighted just how vital the hospitality and nightlife industries are, not only to the UK economy but to the cultural fabric of the nation. This sector brings people together, fosters community, supports and encourages investment in local areas, and provides jobs to all ages and in both rural and urban areas.”

“Pubs and bars become community hubs after an England match, grassroots music venues nurture bands that can bring an entire nation to a standstill, and independent restaurants earn the country global acclaim.

The UK has long been a trailblazer in nightlife innovation—London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities have served as blueprints and influenced policies in city planning worldwide for decades—but we are now in danger of being overlooked on this global stage.”

NTIA is calling on the Chancellor and the government to take the following critical actions:

EXTENSION OF BUSINESS RATES RELIEF The NTIA is urgently requesting an extension of the business rates relief scheme beyond 31st March 2025 to help stabilise businesses amid rising costs. It proposes a phased reduction in rates after the extension, allowing businesses to adjust gradually while managing increasing operational expenses, including the full impact of the NLW.

SUPPORT FOR SMES AND CULTURAL BUSINESSES A key issue for the NTIA is the impact on non-bricks-and-mortar businesses, especially in the cultural and creative sectors. With 70% of the night-time economy being independently owned, the NTIA has called on the Chancellor for a short-term VAT reduction. The decline in independent venues and cultural events threatens innovators, fuels gentrification, and alters UK high streets

FREEZE ON ALCOHOL DUTY TO PROTECT THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR The NTIA urges the Chancellor to freeze on alcohol duty to ease the financial strain on the sector. Inflation is reducing consumer spending and raising costs, with over 50% of consumers highlighting that the price

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of drinks being a key reason not to go out as frequently, any shift or potential increase in pricing will threaten business viability. Stabilising alcohol duty will help prevent price hikes, maintain customer footfall, and support venue survival.

ENERGY COST CRISIS: AN IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM THREAT The NTIA has raised urgent concerns about rising energy prices, set to increase again in October. The energy regulator warns that high prices are the new normal. Many businesses, especially in the night-time economy, had hoped for economic change, but with rising costs, they must now adapt to a new trading landscape.

Businesses are struggling to cope with rising costs, the smoking ban, and changes to employment rights. Without immediate relief, many may fail, especially during slow trading periods. The NTIA warns that without urgent action on energy costs and sector stability, many operators might not survive beyond the golden quarter of 2024, risking mass closures in early 2025.

LONG-TERM REFORM IS VITAL—BUT TIME IS RUNNING OUT While the NTIA acknowledges the importance of long-term reforms to business rates, VAT and the planning system, it warns that the slow pace of reform will not come quickly enough for many businesses.

Over the past four years, more than 23,000 businesses in the nighttime economy have closed, with 6,000 shuttering their doors in the past year alone. Independent SMEs, which have borne the brunt of these closures, are contracting at an alarming rate, down 13% compared to a 3% reduction among larger, corporate-managed entities.

Without swift and targeted support, the night-time economy—one of the UK’s most innovative and globally recognised sectors—will continue to deteriorate. These businesses not only create jobs and drive local economies but also play a pivotal role in maintaining the UK’s cultural leadership on the world stage.

We urge the Chancellor to act now and take the necessary steps in the Autumn Budget to safeguard the future of the night-time economy.

The window for action is closing fast, and without these measures, we will lose a vital part of our communities, our culture, and our economy.

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Gen X-plore: Three Quarters of Over 50s Seek Career Change to Facilitate Travel Plans 14

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ing to change career. When asked about social motivators for work, almost two thirds (64%) of over 50s want to work with people from different backgrounds. More than a quarter (28%) said they specifically wanted to learn from Gen Z coworkers.

New research from Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has revealed a growing number of over 50s are considering changing careers or changing their working hours to facilitate travel plans.

The study, which explores the key reasons for over 50s changing career and returning to work, found that almost three quarters (73%) are considering changing their working patterns to allow them to fulfil their dreams to travel.

This works both ways. More than three quarters (77%) of Gen Z respondents said they can learn from older colleagues, with leadership (44%) and problem solving (40%), communication (39%) and organisational skills (39%) being areas most cited where over 50s excel.

The research comes as Hilton announces plans to fill almost 400 job vacancies across the UK, with a view to helping those over 50 who are seeking employment to get back into work. Spanning hotels across the country, jobs are available in departments including food and beverage, front office, housekeeping, culinary, engineering and events.

To capitalise on growing interest in hospitality as a career choice, Hilton is hosting an event at The Waldorf Hilton, London on 30 September. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet people from more than 15 hotels at the event, with on-the-spot interview opportunities available and a series of talks exploring topics including intergenerational working and apprenticeships, aimed at those interested in a career change or return to work later in life.

More than a third (34%) of over 50s cited burnout from their current office-based role as a key driver for looking for a change of role, resulting in a desire to challenge themselves in a new environment (75%) and move away from desk jobs in search of something more active (44%).

For many, seeing their children fly the nest has created more space to pursue a new path. More than a quarter (26%) of those who have children are looking to increase their working hours or change career paths now that their kids have left home.

SOCIABLE, FLEXIBLE ROLES ARE KEY Hospitality and travel (33%) emerged as the most popular industry for over 50s open to a change of career, with flexible working hours, which can allow greater freedom to travel, highlighted as one of the key benefits (45%). Other advantages cited include the customer-facing nature of roles (42%), working with others of different ages (39%) and opportunities to take on a more active, less sedentary role (35%).

The social nature of the industry was also noted as one of the main benefits for almost a third of people (30%), with almost one in five (19%) over 50s looking for opportunities to work in a more sociable environment.

Image © 2024 Hilton

CASE STUDY

Steve Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director, UK&I, Hilton said: “With most working lives stretching through several decades, people are increasingly exploring a second career later in life.

This growing trend is leading to an upsurge in demand for roles that offer something wholly different – and hospitality has a role to suit every path – whether that’s more flexibility to travel, a more active working life away from a traditional desk job, or a pathway back into work after a period of looking after family members.”

INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING As workforces are becoming increasingly diverse, Hilton’s research also investigated how different generations work together.

Three in five (60%) over 50s said they can learn from working with those younger than themselves, while more than a quarter (26%) specifically cited wanting to spend more time with Gen Z as a reason for look-

Marlene, 56, joined Hilton in 2022, having taken early retirement from the civil service. Looking after Human Resources for four hotels just north of London, she has a love of travel and enjoys the flexibility of working part-time so she can spend her weekends exploring new parts of the UK. Marlene regularly enjoys the perks of Hilton’s team member discount travel programme, Go Hilton, and has an ambition to visit as many of Hilton’s 8,000 hotels as she can.

Marlene said: “Joining Hilton was such a culture change in a fantastic and positive way. As well as enjoying the sociable nature of my role, and getting out to visit the hotels I work with, I love the flexibility of working part-time so I can use my free time to explore new places. Working for a travel company is a huge benefit in itself – there are so many places I’d like to visit – it’s great to have a job that helps me fulfil my dreams of travelling around the world.”

Laine Founder, Gavin George, To Become Punch Pubs & Co Non-Executive Director

Laine Founder, Gavin George, to become Punch Pubs & Co Non-Executive Director

everyone who has played a part in Laine’s success and for supporting me through the good times and the challenging.

Gavin George, the Chief Executive Officer of Laine Pub Company, will step down from his day-to-day management role of the pub and brewing business he founded in 1997 with Peter Bennett.

“I’d particularly like to thank all the managers and staff of the myriad pubs, clubs, bars and breweries we have operated over the years, for their creativity, energy and resilience, more recently in the face of significant challenges such as a pandemic, wars and economic turmoil. I’d also like to pay tribute to the people of Brighton & Hove – the city of Laine’s birth – whose constancy from day one, and unique outlook on the world have been the inspiration and facilitator for much of what Laine has achieved.

He is set to transition into a new role as a Non-Executive Director within the wider Punch Pubs & Co. business, where he remains a shareholder.

The move means he will continue to work with Laine management on strategic issues and direction, whilst advising the wider Punch group on the development of propositions that reflect the evolving needs and desires of the pub-going consumer.

George said: “I have had the most amazing 27 years, leading a wonderfully progressive business with incredible pubs, teams and customers. I’m grateful to

“I leave the leadership of the business in the hands of a very capable management team but am pleased to be continuing to provide support and guidance to both them and the wilder Punch group, whilst also being able to focus on other opportunities in an exciting sector that never ceases to amaze me with its creativity, energy and resilience.”

Live Entertainment Can Enhance The Customer Experience, Motivate Staff and Maintain Good Customer Retention If you want to introduce live entertainment, or you’re looking to increase the bookings you currently have but are unsure how to utilise live entertainment in the best way, we have some top tips you can use in your venue to make the most of the easy booking processes and the incredible talent available. Why not try introducing the likes of a music quiz where you can test your customers music knowledge and present a special prize for the winning team!

You can take advantage of local talent by bringing in local bands and artists to perform within your venue. This also gives those artists the opportunity to showcase their talents. But why let the talented bunch have all the fun?

Karaoke has increased in popularity over the years as it gives your customers the chance to sing their favourite songs- whether they can sing or not!

But live entertainment can go further than bands or singers, you could even

consider hosting comedy shows by inviting local comedians to perform standup routines and get your customers giggling.

When you purchase a license with TheMusicLicence, you are directly supporting the artists, composers, and producers who dedicate their time and creativity to crafting the music we know and love. The royalties the artists receive from having their music played allows us to continue supporting the music industry.

If you require a music licence, or want to increase your current usage, head to our website or call us on 0800 015 5937 (8am to 6pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 3pm Friday). www.pplprs.co.uk/get-themusiclicence/

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The New Generation of Travelers, How Hotels Can Become More Appealing to the Younger Generation

By Branigan Mulcahy, Co-Founder and COO of Virdee (https://virdee.io/) Technology has become an everyday part of our lives.

Simple daily tasks such as ordering a meal to more extensive tasks that require several steps to completion- they are all now within a few taps of our fingertips on our smartphone. Every industry has seen an increase in use of technology to streamline processes and better utilize resources. The hotel industry is adapting and adopting these technological advances and those properties that embrace the evolution of technology are experiencing higher occupancy rates, increased customer loyalty, and customer satisfaction.

More specifically, hotels that do not evolve to meet the needs of the current hotel consumer are at risk of succumbing to the competition. The new generation of travelers relies heavily on technology to plan and execute their trips and they are expecting hotels to embrace technology as well. Here are some ways to that a property can utilize technology to attract more guests and keep those guests coming back:

ACCESSIBLE WI-FI A key tactic that hotels can offer is free Wi-Fi throughout the entire venue. Surprisingly, some venues still charge for Wi-Fi in guest rooms while Wi-Fi access is free throughout other areas of the hotel such as the lobby, poolside, and when enjoying a meal at the hotel’s restaurant. With 75% of traveling Millennials publishing social media content at least once a day, providing full Wi-Fi access throughout the entire hotel can enable more social media exposure and brand awareness for hotels that utilize this tactic. And it is just a nice thing to do for the guests while they stay at a property.

COMPATIBLE TECHNOLOGY Hotels can also capitalize on compatible technology like Smart TVs as most people carry their own technological devices with them, and they expect to be able to sign onto their Netflix account or something similar during their stay. Offering Bluetooth wireless sound systems is also a great idea for hotels to capitalize on allowing guests to stream their playlists during their stay and enhance their experience.

INCREASED EFFICIENCY Incorporating smartphone applications that provide room service and check-in/out options clearly boost the customer experience. Automated services such as check-in/out kiosks and vending machines save time for

both guests and staff. In automating routine tasks, hotels can operate more efficiently and provide elevated guest experiences and customer utility. For example, the Hyatt Union Square in New York offers three different options to check in: at the front desk, using a check-in kiosk, or via an iPad with staff. This approach allows the customer to select which option best suits them and ultimately increases customer satisfaction.

PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE Technology allows hotels to provide personalized experiences by analyzing customer data regarding room selections and amenities. Artificial intelligence (AI) assists hotels in analyzing customer behavior in real time to deliver specific recommendations derived from the customer’s spending habits.

COMMUNICATION Chatbots and virtual assistants have emerged as another convenient way to uplevel the 24/7 customer service while reducing costs by reducing in-room service time. Hotels can contact their guests via SMS, social media, and in-app messaging. This feature creates ease of communication between parties leading to more memorable and seamless experiences.

HEALTH AND SAFETY Post-pandemic has seen health and safety measures be a welcome addition to the hotel experience.

Contactless check-in and sanitizing stations can help guests feel at ease. In addition, technologies such as biometric security, IoT-controlled smart locks, and safety surveillance systems contribute to providing a safe and comfortable guest experience.

COMMUNAL AREAS WITH TECH On the other hand, there are people who find the experience of being in a common area that allows them to relax, socialize, and work with other people nearby, enjoyable. Offering robust Wi-Fi and charging stations for devices is an expectation for these areas.

Today, some properties are investing in these common areas to provide cozy, stripped-back lobbies that offer plug-ins for personal devices, fast Wi-Fi, even something called “The Guestbook”, allowing guests to post images to Instagram in real-time.

ADAPT AND ADOPT To ensure customer satisfaction, hotels must adapt and adopt emerging technologies to provide the highest customer experience and ensure that those customers return. In the past, guests relied on their favorite coffee shops and restaurants to escape from their hotel rooms and ensure that all their needs were met. But now, guests expect a more personalized experience; everything they need in one venue. They want their room and hotel property to be a place that they don’t need to leave. They want easier access to the things that make their stay relaxed and memorable. By making some small investments and changes at the property, which includes incorporating higher levels of technology, guests can enjoy a seamless customer experience, leading to positive reviews, new customers, as well as repeat customers.

Commonwealth Games Can Benefit Glasgow Hospitality The Scottish government has agreed to stage a scaled-down version of the 2026 Commonwealth Games to be hosted by Glasgow.

The Australian state of Victoria was originally chosen to stage the games but withdrew as host due to rising costs.

Australian authorities have promised “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalise the deal.

Health and Sport Minister Neil Gray held talks with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday to discuss funding, and received the assurances the Scottish government were looking for.

It has now written to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to officially back a “a scaled back, but high-quality” event which will see 10 sports take place across four venues in the city.

The event will promote Glasgow on the world stage and provide a massive boost to cities economy

UKHospitality Scotland said.

Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “It’s great news that the Commonwealth Games is returning to Glasgow in 2026. The city delivered an outstanding event in 2014, widely acknowledged as one of the best ever, and it’s poised to do so once again.”

“The Games will deliver an economic boost to Glasgow, as well as creating opportunities to promote the city’s attractions over the next few years as it prepares to welcome visitors from across the world.”

“Hospitality businesses can benefit from these opportunities, and the increased footfall the event will deliver, helping them invest and create more jobs.”

“A vital feature of delivering any major event is legacy, so it is imperative that Glasgow City Council works with our businesses to look at how the city can maximise the economic and reputational benefits of being host.”

ABDA Design Delivers Stand Out Cocktail Bar Experience for Twelve Ashby ABDA Design, a leading design consultancy specialising in the hospitality sector, has unveiled its latest project, Twelve Ashby, a sophisticated fine dining cocktail bar in Leicestershire. The design experts at ABDA were tasked by Kang Leisure to create a unique and immersive space that would stand out from other venues in the local area.

A vintage and eclectic theme was at the heart of ABDA’s design concept, together with the desire to create an exclusive venue that would captivate guests. The design team meticulously crafted the space, carefully considering the transition from day to evening and creating a dynamic ambience.

With a fine dining menu and a creative cocktail list, the venue’s owners were keen that the surrounding atmosphere matched the experiential nature of the food & drink offer. ABDA’s design team sought to address this with eye-catching features including large bespoke globe pendants and the layering of reed dish light fittings for a striking look and an impressive backdrop for guests’ photos. Another key focal point of the space is the specially designed corner wrap-around bar, featuring gleaming brass inlays and sculpted lighting to give an elevated cocktail experience. The luxurious bar area is complemented by a mix of contrasting materials, including tiled floors, distressed timber herringbone, and exotic foliage wallpapers. The result is a space that exudes both opulence and individuality.

“Twelve Ashby is a testament to our ability to create truly exceptional hospitality environments,” said Michael Hall, senior designer at ABDA Design. “Our goal was to design a space that would not only impress but also inspire repeat visits, with the eclectic design features offering guests something different every time. We drew upon our expertise in the sector as well as thorough research of the local area to ensure we created something unique. We believe we ultimately achieved this through a combination of bold design, a strong grasp of how different materials and finishes intersect, and a deep understanding of our client’s vision.”

Twelve Ashby has been incredibly well received, establishing a reputation as an exciting destination in the local area. “Feedback from our client has been fantastic and we couldn’t be more pleased with what we achieved together” concluded ABDA’s Michael Hall.

Twelve Ashby is the latest addition to the specialist hospitality design firm’s portfolio, which includes projects for many other leading restaurants, bars, and hotel groups. ABDA Design works closely with its clients to turn ideas into reality with interior design and brand development, commercial kitchens plus build and interior fit outs.

For more information Tel: 01604 770687 Email: sales@abdadesign.co.uk or visit www.abdadesign.co.uk

Just 28% Of Hospitality Companies Compliant With New Employment (Allocation Of Tips) Act 18

CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

A new report has revealed how the government’s Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, set to come into effect October 1st, will push hospitality operators to breaking point, with 83% of respondents expecting to incur costs of at least £12,000 a year to comply, the equivalent of 118,690 UK operators. Nearly one in five (18%) claim costs could increase by £60,000 to £360,000 a year under the new regulations.

Despite hospitality closures slowing, these findings come at a worrying time for the industry, with more than four hospitality businesses closing in Britain every day so far in 2024, according to data from CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners. Recent reports of a potential smoking ban at hospitality venues also promises to pile more pressure on to businesses which are already struggling.

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 will require hospitality businesses to distribute 100% of customer tips and service charges to staff, with no exceptions other than standard-rate tax deductions. The changes also make it mandatory for all hospitality businesses to have a written policy accessible to staff on how tips are dealt with at their place of work.

The report, ‘Tipping Point: How new legislation will impact hospitality’, commissioned by technology company three rocks, surveyed 1,000 hospitality businesses, 1,000 customers and 500 staff in the UK to gain their insight into the new government legislation and to understand feelings towards tipping. The study included UK hospitality businesses of all sizes, from independent operators to national restaurant, pub and bar chains.

The findings revealed that only a mere 28% of operators are compliant with the Act, distributing tips among all staff without any deductions.

The majority, two thirds (63%) of businesses, currently take a percentage of tips from employees. 29% of those use these tips to cover costs such as processing fees, costs the business will now have to cover under the new Act, while over a quarter (28%) take a profitable share of the tips, money they will be unable to claim from October.

This means that 63% of businesses will have to make changes to the way they operate to comply with the

new legislation, which is equivalent to more than 90,000 hospitality businesses currently operating in the UK according to latest government figures*.

TIPS FOR STAFF – A BETTER WAY? Speaking to 500 hospitality staff, the three rocks® research uncovered that 42% of hospitality workers in the UK have never been told about how tips are distributed to staff, which equates to 756,000 employees across the UK*, based on the latest government figures. When asked whether they were happy with how tips are distributed to staff, more than a third (37%) of staff said they were unsure but felt they should get more tips.

The study revealed that there could be a better and fairer alternative tipping process to the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023. Nearly half (44%) of operators would support the creation of a Tipping Standard Practice, an official tip amount implemented ‘across the board’ for customers and a standard process for businesses to distribute tips to staff.

59% of staff support the concept, with 27% saying it would make financial planning easier and a further fifth saying it would be a fairer system for everyone. An overwhelming 73% of the 1,000 customers polled agreed it was a good idea.

SHIFTS IN TIPPING HABITS The study also delved into tipping behaviour, revealing that nearly three quarters (74%) of UK hospitality companies either already, or plan to, add a service charge as standard for smaller tasks such as serving a pint, preparing a cocktail, checking people in or carrying luggage. Nearly 1 in 3 operators will add a service charge of between 5-10 per cent for such tasks, suggesting that the UK is heading towards an American-style service charge, where 20% is the standard gratuity for all types of service.

The British public also support the Americanisation of tips, with 73% of customers agreeing that people should tip when buying drinks at a bar and over a third (34%) saying they should tip bar staff between 10-20% for making their drinks.

Scott Muncaster, founder and Managing Director of three rocks®, said: “The UK hospitality industry is struggling, and recent government intervention has done nothing to ease concerns from operators. This new legislation, set to come into force in October, will massively increase costs as our research has shown. This, coupled with reports of an outdoor smoking ban proposed by the new Labour government, is cause for concern, and may push many businesses to breaking point in the final quarter of this year and beyond.”

Brewer And Pub Operator Wells & Co. Joins Expanding Zero Carbon Forum Member Roster

Wells & Co., the Bedfordshire based, family-owned brewery, which operates 200 pubs across England and France, is the latest member to join Zero Carbon Forum, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the brewing and hospitality industry on their net zero journey.

Mark Chapman, founder and CEO at Zero Carbon Forum said: “Wells & Co. is a fantastic operator that has already shown great progress in taking credible climate action. We are excited to work with the team to help implement all the necessary measures from their dedicated climate action plan with nearly 190 energy-saving initiatives that reduce negative impacts and improve business. The Wells & Co. team will also benefit from sharing best practice with other forum members and a robust calendar of events, masterclasses, workshops, action groups and CEO roundtables to measure, plan and reduce their carbon footprint, at pace.”

Established in 1876 by founder Charles Wells, the fifth-generation business is now led by CEO, Peter Wells.

Ed Robinson, also a family member, is responsible for heading up the brand’s evolution towards net zero as the organisation’s first ever Sustainability Manager, whilst working towards an MSc in Sustainability at Cranfield University.

Ed says: “At Wells & Co., we are committed to being a net force for good in the communities and natural

environment we inhabit. Operating a sustainable and resilient business is at the heart of everything we do.

We want to give the next generation a business that we are proud of, and one they can grow and enjoy for years to come.

“The Zero Carbon Forum can measure our efforts accurately, benchmark them against the rest of the industry, and advise us on how to improve sustainability across the whole estate. Working with all our managed and tenanted pub partners to complete their carbon footprint is the first step on our journey.”

Wells & Co. has made substantial changes across its estate to reduce emissions, reviewing and transforming the key areas of waste and energy. Initiatives have included food waste audits and partnerships with Refood, producers of renewable energy from food waste, Too Good to Go, the surplus food marketplace, and its own ‘Beepoint’ project at their Bedford HQ, Brewpoint, to transform land around the brewery into a biodiverse space featuring several beehives. Most recently the grain from Brewpoint has been sent to anaerobic digestion.

Ed continues: “We are fully invested in decarbonising operations on our course to net zero. Our goal is to understand more about where we are on our net zero journey. We’ve joined Zero Carbon Forum as a likeminded and credible third-party organisation to access industry expertise and insights, a dashboard of data to track our progress, and tools and initiatives to help us get where we need to be faster.”

Boost Your Team’s Skills: Invest in Essential Safety Training Introducing the Navitas Safety Shop, your one-stop destination for comprehensive online safety training. With essential courses in Food Safety, Health & Safety, and Fire Safety, Navitas Safety ensures your team is equipped with the knowledge needed to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Take advantage of our introductory offer of 30% off all courses until September 30th, with courses starting at just £8.40 and 12 months of access included. This limited-time promotion is the perfect opportunity to invest in your team’s skills without breaking the bank.

In the hospitality industry, staff turnover and seasonal employees can disrupt safety practices. Navitas Safety offers flexible, CPD-accredited, and EHO-approved training that can be quickly implemented for new hires, ensuring even temporary staff receive essential training. Our role-based packages cater to diverse hotel roles, from kitchen staff to management, ensuring consistent safety standards across your team, regardless of tenure.

In today’s regulated environment, staying on top of safety protocols is more important than ever. By choosing the Navitas Safety Shop, you’re taking a proactive step towards ensuring a safe and productive workplace. Our easy-to-navigate platform and comprehensive courses make it simple to get the training you need when you need it.

By choosing Navitas Safety, you’re ensuring compliance across your entire workforce, reducing the risks associated with turnover. This proactive approach not only enhances workplace safety but also provides peace of mind, knowing your team is always prepared.

Explore our courses today at shop.navitassafety.com Navitas Safety is a leading safety solutions provider supporting over 15,000 organisations globally. From cutting-edge digital food safety and health and safety management software, to elite training programs, and a team of expert safety consultants, we’re here to make safety simple. Find out more at navitassafety.com

Bristol Hoteliers Hope Councillors Put The Brakes On Business Parking Levy 20

CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

like another blow to our businesses, which the city council should be supporting.

Bristol hoteliers hope city councillors put the brakes on plans to introduce a £20 weekly charge for commuters to park in their city centre workplaces.

“We’re disappointed that we were not consulted about plans to introduce this workplace parking levy; we found out about it through media reports.

Last week (Sept 12) Bristol City Council’s transport policy committee approved spending up to £1m to draw up an outline business case for the levy, which would charge businesses in the central area which currently offer free staff parking places.

“We’ve had a difficult summer in terms of occupancy, which I think is down to a combination of the continuing cost-of-living crisis, the unpredictable weather and the fact that more people seem to have gone abroad this year.

It will be down to the individual companies to decide whether to absorb the costs themselves or pass them on to their employees.

“In addition, the Labour Party has already warned the nation to be prepared for a ‘difficult’ budget in October, which will undoubtedly present more challenges for us, and now we learn about this parking levy plan, which is just adding insult to injury.

But the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) has criticised the plans, saying it is yet another blow to the long-term recovery of their businesses, which have been struggling thanks to a combination of the impact of Brexit, the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

It is estimated that around 9,000 employees could be affected by the levy which the council claims could help cut congestion and air pollution in the city centre and could raise up to £10 million per year which would be invested into improving public transport.

BHA Chair Raphael Herzog said: “This would be yet another challenge for BHA members in the city centre.

“The nature of our business means we have staff making very early starts and very late finishes, when access to alternative forms of getting to and from work is limited.

“Earlier this year, we were hit with having to take on the costs of the increased national wage and this feels

“The BHA wants the council to reconsider this plan and we are again calling on the council to show some significant support for the city’s hospitality sector, which makes a huge contribution to the local economy but which is continuing to struggle in the current climate.

“Instead of looking to impose additional costs to us, why not charge Airbnb premises for licences, for example. That would generate some extra income to invest in transportation and also be a show of confidence in our businesses.

“If it is to be implemented, my understanding is that there would be exceptions for some organisations, and I urge councillors to show their support for our sector by working to ensure hospitality businesses are included among the list of organisations who will not be charged.”

Urban Pubs & Bars Announce The Opening Of The Wren In the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral on Watling Street serving high quality food also featuring a basement cocktail bar and exclusive whiskey vault London’s pub and dining group Urban Pubs & Bars has announced the opening of The Wren Tavern as a tribute to Sir Christopher Wren.

The traditional London pub on Watling Street also features an exclusive whiskey lounge and a speakeasy cocktail bar called 5cc in the basement.

A spokesperson for Urban Pubs & Bars said: “When Sir Christopher Wren designed St Paul’s Cathedral his plans were made on Watling Street, his workers lived, ate and spent their time on this street too. In a tribute to the man himself The Wren Tavern brings the best of traditions to a city pub environment.”

a part of London where most of his great work was done.

Indeed, when Sir Christopher died on February 25, 1723, he was buried in St Paul’s Cathedral, his gravestone features the Latin inscription Si monumentum requiris circumspice which translates as: ‘If you seek his monument, look around you.’

This year UP&B have already opened several sites including iconic Spitalfields pub The Gun and The Red Setter located in the vibrant Northcote Road community between Battersea and Clapham and recently announced the acquisition of 11 locations from the former Antic Pub Company.

Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malc Heap and has grown to an estate of pubs, bars and restaurants across London, including flagship pubs Nest, Bishopsgate, The Wheatsheaf, Tooting, The Gatehouse, Highgate and award winning restaurants the Salt Yard Group.

Find Out How the Simpler Recycling Legislation Will Affect Your Business Urban Pubs and Bars’ opening of The Wren Tavern on Watling Street honours Sir Christopher and marks

As the hospitality sector braces for the upcoming Simpler Recycling Legislation, which will take effect on March 31, 2025, it’s crucial to partner with a waste management provider that not only ensures compliance but also enhances your operational efficiency and sustainability. Fresh Start Waste Services is that partner, deeply embedded in the hospitality industry and committed to driving your business forward.

The new legislation appears to mandate that the vast majority of hospitality premises must have a minimum of Glass, Food, and Dry Mixed Recycling alongside their General Waste services. This will be a significant adjustment for many businesses, as the requirement will apply to all businesses, hospitals, and schools. At Fresh Start, we are here to help you navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring that your operations are fully compliant by the deadline.

We understand the unique challenges faced by caterers and licensees in managing waste. Our tailored solutions are designed to simplify your operations while maximizing recycling efforts. We don’t just collect waste—we innovate the process using split body vehicles and making it easier for your business to meet and exceed the new regulatory requirements.

Our dedication to the hospitality sector is evident in our strategic partnerships, like the one we have with Too Good To Go. This collaboration is part of our 360-degree approach to food recycling, where edible food finds new homes through the app, and inedible waste is efficiently processed through our specialised bins. This not only reduces waste but also aligns with your business’s sustainability goals. Additionally we proudly support Hospitality Action, reflecting our commitment to the well-being of those who work in the hospitality industry. Our involvement with this charity is just one of the many ways we give back to the sector that we’re so deeply connected to.

Fresh Start Waste Services also operates its own sorting facility just five miles from central Manchester, ensuring that the waste we collect never travels beyond the North West region. This local focus minimises your carbon footprint and supports the community where you do business.

Partnering with Fresh Start means more than just compliance—it’s about embracing innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence. As the March 2025 deadline approaches, ensure your business is ready to meet the new recycling standards by choosing a partner who is as committed to your success as you are. Contact our Sales & Marketing Director Sean Martins on 07717 497 877 or email sean@fswaste.co.uk for more information

Protect The Nation’s Locals From Closure Chancellor Urged 22

CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Consumer rights group the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) calls on Chancellor to reform unfair Business Rates and slash tax on pints in upcoming Budget.

Ahead of the upcoming Budget next month, around 145,000 CAMRA members are being mobilised to call on the new Government to take action to support for pubs, social clubs, brewers, cider makers, and to stand up for consumers rights.

Joining forces with industry leaders, the Society of Independent Brewers, the Campaign has sent groundbreaking new economic modelling directly to the Treasury showing the transformation a UK wide cut in duty charged on beer and cider served in pubs could bring.

Their proposed 20% discount for tax on pints in pubs would create thousands of new jobs and contribute £70 million to the economy, as consumers are encouraged to move from supermarket alcohol back to being able to support their local pubs and social clubs.

The Chancellor has also been urged to stick by the Labour manifesto promise on reforming Business Rates in England. The current system unfairly penalises pubs and makes it harder for all bricks-and-mortar businesses to compete with online shopping. CAMRA’s own figures show the shocking extent of churn in the pub trade, with over a thousand businesses closing their doors so far this year.

Now the Campaign is calling on all beer lovers and pub-goers to get involved and use their simple online tool to contact their MPs ahead of the Budget. The quick and easy to use e-lobby tool can be found on CAMRA’s website and here: https://action.camra.org.uk/page/156994/action/1 Commenting, CAMRA Vice Chair Ash Corbett-Collins said: “Pubs are the beating heart of communities, but they’re being crushed by an unfair system that favours online giants and multinational brewing conglomerates. We want the Chancellor to understand that the range of measures we’re calling for aren’t just about supporting the longterm future of the industry – this is also about local jobs, encouraging investment, and ensuring that communities have a space to come together.

“Cutting the rate of tax on pints across the UK, and meaningful reform of the Business Rates system in England will make all the difference to both consumers and the trade.

“I’d urge anyone who values their local pubs and independent breweries and cider producers to get involved and let the new Government know just how much we need support in the Budget. Our online e-lobby tool only takes two minutes, you don’t have to be a CAMRA member to use it, and every email makes a difference.”

Redcat Pub Company Appoints Fleet Street RedCat Pub Company, the pub group founded and chaired by Rooney Anand and operator of the award-winning Coaching Inn Group, has chosen Fleet Street, the experts in food and drink culture, as its strategic communications partner following a competitive pitch process.

Fleet Street will work with RedCat Pub Company on communications spanning B2C and B2B verticals, including corporate reputation as well as brand positioning amid a transformational period for the hospitality group.

Core elements of the activity will be supporting and collaborating on the new strategic vision for the group and its three divisions: RedCat Retail, RedCat L&T and Coaching Inn Group.

Richard Lewis, RedCat Pub Company CEO: “We valued Fleet Street’s style and energetic response to the brief. Bringing an insightled, tailored and holistic approach that speaks to some of our challenges as well as the exciting opportunity to grow the RedCat and Coaching Inn Group brands under RedCat Pub Company. Their pas-

sion for the industry, extensive knowledge and experience was clear to us and we look forward to the journey ahead with Fleet Street in our corner.”

Mark Stretton, Fleet Street CEO: “We are really excited to have the opportunity to work RedCat as they have a brilliant leadership team, great culture, some absolutely brilliant businesses and a great story to tell. A fast-evolving company, we can’t wait to help support the business during this next chapter, and we know that as a team we are perfectly poised to deliver the strategic counsel and media engagement required.”

The partnership with RedCat Pub Company further adds to the breadth and depth of Fleet Street’s expertise within the hospitality, leisure and food & drink industries. Always passionate about food and drink culture, Fleet Street now represent some of the UK’s leading FMCG and hospitality brands including UKHospitality, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, HEINEKEN UK, Hawksmoor, Franco Manca, Parkdean Resorts and Purity Soft Drinks.

Trade Drinks Expo 2024 Returns to ExCeL London Bar and pub owners, micro-brewers and international decision makers for the largest beverage brands across the country are eagerly awaiting the return of Trade Drinks Expo. Known as Europe's leading event dedicated to on-trade and off-trade drinks, this trade show and industry conference will return to ExCeL London on the 15th & 16th of October.

This year promises to be the event’s most dynamic yet. The expo is set to be attended by thousands of beverage-serving professionals, ready to gather and explore a vast array of delicious drinks, groundbreaking ideas, delivery solutions, essential services, and more. The Expo is designed to help businesses discover forward-thinking solutions to boost profits, attract guests, and retain clients. It’s an exceptional opportunity to discover emerging trends, cutting-edge products, and network with professionals shaping the future of beverages.

Innovative Exhibitors: The show will feature a wide range of exhibitors at the forefront of the industry, showcasing products and services to give businesses a competitive edge. From pre-mixed cocktail brands to electric point-of-sale technology, visitors can expect to find everything they need to drive profits and improve customer satisfaction.

Inspiring Speakers: Attendees can expect to glean insights and inspiration from the brightest minds in the industry. The lineup of speakers will share expertise on a range of topics, including the bar experience, non-alcoholic options, event promotion, and more. It’s a great opportunity to

learn from the challenges and successes of representatives of the sector’s biggest institutions.

Sustainability Trail: With sustainability coming to the forefront of importance in the café industry, we’ve curated a dedicated trail of exhibitors at this year's show that have best utilised and implemented sustainable strategies within their business.

Innovation Awards: Time is set aside at the show to celebrate the most groundbreaking alcoholic and low-to-no drinks of the year in an Innovation Awards ceremony. Recognising excellence and creativity in flavour and marketability, these awards highlight industry game-changers, offering a glimpse into the future of trade drinks.

Networking Opportunities: The event offers attendees the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, industry experts, and potential partners. The Expo provides countless chances to build relationships, collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities, with a diverse yet relevant clientele.

So, mark your calendars for the 15th & 16th of October and secure your FREE ticket today to take advantage of countless opportunities to help your drinks business thrive. Register now to be inspired, informed, and connected at the Trade Drinks Expo 2024!

For more information and to secure your free ticket, visit: www.tradedrinksshow.co.uk

Inflation Holds Steady at 2.2% 24

CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

UK inflation held steady at 2.2 per cent in August, leaving the possibility for the Bank of England to cut interest rates again this year.

The annual increase in consumer prices, reported by the Office for National Statistics remained unchanged from July’s rate, and is significantly lower than at the peak of the cost of living crisis in 2022.

The figures come as the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee prepares to announce its latest rate decision on Thursday after cutting the rate by a quarter point to 5 per cent last month.

wages.

“The sector’s acute cost burden needs to urgently come down, if hospitality is to fulfil its ambition to deliver investment and growth into the economy.

“That can start at the Budget, if the Chancellor introduces a lower, permanent and universal business rates multiplier for hospitality.

However, a quadrupling of business rates bills in April could force venues to raise their prices, unless action isn’t taken in the Budget.

“That would avoid the quadrupling of business rates bills when reliefs end in April, likely forcing businesses to raise prices to meet that rise, in turn threatening an inflationary spike.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “While inflation has now stabilised, hospitality businesses continue to struggle as costs continue to rise, particularly across food, drink, energy and

“Hopefully, this stabilising of inflation will embolden the Bank of England to cut interest rates tomorrow, which is crucial in helping businesses still paying off Covid-related debt.”

Arc Inspirations Unveils “Year Of Transformation” As Revenues Near £50m The award-winning bar group, Arc Inspirations, has today [September 16] announced an impressive set of results, with turnover up 16.2% to £47.4m in the year to March 2024, amid what the company described as a “transformational year”.

“Recent years have not been without challenges for the industry, yet these results indicate that we have weathered the storm, and confidence in our brands remains high, across partners, stakeholders, teams and customers.

Underlying profits (adjusted EBITDA) for the group were up 37.1% to £5.3m.

Individual site performance illustrated the strength of Arc’s market-leading bar brands, plus the success of recent openings, with average site EBITDA up 22% to more than £550,000 per site. It also reported conversion to profit (EBITDA) of 22.9%, up from 21.4%.

“These results are a huge credit to everyone that plays a role in driving Arc Inspirations forward and we’re excited for what the coming year will bring as we implement our growth plans further. We have already made great headway with this, with the opening of four strong sites this year, all of which are proving to be incredible additions to both these cities and our business.”

The strong performance from Arc, which is led by co-founder and CEO Martin Wolstencroft, follows its recent fund raise of £7m, supported by BGF and HSBC, and means the company is extremely well placed to push ahead with exciting plans to further grow its presence in key UK cities.

Central to this strategy is identifying and securing prime city centre locations where Arc can operate its three differentiated brands – BOX, Manahatta and Banyan – in close proximity. The three brands are designed to co-exist, offering something different within each so that they can operate alongside each other within major city centres, without impacting or ‘cannibalising’ trade.

The company’s year-end results were boosted further with the launch of four new sites – BOX Brindleyplace, in Birmingham; Manahatta Newcastle; BOX Nottingham, and Manahatta Sheffield. The sites were selected due to their prime city centre locations – a key pillar in the company’s growth strategy – and have been trading well since opening their doors.

The performance was bolstered by Arc’s best Christmas sales period yet. Over half of the Group’s 21 sites reported their best-ever sales weeks during the week commencing 11th December (2023). Like-for-like sales for the four weeks to the end of December 2023 were up 19% compared to December 2022. The individual brands outperformed the previous year, with BOX up 30%, Manahatta up 24% and Banyan ahead 10%. This, the Group said, was further testament to the “passion, commitment and flair” shown by Arc’s operational teams.

Commenting on the company’s performance, Martin Wolstencroft, CEO at Arc Inspirations, said: “We are extremely proud of what the Group has achieved over the past 12 months in what has been a transformational year. As a business, we continue to track ahead of the market, which is extremely positive.

In the current financial year – to March 2025 – the Group plans to open two new Manahatta sites, in Nottingham and Edinburgh, and a BOX in Sheffield in 2024. Following this, the business will also launch a Manahatta in Liverpool, in early 2025 and is actively pursuing further site opportunities in London, Cardiff and Scotland.

Wolstencroft added: “As a business, we care about our teams and customers, and how we can keep delivering an elevated experience in all areas. This is what keeps driving us on and as a result, we are seeing some fantastic performances. All of our sites are trading ahead of the market, and we are confident this trend will continue as we open new sites in more key locations.

“Our performance is a great testament to the work our teams have put in striving to deliver a best-inclass customer experience, resulting in our highest ever NPS of 81, and also retaining and motivating our best people, with team turnover the lowest it has ever been. It really has been a very rewarding year on all fronts, which I am delighted with.”

Get A Reliable Food Waste Collection For Your Business Employing over 1000 people, at over 20 sites strategically located throughout the UK and Ireland, Olleco services over 50,000 catering establishments.

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Olleco’s commercial food waste collection service could help you reduce the costs of your food waste and reduce the cost to the planet. Olleco collect food waste from everyone, from major national restaurant chains to local chip shops, and call centres to golf clubs. If your business generates food waste, Olleco want to collect it from you for recycling. Once collected, all the food waste is processed through anaerobic digestion facilities, producing renewable energy as well as organic fertiliser.

It will be a legal requirement across England as of April 2024 By seeing what food you are wasting you can adapt your menu, reducing waste and saving money

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Nearly HALF of England’s SMEs Don’t Know That Simpler Recycling Will Impact Their Business, According to New Biffa Survey 26

CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Nearly half (42%) of SMEs in England don’t know that upcoming Simpler Recycling legislation will impact their business, according to a new survey from waste management experts Biffa.

SMEs will face extra challenges from the scheme compared to corporate businesses – like finding space for new bins, separating all recycling into material type and training staff – compounded by the risk of a fine if not implemented. For many, it will be the first time doing so.

That said, 58% of English SMEs do believe Simpler Recycling will affect their business. When it comes to wider UK policies, affected SMEs anticipate Extended Producer Responsibility (53%), Digital Waste Tracking (52%) and the existing Plastic Packaging Tax (51%) having the greatest impact.

It comes as SMEs report sustainability being a greater business priority in 2024 compared to last year – the third highest (36%) following cost efficiency (45%) and revenue growth (39%). When Biffa issued a similar survey in 2023, sustainability was the lowest priority for small businesses.

What’s more, four in five (80%) see waste management and recycling as important to sustainability, with three in 10 (29%) saying the two are ‘very important’.

They prevalently measure and report on the reduction of general waste (67%) in their efforts to be more sustainable – a significant rise on 39% last year. SMEs are also vigilant on the recyclability of products and packaging they purchase or produce (60%). Perceptions from customers or employees also matter, as over half (56%) track this compared to just a fifth (22%) last year.

In fact, nine in 10 (91%) SMEs have a formal sustainability strategy either in place, planned or in progress.

Four in five (82%) also say their business is focused on being part of Britain’s circular economy – compared to just half (52%) in 2023 – but, crucially, nearly all (98%) say that more support is needed for their business to be sustainable.

Financial incentives (42%) are the type of support SMEs need most in order to be sustainable. That’s understandable given that – as in 2023 – the cost (45%) of making changes is their biggest barrier to sustainability, followed by increased expenses of products and or services (38%). Monetary concerns are compounded by a lack of clarity on sustainability metrics (30%).

Two-fifths (42%) of SMEs seek advice on the best options available. They also want to find new ways to be sustainable, desiring investment in innovation and technology (39%), product life cycle, and circular supply chain analysis (37%).

Commenting on the findings, Maxine Mayhew, Chief Operating Officer – Specialist Services and Collections, Biffa, said: “Being more sustainable is not always simple or cost-free, but more SME decision makers are prioritising sustainability than ever.

Our research shows that small and medium sized businesses are capable and motivated to make positive change.

“This change and growing commitment to sustainability, through what have been incredibly tough trading conditions for many, has not been driven by government regulation alone. SMEs are not currently mandated to have a sustainability strategy; businesses have taken the initiative to drive change. They want to do their part in tackling climate change because it is important to them, their customers, and their colleagues.

“Our sector has a duty to help SMEs by providing clarity and guidance around waste legislation. We’re committed to supporting businesses through this period of policy change, so their waste management remains compliant and cost-effective.

“Working together – with the waste industry and across the supply chain – will be crucial for SMEs going forward to reduce waste and recycle more. As will stable legislation, which will give businesses confidence to invest further in sustainability.”

For more information on SME attitudes towards the circular economy, sustainability and recycling, visit: https://www.biffa.co.uk/biffa-insights/Biffa-SME-sustainability-survey-report or see the advert on page 6.

Hospitality Action Launches New Step-By-Step Guide To Improve Workforce Wellbeing Hospitality Action has launched a comprehensive new guide, “Next Steps: What the industry can do to improve wellbeing in hospitality”.

Developed in partnership with the fundraising initiative Walk for Wellbeing, the guide is designed to equip hospitality businesses and individuals with effective strategies to enhance employee mental health and wellbeing.

With 76% of hospitality workers reporting mental health challenges in Hospitality Action’s latest survey, the guide addresses the growing concerns within the industry, which have increased in recent years due to the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

employees such as tips on promoting a positive work/life balance with wellbeing champions and mental health first-aiders to help create a wellbeing-focused workplace. Additionally, it offers best practices for regularly monitoring and communicating wellbeing through employee check-ins, feedback surveys and open discussions, and encourages teams to support wider wellbeing initiatives like Walk for Wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, Walk for Wellbeing is a fun, flexible annual event all about taking simple steps towards raising vital funds to support individuals and their families in the hospitality sector who are facing challenging times.

Eight hosted 20km walks will take place in key cities across the UK on Sunday 13 October in London, Oxford, Bath/Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. Those unable to attend can ‘Walk It Your Way’ anytime between World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10 October and Sunday 27 October at a location and time that suits them best.

Chief Executive at Hospitality Action, Mark Lewis, commented: “Hospitality is a dynamic and exciting industry, but it comes with its own pressures. We want to help employers prioritise the wellbeing of their teams, and this guide offers practical solutions and actionable steps to support employees – which are relatively easy to implement – to create a culture that supports the mental health and wellbeing of all, no matter what area of hospitality they work in.”

The guide is now available through Hospitality Action’s website and provides an essential resource for hospitality employers looking to support their teams.

With effective solutions such as Hospitality Action’s Employee Assistance Programme, which offers 24/7 confidential advice, financial guidance and counselling services, the guide highlights key steps to support

For more information or to download the guide, visit Hospitality Action’s Website, and to register for the walk, please visit www.walkforwellbeing.org

Switch To A Cooking Oil Service You Can Depend On Get the combined cooking oil delivery and collection service experts working for your business.

As the UK’s biggest combined supplier of fresh cooking oils and collector of used oils and fats, Olleco have a lot to offer your food business: Olleco’s team secures reliable sources of cooking oil to offer you a premium range Their experts can advise on the best oils for the job and how to maximise their lifespans Olleco convert your used oil into high grade, renewable biodiesel which is used by oil majors in fuel forecourts The flow of cooking oil through your business is more economical, sustainable and convenient using a combined service connected to the circular economy Committed to great customer service Olleco’s customers scored them significantly higher than average in The Institute of Customer Service’s Business Benchmarking survey. They undertook an independent survey of their customers, asking them to

score them on a range of priorities from experience, complaint handling and customer ethos to emotional connection and ethics. Olleco scored 87.1 compared to the UK Customer Satisfaction Index all-sector average of 76.

Serving 50,000 customer premises from 19 local sites right across the UK One complete service - With just one company delivering your fresh cooking oil and collecting your used oil in one visit, that’s one less thing to worry about.

Payment without delay - Olleco credit you for the used cooking oil collected on the same invoice as they bill you for fresh cooking oil so you won’t have to wait for vouchers.

Dependable oil supplier – As the UK’s leading cooking oil supplier and collector, Olleco have the buying power and resources to deliver a cooking oil service you can rely on.

Get a complete cooking oil service quote today.

Visit www.olleco.co.uk or see the advert on the previous page.

Pint Ban Proposals Rejected

By Drinkers And Publicans Issue 231

CLH DIGITAL

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Commenting on the research published in PLOS Medicine journal, CAMRA Vice-Chair, Ash Corbett-Collins said: “Many beer drinkers and pub goers will find it ironic that this study has been released in the same year as the 200th anniversary of the Weights & Measures Act 1824, which defined a pint in law for the first time.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is urging the Government to set aside research scapegoating pint measures and pubs, and instead focus on offering proper support for pubs and brewers at the upcoming Budget.

New research, which many publicans refused to participate in, has suggested that banning pint measures and replacing them with two-thirds measures would reduce beer consumption.

“The difficulty this study faced in even finding pubs to take part shows that the pint is still an in-demand measure for consumers at the bar. With less than 1% of venues approached for the study agreeing to trial the smaller measure, and none of the 12 pubs who did take part choosing to keep the change, the verdict from publicans is clear.

Instead, CAMRA is calling for Government to introduce a 20% difference between the tax paid on pints in pubs compared to supermarket alcohol to help encourage pubgoing. The campaign group has also asked the Government to stick by their manifesto commitment to reform the unfair Business Rates system in England, and to put money back in consumers’ pockets with a VAT cut for pubs and social clubs.

CAMRA supports a range of measures being available to the customer in pubs, social clubs and taprooms. This reflects the varied offering at the bar, from a third pint of strong and hefty imperial stout to a whole pint of refreshing and sessionable golden ale, consumer choice is an important part of the overall pub experience.

“While it’s important to highlight the health benefits of moderate drinking, pubs should not be the target of punitive measures that scapegoat them as the issue, when the regulated, community setting of a pub is the home of responsible drinking.

“We hope that the Chancellor will be focussed on positive reforms for the beer and pub sector in the upcoming Budget, including reducing draught beer duty and overhauling the business rates system.”

Drinks Sales Slide Against Tough Comparatives

Average drinks sales in Britain’s managed venues dropped by 12% year-on-year in the week to Saturday 7 September, CGA by NIQ’s latest Daily Drinks Tracker shows.

It is one of the biggest gaps in sales of 2024 so far, and is the result of difficult comparatives against September 2023, which brought people out to drink in widespread sunshine and temperatures into the 30s.

It is an abrupt reversal from the encouraging end to August, after a generally challenging summer for sales.

Trading was down year-on-year on all seven days of the week. The start of the Premier League season made Sunday (1 September) the best of the seven, with sales down 6%. However the gap widened to between 16% and 22% from Monday to Thursday (2 to 5 September), and there was an 8% drop on both Friday and Saturday (6 and 7 September).

The wine category was the brightest spot for suppliers and operators over the course of the week, with year-on-year growth of 1%. But sales were behind by double-digits in all four of the other main categories: beer (down 10%), cider (down 30%), soft drinks (down 16%) and spirits (down 16%).

After a bumper start to last autumn, year-on-year growth was always going to be unlikely in the first week of September,” says Rachel Weller, CGA by NIQ’s commercial leader, UK and Ireland. “The gulf in sales shows the all-important influence of sunshine on footfall, and the On Premise has undoubtedly suffered from a dismal summer of weather. After a tough run of trading, the final third of the year is going to be even more crucial to businesses than ever.

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CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Guest Amenities

Elevating the Guest Experience: The Strategic Importance of Hotel Amenities In today's fiercely competitive hospitality industry, the key to standing out isn't just about offering a place to sleep—it's about creating an experience. Hotel amenities, often perceived as add-ons, are in fact integral components that can elevate a guest’s stay from satisfactory to exceptional. These offerings are more than just extras; they are essential tools in shaping a hotel's or inns reputation, influencing guest satisfaction, and driving both loyalty and business success.

WHAT ARE AMENITIES? Amenities are the facilities and services provided by a hotel that enhance the comfort, convenience, and overall experience of guests. They can range from basic necessities to luxurious indulgences, all of which contribute to how a guest perceives their stay. The role of amenities extends beyond simply meeting guest expectations—they can be powerful differentiators that influence whether a guest chooses to book a stay, whether they enjoy their experience, and even whether they leave a glowing review or return for future visits.

THE ROLE OF AMENITIES IN GUEST SATISFACTION In a world where travellers have an abundance of options, the amenities offered by a hotel can make or break a guest's experience. Whether it's the convenience of free Wi-Fi, the comfort of high-quality linens, or the delight of a complimentary breakfast, each amenity contributes to the overall impression of the property. For business travellers, certain amenities—like a well-equipped workspace, fast internet, and access to meeting facilities—can be the deciding factor in their choice of accommodation.

However, in the modern hospitality landscape, guests are not just looking for the basics.

They expect a certain level of luxury and personalization, and they are acutely aware that if one hotel doesn't meet their standards, there are countless others that might. This means that hoteliers need to be strategic about the amenities they offer, ensuring they not only meet but exceed guest expectations.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AMENITIES FOR YOUR HOTEL Selecting the right amenities for your hotel rooms or property requires a careful balance between enhancing the guest experience and maintaining profitability. It’s important to recognize which amenities should be offered as standard, which should be available upon request, and which could be positioned as premium add-ons.

Essential Amenities: Hotel toiletries extend fare beyond functional items; they are vital to the overarching guest experience. Thoughtfully chosen and high-quality toiletries have the power to elevate a guest’s perception of a hotel, creating a lasting and positive impression, and are the baseline expectations of any hotel stay. Items like toi-

letries (shampoos, soaps, facewashes), personal care items (hairbrush, body lotion, shaving cream, razors, shower cap), and conveniences such as coffee kits, bathrobes, slippers, and tissue boxes have become standard across the industry. Failure to provide these can lead to immediate dissatisfaction.

Furthermore as the sector seeks to meet escalating concerns for the environment, hotels and inns are increasingly adopting sustainable practices in their toiletry offerings.

Biodegradable packaging, refillable containers, and cruelty-free products are gaining traction, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Plus, an important trend in the industry is the support for local communities/businesses with the use of locally sourced or artisanal toiletries, connecting guests with the culture and individuality of the destination, adding a custom-made touch to the overall guest experience.

Special Amenities: Some amenities are highly appreciated but may not need to be provided universally in every room. A dental pack, for instance, could be available upon request, along with other personal items like combs. By making these available through reception rather than placing them in every room, hotels not only manage costs but also create opportunities for guest interaction, allowing staff to personalize the guest experience.

Luxury Amenities: For properties aiming to position themselves as luxury or boutique offerings, the inclusion of high-end amenities can be a significant differentiator. This could include anything from high-thread-count linens and premium bath products to in-room spa services or curated mini-bars. The key is to offer something that feels exclusive and personalized, enhancing the overall value perception of the guest.

THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO AMENITIES It’s not just about what amenities you offer, but how you present them. In the digital age, where online travel agencies (OTAs) play a significant role in booking decisions, the way you market your amenities can significantly impact your property’s visibility and attractiveness. Engaging, accurate descriptions of amenities can improve your property's chances of appearing higher in search results and entice potential guests to choose your hotel over competitors.

In conclusion, the strategic selection and marketing of hotel amenities are crucial in today's hospitality landscape.

They are key differentiators that can elevate a guest’s experience, foster loyalty, and drive business success. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, those who master the art of amenity selection will find themselves leading the charge in guest satisfaction and industry reputation.

Guest Supply - Transforming Stays with World-Class Amenities Guest Supply has been a cornerstone in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, providing a comprehensive range of amenities and products tailored to hotels of all sizes. Since its founding, Guest Supply has built a reputation for understanding the unique needs of the hospitality sector, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and leisure facilities. This long-standing commitment is rooted in their ability to offer high-quality, reliable products that enhance guest experiences while supporting their customers operations and sustainability goals.

brand cleaners all designed to meet the diverse requirements of their customers. By leveraging close relationships with top manufacturers and maintaining a customer-centric approach, Guest Supply ensures that their customers consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Their extensive catalogue includes toiletries, linens, housekeeping supplies, in-room appliances, and leading

Partnering with Guest Supply means accessing not just products, but also the expertise and resources necessary to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry. Guest Supply’s solutions are crafted to support both the operational and guest satisfaction goals of any property . www.guestsupply.co.uk

Collaboration Leads to Guest Success sales@guestsupply.co.uk

A collaboration between a Cumbrian hotel and an award-winning natural skincare business has seen explosive sales due to guests’ demand for their bespoke Petrichor toiletries.

Petrichor is the name of the earthy scent produced when rain first falls on dry soil. Derived from the ancient Greek Pétra (rock) and ikh r (ethereal fluid), this became the name for the brand.

In line with Sedbergh Soap Company’s ethos, Dorthe Pratt, the founder of the business, set about incorporating natural and organic ingredients infused with essential oils, grasses and herbs to created Petrichor to the hotel owners’ brief.

James and Nina of The Black Bull: “Petrichor is the essence of a very successful collaboration between two independent businesses. The bespoke artisan-crafted fragrance, inspired by our surroundings, Nina’s rich Japanese heritage is the embodiment of our ethos. We are thrilled how well it has been received by our guests” Dorthe added: “when I set out to compose Petrichor, I knew it would be a challenge. The smell appears rarely here in the Yorkshire Dales as there needs to be a warm dry spell first, and once it starts raining the scent is gone, so my reference point was rather elusive” “James and Nina are ideal collaborators: ambitious,

visionary, and open-minded. They placed a lot of confidence and trust in me to bring it all together and when it happened, it was a real celebratory moment for us all. Scents are emotive, so when I am told I have hit the brief and brought someone’s vision to life, there’s no feeling like it. It becomes about more than doing business together and creating something new – it gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment.“ Sedbergh Soap Company’s clients include several Michelin starred restaurants and Rélais & Châteaux hotels.

See the advert on this page for details or visit www.sedbergh-soap.co.uk

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CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Cleaning and Hygiene

The Importance of Cleaning and Hygiene in the UK Hospitality Sector In the UK hospitality sector, maintaining high standards of cleaning and hygiene is not just a matter of compliance but a critical factor that can significantly influence a business's success. From hotels and restaurants to bars and cafes, the cleanliness of an establishment directly impacts customer satisfaction, reputation, and even financial performance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE One of the primary reasons why cleaning and hygiene are vital in hospitality is to ensure health and safety compliance. The UK has stringent regulations regarding food safety and hygiene, governed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and enforced by local authorities. Businesses that fail to adhere to these standards risk not only hefty fines but also the potential closure of their establishment.

Regular cleaning reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses and other health hazards, ensuring that the business remains in good standing with regulatory bodies.

CUSTOMER PERCEPTION AND SATISFACTION In the hospitality industry, first impressions are crucial. Customers are likely to judge an establishment based on its appearance, with cleanliness being a top priority. A spotless environment reflects a business’s commitment to quality and customer care. Conversely, a dirty or poorly maintained venue can lead to negative reviews, diminished customer loyalty, and a tarnished reputation. In the age of social media, where customer experiences are widely shared, maintaining impeccable hygiene standards is essential to prevent damaging feedback.

IMPACT ON STAFF AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY Cleanliness also affects staff morale and operational efficiency. A well-maintained working environment reduces the likelihood of accidents and illnesses among employees, leading to fewer absences and a more productive workforce.

Additionally, when staff work in a clean environment, they are more likely to take pride in their work, which in turn enhances the overall customer experience.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The financial implications of poor hygiene in the hospitality sector cannot be overstated. Apart from the immediate costs of non-compliance, such as fines and legal fees, businesses may face long-term financial damage due to lost customers and reduced revenue. On the other hand, investing in regular cleaning and maintenance can lead to higher customer satisfaction, repeat business, and positive wordof-mouth, all of which contribute to increased profitability.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, cleaning and hygiene are foundational to the success of any business in the UK hospitality sector.

By prioritizing cleanliness, businesses can ensure compliance with regulations, enhance customer satisfaction, improve staff well-being, and protect their bottom line. In a competitive industry where reputation is everything, maintaining high standards of hygiene is not just important—it’s essential.

Five Star Cleaning, Starts With Best In Class Equipment In all service industries, cleaning is a necessary byproduct of other activity. However, for hotel managers and restaurant owners, it is key to delivering a comfortable front-of-house experience for guests. But good hygiene takes time and resource to get right. This can be challenging in a hotel, where managers and staff have both front of house areas, like restaurants and lobbies, and rooms to keep clean.

cleaners wish their systems were easier to refill. The new compressed Tork Xpress® multifold hand towels increase efficiency with compressed refills allowing the dispensers to hold up to 50 per cent more towels**, meaning they can serve twice the number of guests before refilling.

In addition, compression reduces packaging by up to 27 per cent*** – meaning more towels can fit on a shipment, and less packaging is thrown away.

Ther first step in achieving hygiene, while minimising the time impact on staff, is to equip staff with the tools and knowledge for the job. That’s why Essity (makers of Tork products) works to provide hoteliers, and other service industries, with the right equipment so cleaning doesn’t become a hindrance to the hive of activity hotels can offer.

* Problem detection study conducted in US, UK, Mexico and China, 2020

A large facility, means maintaining a large number fo work stations, so it’s no surprise that 71 per cent* of

Visit www.tork.co.uk to learn more. ** Problem detection study conducted in US, UK, Mexico and China, 2020 *** Compared to equivalent Tork standard folded towel

Products and Services

Issue 231

CLH DIGITAL

31

Guest Supply - Transforming Stays High End Wine Preservation In Your Business or Home with Expert Wine Storage with World-Class Amenities Guest Supply has been a cornerstone in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, providing a comprehensive range of amenities and products tailored to hotels of all sizes. Since its founding, Guest Supply has built a reputation for understanding the unique needs of the hospitality sector, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and leisure facilities. This long-standing commitment is rooted in their ability to offer high-quality, reliable products that enhance guest experiences while supporting their customers operations and sustainability goals.

Their extensive catalogue includes toiletries, linens, housekeeping supplies, in-room appliances, and leading brand cleaners all designed to meet the diverse requirements of their customers. By leveraging close relationships with top manufacturers and maintaining a customer-centric approach, Guest Supply ensures that their customers consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Partnering with Guest Supply means accessing not just

products, but also the expertise and resources necessary to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry. Guest Supply’s solutions are crafted to support both the operational and guest satisfaction goals of any property. www.guestsupply.co.uk sales@guestsupply.co.uk See the advert on page 19 for further information.

For those who cherish the exquisite notes of a fine vintage, proper storage is paramount.

At Expert Wine Storage, we understand that every bottle is an investment and our stateof-the-art wine storage products are designed to ensure that your wine collection ages gracefully, maintaining its peak flavor profile and value.

With years of experience in wine preservation, Expert Wine Storage offers bespoke solutions tailored to the needs of collectors, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of wine.

Our climate-controlled wine fridges and wine walls offer precise temperature and humidity regulation, protecting your bottles from the fluctuations that can compromise their integrity.

We've provided wine storage solutions to Michelinstarred restaurants and the finest institutions such as Oxford University.

We offer a range of wine storage options including:

• Wine fridges and coolers • Ageing wine cabinets • Luxury wine walls • Wine room conditioning units • Wine cellar / room design Invest in your passion with Expert Wine Storage.

Preserve your collection, protect your investment, and enjoy the finest wines the way they were meant to be enjoyed.

Call us on 0330 133 2327 or visit www.expertwinestorage.co.uk to speak with one of our experts today.

Modular Magic: Winterhalter’s MT Dishwasher is Amazingly Adaptable One of the big problems with big conveyor dishwasher systems is that each one is bespoke – and once they’re built, they’re set, with limited options for change.

Winterhalter’s new MT conveyor systems have changed all that: their modular system is incredibly adaptable, so they can fit any space or application, giving designers a new level of footprint flexibility. And even after they are installed they can be easily restructured, by retrofitting additional modules, to keep up with a site’s changing circumstances.

There are two types of MT system, the MT Flight (MTF) dishwashers, where dirties are loaded straight onto the conveyor, and the MT Rack (MTR), where they are put into racks on the conveyor.

The basic structure of a MT system consists of the pre-wash, main wash, rinse and drying zones (or modules), plus an inlet zone, positioned upstream, plus the loading and unloading areas. So that designers can specify their perfect machine, Winterhalter offers a range of additional modules, such as extra wash or drying zones, allowing the machine to be tailored to individual requirements.

Winterhalter has also developed ‘neutral’ modules that can be positioned between operational zones (prewash, wash, rinse and drying). They extend the distance between the zones, meaning the MT can accept extra-large wash

Atlas Hospitality Cleaning and hygiene are the backbone of a successful hotel, restaurant and professional kitchen. Ensuring the safety of food, the health of customers and staff, and the overall reputation and efficiency of the business is crucial for several reasons, namely:

• Brand Protection, Customer Trust and Confidence: Customers are more likely to trust an establishment that maintains visible cleanliness, thereby enhancing the business's reputation.

• Food safety and the prevention of cross contamination: Professional kitchens are subject to strict health and safety regulations. Regular cleaning ensures compliance with these laws, avoiding potential fines, shutdowns, or damage to the business's reputation.

• Preservation of Food Quality: Proper hygiene practices help maintain the quality of the ingredients and the food served and promotes a positive customer experience.

• Minimised Downtime: A clean and well-organised kitchen can operate more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of equipment breakdowns due to the accumulation of grime, grease, or other residues.

• Safety for Staff: A hygienic kitchen reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, such as slips, trips, and falls, ensuring a safer working environment for the staff.

• Positive Inspections: Regular cleaning ensures that the

kitchen is always ready for health inspections, reducing the stress and potential for negative outcomes during surprise visits from inspectors.

In addition, long-term sustainability considerations are important in terms of equipment and asset longevity.

Effective and regular cleaning of kitchen appliances and expensive surface areas protects your business’s investment and extends the life of your assets by preventing the buildup of dirt and grime that can cause wear and tear.

At Atlas Hospitality, we ensure that every aspect of your premises is meticulously maintained to reflect your exacting standards of cleanliness, hygiene and refinement.

Our highly trained professionals effortlessly integrate into your front or back-of-house operations, ensuring a memorable experience for every customer.

Phone: 0800 132 507 Email: info@atlasfm.com Or see the advert on page 9.

MIWE Smartfresh Lands in the UK EPP is pleased to announce the first sale of the MIWE smartfresh system in the UK. MIWE smartfresh allows bakers to offer fresh, high-quality products to customers whilst storing goods for longer, saving time, energy and money. The first unit in the UK has been purchased by an established bakery in the north of England with a history of excellence.

The MIWE smartfresh storage system allows bakers to store par-baked goods, such as bread, for a longer period of three to 10 days, and bake them off as and when they’re needed. By storing products at a constant temperature of about 4°C and a humidity of 95-98% RH, par-baked goods are able to absorb more moisture with each day they’re stored. This improves the texture, flavour and shelf life of products, as they stay fresher for longer.

“MIWE’s smartfresh is a fantastic new innovation in storage technology, allowing bakers to offer customers the best possible quality and freshness, whilst also preventing wastage and saving time, money and energy,” says Steve Merritt, managing director of EPP, the exclusive distributor of MIWE products in the UK and Ireland. “It’s especially

items, such as crates or containers. By creating balance between the zones, the neutral modules also enhance the performance of the MT. The ability to retrofit new modules into an established machine is a massive benefit.

These big conveyor systems can have a service life of decades, over which period the business’s needs are likely to change. Using new crockery that’s tricky to dry? Expand the drying zone. The business grows and capacity needs to increase? Add an extra wash zone. Since modules are connected with silicone-free gaskets, installation (considering the size and complexity of the systems) is easy and quick.

As well as the machine itself, a conveyor system will need an inlet table leading to the machine and an outlet roller table at the end. MT systems can be specified with either straight or corner versions for both.

MT conveyor systems can handle up to 8,000 plates (MTF) or 355 racks (MTR) per hour. List prices for a complete system start at around £51,000.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, visit www.winterhalter.com/uk-en/ or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.

OTC – A Journey of Tradition, Family, and Wellbeing One True Concoction (OTC) is more than just a beverage brand; it’s a blend of tradition, family, and a deep commitment to wellbeing. The name OTC carries several layers of meaning. It signifies the availability of our products "over the counter," reflects the founder's experience in London’s financial sector with "over the counter trading," and encapsulates our dedication to "organic traditional concoctions." Additionally, OTC is a tribute to family, representing the initials of the founder's sons, Omari and Tyrone, and his nephew, Corey.

Our signature beverages, Sorrel and Ginger Beer, are renowned for their natural cleansing properties, offering a refreshing and health-conscious choice for consumers. The distinctive sleeve design and vibrant colours of our packaging ensure that OTC beverages stand out on the shelves, catching the eye of discerning customers. Feedback from events has highlighted the unique difference in taste between our sparkling and still versions, adding an intriguing dimension to our product range.

Since the launch of OTC, our products have found their way into a variety of establishments, including a pub in Walthamstow, a vegan restaurant in Hackney, a supermarket in Bruce Grove, and a health food store in Southgate. We are actively expanding our reach, with

ongoing discussions with additional health food stores in Finchley, a supermarket in Luton, and takeaways in Hackney and Tottenham. We are also in initial discussions with two major national distributors.

Our commitment to community extends beyond our products. The founder is deeply involved in mentoring youth through Volunteering Matters and is a Founder Patron of the Legacy Onside Youth Zone in Croydon, supporting young people and giving back to the community.

In July 2019, OTC collaborated on a special edition bottle to raise funds for the Aren Mali Memorial, celebrating the life of the founder's best friend's son. This initiative is just one example of how OTC uses its platform for positive impact.

At OTC, we live by the words of a famous Jamaican singer: "Gratitude is a must." We are immensely proud of how far we’ve come on our drinks journey and are excited for the future, including the potential recognition of our efforts through prestigious awards.

Follow our journey on Instagram at @otcbeverages, and discover the true essence of One True Concoction.

See the advert on page 2, call 0844 357 0441or visit www.otcbeverages.com

well-suited to bakers with a wide variety of single par-baked goods, affording them greater flexibility to bake as needed. We’re excited to be bringing this technology to the UK and Ireland, and we know it’s going to be a huge asset to many bakeries here.”

By being able to store more par-baked goods for longer, bakers are afforded more options to choose when they bake. Bakers can reduce awkward night shifts, accommodate public holidays, and bake products quickly as demand increases.

MIWE smartfresh is also suitable for in-store baking.

Because it does not require such significant changes in temperature – as seen with traditional energy-intensive method of freezing par-baked goods – the MIWE smartfresh system allows bakers to reduce their carbon footprint, limit energy pull and save costs.

MIWE smartfresh is available in the UK and Ireland exclusively from EPP. For further enquiries, please contact the EPP team at sales@eppltd.co.uk.

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Issue 231

Products and Services

Collaboration Leads to Guest Success Exceeding Customer Expectations

A collaboration between a Cumbrian hotel and an award-winning natural skincare business has seen explosive sales due to guests’ demand for their bespoke Petrichor toiletries.

Petrichor is the name of the earthy scent produced when rain first falls on dry soil. Derived from the ancient Greek Pétra (rock) and ikh r (ethereal fluid), this became the name for the brand.

In line with Sedbergh Soap Company’s ethos, Dorthe Pratt, the founder of the business, set about incorporating natural and organic ingredients infused with essential oils, grasses and herbs to created Petrichor to the hotel owners’ brief.

James and Nina of The Black Bull: “Petrichor is the essence of a very successful collaboration between two independent businesses. The bespoke artisan-crafted fragrance, inspired by our surroundings, Nina’s rich Japanese heritage is the embodiment of our ethos. We are thrilled how well it has been received by our guests” Dorthe added: “when I set out to compose Petrichor, I

The Label Group

The Label Group are a supplier of labelling guns, thermal label printers & labels. We’re here for retail, industrial and manufacturing businesses. We’re independent, which means impartial recommendations combined with over 30 years experience in supplying these products.

The labelling gun market can be complicated. Many products are known by

knew it would be a challenge.

The smell appears rarely here in the Yorkshire Dales as there needs to be a warm dry spell first, and once it starts raining the scent is gone, so my reference point was rather elusive” “James and Nina are ideal collaborators: ambitious, visionary, and open-minded. They placed a lot of confidence and trust in me to bring it all together and when it happened, it was a real celebratory moment for us all. Scents are emotive, so when I am told I have hit the brief and brought someone’s vision to life, there’s no feeling like it. It becomes about more than doing business together and creating something new – it gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment.“ Sedbergh Soap Company’s clients include several Michelin starred restaurants and Rélais & Châteaux hotels.

See the advert on page 9 for details or visit www.sedbergh-soap.co.uk

different names depending on their use. Labelling guns, price guns, pricing guns, label guns, coding guns and batch guns. Our range of products can meet all needs: Simple low use models, durable machines for industry.

A wide variety of specialist features including auto-incrementing guns for batch codes.

All equipment is supplied with a one year factory warranty and are designed to give years of reliable and effective service.

Call 01736 810334 for details or see the advert on page 11.

Hospitality should be based on exceeding customer expectations. The better the operator does to impress its customers, the better its reputation and customer retention.

Unfortunately, it's not always possible to get customer service right every time, no matter how hard you try or how good staff training is. UK businesses lose £12 billion annually due to poor customer service. This may sound astronomical, but there are ways to improve how customers see your business.

Alongside great staff training, investing in the latest technology will help improve your reputation.

CardsSafe Ltd.'s technology has been a part of customer service for numerous restaurants, hotels, bars and golf courses for over twenty years. The system protects businesses by deterring dine and dash and securely protects customers' bank and ID cards while they run a tab. The bar tab-keeping units signify to the

customer that the venue cares about their card security.

If a customer wishes to run a tab and their bank card is slotted in the wallet or stuffed into a till, things don't look good for the business. The impression of the brand is diminished, resulting in less loyalty and, ultimately, a reluctance for that customer to return. One of CardsSafe's longest-standing customers, the leading global hospitality brand Hilton, has used their system since 2005. They say, "All our customers are pleased that we look after their cards more securely with CardsSafe." CardsSafe's tab systems are in multiple hotels nationwide.

So, the choice is yours. To exceed customer expectations, ensure your technology benefits your business and reap the benefits of reputation and loyalty.

For more information, please visit www.cardssafe.com or contact the sales team on 0845 500 1040. See the advert on page 39.

The Cinders ‘Classic’ barbecue has exceeded customers’ expectations for decades, due to its unique, patented design.

It easily cooks 1000 burgers in one session but being a true workhorse is not its only selling point. Robust, reliable and low-maintenance are just three adjectives to describe a barbecue whose repair costs are typically non-existent over long periods, generating a healthy ROI for many years.

The Cinders ‘Classic’ comes as a six-foot long double grill (TG160), or a half-sized single grill (SG80), with both running on LPG and offering incredible food output for the price of the energy used. The user-friendly grills are easy-to-light and powerful, getting

up to temperature in around five minutes, to quickly feed a queue or facilitate an impromptu pop-up barbecue if great weather arrives.

Cinders’ production values are impressive not only offering a warranty for commercial use, unlike cheap imported barbecues, but also built to ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The barbecues have internal self-cleaning too, removing the odious chore of post-barbecue clean-down. The grill merely needs to be left running for a few minutes to burn off residue, which is then brushed away or ejected. Once cool, the Classic can be folded down and easily stored away.

To discover more call 01524 262900 or www.cindersbarbecues.co.uk

Cinders ‘Classic’ Barbecue

South West Coffee Co. Your Partner in Coffee CLEAN Do The Workwear, So

We can help you make the most of your coffee and hot drinks service, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty – together with increased profits.

We offer a wide range of coffee machines, all at competitive prices and with a range of rental, fnance and leasing options available.

We have our own in-house engineering team and guarantee the highest levels of customer service, ensuring downtime is kept to an absolute minimum. Wholesale customers get discounted service charges, further enhancing the overall value of working with us. With experience in all makes of machine, we have no problem working with your existing equipment.

We even offer a free inspection and service to new

customers to make sure your machine is running as it should before getting to work serving up some of the best coffee going…

We also supply a full range of leading, premium products for your hot drinks service.

“Not only are deliveries super quick and reliable but we’ve been given fantastic training and continual support in all aspects of our coffee offering. Their branding looks fantastic and we’ve had great customer feedback too so couldn’t be more delighted!”

Jane – RIVER EXE CAFE, Exmouth For further information call 07776 184141, email hello@swcoffeeco.com or visit www.swcoffeeco.com See the advert on page 2.

Saniflo is best known for its range of domestic macerators that pioneered the ability to install bathrooms in spaces where gravity drainage was unavailable. The full range of products from Saniflo includes models to pump grey water waste from laundry rooms, washing facilities and kitchens, including those in commercial premises. The Sanicom range, in particular, has become a mainstay in hospitality projects when a pumping mechanism is required to lift waste water away from catering or cleaners sinks, dishwashers, glass washers, ice machines and washing machines.

The powerful floor mounted lifting station range includes two models; the single pump Sanicom 1and the Sanicom 2 which features twin pumps for applications where continuity of use is imperative. The motors operate alternately for even wear but each is a fail-safe back up for the other in the event of a pump issue. The

second pump will also assist the first in the event of a large deluge of water.

Both models operate automatically via a pressure switch and dip tube that controls the activation of the motor and have multiple connections so that a range of products can be connected. The tank of the Sanicom 2 is equipped with 2 immersion tubes to control the motor and alarm.

Frequently used in buildings that are undergoing ‘change of use’ the Sanicom 1 and Sanicom 2 can pump up to 11m and 15m respectively, making basement or underground installations a breeze.

Easy to install, maintain and operate, the Sanicom range can provide drainage discharge whatever the project.

For further information visit www.saniflo.co.uk or see the advert on page 11.

Sanicom. Proven & Reliable Pump Solution for Hospitality

You Can Do The Work

CLEAN Linen & Workwear are one of the UK's most trusted laundry companies. They supply tailored workwear solutions provided by real people. Their comprehensive laundry network means they can service customers throughout England and Wales, providing chefswear, workwear and linen rental services.

Whether you operate from a singlesite hotel, pub or restaurant or have multiple locations, CLEAN can tailor a workwear rental solution to suit your business requirements. They offer various uniform options to support the entire kitchen brigade, from Executive Chefs to Kitchen Porters.

With their workwear rental service, you can say goodbye to the hassle of purchasing, storing, and maintaining chef and kitchen uniforms. Instead, enjoy the convenience of a hassle-free rental system that provides freshly laundered garments whenever your team need them. By renting with CLEAN, you can avoid upfront purchase costs, spread the payments over your con-

tract, and ensure quality and care with every wash. Delivery is free, and there are no hidden charges; contracts even include repairs. Each item of clothing can be branded and tailored to the wearer with logos and embroidery. Their managed service prevents issues compiling when supplying your team with work clothes; a convenient locker valet service helps distribute and store uniforms, and they tackle minor repairs early to extend the service life of a uniform. Ultimately, this avoids costly replacements wherever possible as it reduces uniform losses, and uniforms only need replacing when a repair is not safe or cost-effective.

With CLEAN's workwear rental and laundry service, business owners can focus on what matters most — running their business — while CLEAN takes care of the rest.

To find out more: www.cleanservices.co.uk or see the advert on page 3.

Handmade Garden Furniture From MG Timber The UK outdoor furniture market is heavily influenced by changes in weather conditions, with consumers more likely to purchase picnic benches during periods of good weather. MG Timber specialise in the manufacturing and supply of high-quality wooden picnic tables.

Their picnic tables are made from high-grade timber and are designed to withstand the harsh outdoor elements.

Whether you’re a restaurant seeking to enhance the cosy ambiance of your outside space with a high-quality dining set. A hotel wanting to revive your garden with a premium picnic table or a pub landlord aiming to elevate your beer garden with an impressive selection of pub benches and wheelchair

accessible picnic tables. MG Timber are the garden furniture suppliers for you.

Crafted from the finest Swedish Redwood, each piece is expertly pressure treated to ensure longevity and protect against the elements.

Renowned for their robustness, our treated wooden outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the unpredictable British weather, making them a reliable choice for any catering and licensing industry outdoor space.

For full details about our vast array of top-quality outdoor picnic benches for sale contact us today. We are also offering up to 15% off on commercial orders, please visit our website www.mgtimberproductsltd.co.uk or call us on 01902 953166. See the advert on the front cover.

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Bar Snacks

Issue 231

Tayto Has ‘Snacking Sorted’

As the largest family-owned, British-based snack company with a stable of well-known British brands, Tayto has ‘Snacking Sorted’.

Bar Snacks offer a brilliant opportunity to increase sales through the ‘double whammy’ of generating incremental sales AND boosting dwell time. Our unique offering provides hospitality and licensed venues with a snacking ‘onestop shop’.

Here are our top tips on how to maximise sales - and profits - from snacks! *Stock a wide range of proven, premium snacks that have been developed for the licensed sector Pub consumers look for brands they can trust and it’s important to stock proven sellers! Tayto has a range of award-winning snacks to suit every pub and cover a large range of ages and dietary requirements: • Midland Snacks Traditional Scratchings – No 1 brand1 and our best-selling pubcard – boasting a 2-star Great Taste award, with its traditional hand cooked recipe that has stood the test of time.

• Mr. Porky Original Scratchings – the No 2 brand1 is the most recognised name in scratchings and also a 2-star Great Taste Award winner.

• Mr. Porky Crispy Strips - a lighter bite, akin to crispy bacon rinds, for those who want all the taste of a scratching but a less hard texture, and another Great Taste award-winner • REAL Hand Cooked Crisps – premium, award-winning, food service focussed crisp brand with 9 strong flavours (of which 7 are Great Taste Award winners). All recipes are gluten free, vegetarian and with no added MSG. REAL has relaunched it’s punchy Ham & Mustard flavour and has partnered with Colman’s, the UK’s number one mustard brand2 to bring you REAL Handcooked Ham & Colman’s Mustard.

• Animal Adventures – vegetarian, gluten-free, with no added nasties, is a lightly salted animal-shaped fun snacks that kids love.

KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER Boost sales by tailoring your range to their tastes. Our research shows that younger male consumers prefer the meaty flavours – like Roast Ox, Ham & Colman’s Mustard whereas the more traditional flavours are popular with the 45yrs+ - Salted, Cheese & Onion and Sea Salt & Black Pepper.3

PROMPT SERVICE

We know that less than 20% of people regularly buy a snack with a drink and the main reason for not doing so is ‘I just didn’t think about it’4. By simply asking “Would you like a snack with that?”, staff can easily increase incremental sales and profits – and add to the customer experience.

SEEING IS BELIEVING Snack sales increase by up to 80% when they are more visible5. Put your snacks where customers can see them o Pubcards or clip strips behind the bar o A full range of crisps on the bar o Bar runners and coasters are great eye-catching prompts Tayto provides pub-focused solutions such as eye-catching pubcards for pork scratchings to be hung behind the bar and a range of FREE POS available by scanning the QR code below.

PREMIUM PROFITS By not offering a range of premium snacks, pubs could be leaving money on the table. Research shows that most people either have no idea what they pay for pub snacks, or expect to pay over £1 a pack, so venues can easily make over 50p profit per pack4.

Premium crisps are another essential bar snack given 82% of pub goers eat them6 and consumers are willing to pay up to 30% more for premium over standard products7. Having products that aren’t available in supermarkets, such as REAL Hand Cooked Crisps, enables venues to justify premium pricing.

HOG THE LIMELIGHT – DON’T FORGET PORK SNACKS! Snacks also have the potential to increase sales of drinks. Pork scratchings are a great example. The perfect partner to cider, wine, and especially premium beers and lagers, their unique taste balances the sharpness and carbonation of some drinks, while the saltiness enhances the flavour and helps get your thirst on.

Scratchings really are the ULTIMATE PUB SNACK! In a 2021 poll, they topped the list when 2,000 pubgoers were asked to name their favourite pub snack.8 This comes as no surprise as 83% of pork snacks are consumed with a drink9. The combination of a pint and scratching has been passed down generations and is fundamental to the Great British pub experience. There really is no matching a scratching!

Tel: 01536 204200 www.taytogroup.com SOURCES: 1. Circana Symbols & Independents GB | Pork Snacks | Value | 12 w/e 06-May-23 2. Kantar Topline Report 23.10.23 3. 1,500 Craft Gin Clubber March 2021 4. Norstat | Nov 20 5. HIM! Foodservice 2016 6. Norstat | Consumer Usage | March 2019 7. CGA Strategy Research | 2016/2017 8. Perspectus Global Poll | March 2021 9. Norstat | Jan 20

The Perfect Snack for All Your Trade and Hospitality Needs Robert's Dorset provides an unparalleled snack experience that will elevate your trade and hospitality offerings to your customers.

At Robert's Dorset, we understand the diverse dietary preferences of your patrons, whether they follow a vegan, keto, or allergen-free lifestyle.

Rest assured; our selection of snacks caters for all.

As a trusted supplier to independent shops, pubs, and the hospitality industry, we offer a range of sizes in all our products for direct reselling.

Our vibrant packaging is designed to catch the eye, while the contents are sure to satisfy. From our stackable pots which optimise your shelf space, and fit most cup holders, to our elegant mason jars which add the "wow factor" to any display.

Discover the perfect bar snacks to complement your fine beverages or enhance your guests' welcome baskets with something truly special.

WHY CHOOSE ROBERT'S DORSET? Established in 2011, we are a family-owned and operated business. At the core of our operations lies a

personal touch, ensuring our trade customers enjoy the following advantages: • Delicious snacks to delight your customers.

• Exceptional customer service, led by a dedicated Account Manager.

• Convenient ordering options, whether online or by phone.

• Handcrafted products made in beautiful Dorset, England.

• Every item is prepared to order, ensuring customers always receive the freshest products • All our packaging is fully recyclable or reusable and we have a 99.9% waste free production process • Proudly certified by the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) - palm oil is only used in Fudge • All our ingredients are of the highest quality.

Contact Robert for an online catalogue and more information regarding our perfect snacks. robert@robertsdorset.com | 01202 875280 | www.robertsdorset.com See the advert on page 5.

Fly the Flag for Good Taste Snacks represent an excellent opportunity for pubs and bars to encourage consumers to increase spend. While snacks won’t replace meal occasions, they offer pubs the opportunity to trade up on drinks-only visits, with 56% of customers saying they like to consume savoury snacks with an alcoholic drink1.

to pubs and bars feel like a special occasion. With 93 Great Taste Awards across the range, Tyrrells offers a great accompaniment to a glass of wine, offering classic and popular flavours including Mature Cheddar & Chive, Lightly Sea Salted and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar.

Perfect when paired with a cold beer, our KP Nuts range features KP Flavour Kravers Flame Grilled Steak in a 21x50g pub card. Combining the best-performing SKU from the Flavour Kravers range with the popular pub card format, Flame Grilled Steak drives sales in pubs and bars by tempting customers to trade up.

Launched this year, our new League of Tyrrellbly Good Taste initiative supports the Out of Home (OOH) channel in driving bagged snacks sales. The initiative enables OOH outlets to register their business via a bespoke platform to receive exclusive POS, with 200 POS kits available, including a branded wooden display unit, a window sticker marking out the business as a “Tyrrellbly Tasteful Establishment”, a clip strip and more.

Consumers gravitate towards familiar brands that they trust and recognise so it’s important to stock a range of best-sellers that customers want. KP Snacks offers a diverse portfolio of flavoursome and popular snacks perfectly positioned to help pubs and bars gain sales. From tasty nuts, perfect when paired with a cold beer, to premium crisps, our range can create value and generate demand by meeting all consumer needs.

KP Snacks’ premium hand-cooked crisp brand Tyrrells is an ideal choice for customers looking to make trips

FInd out more – www.tyrrellscrisps.co.uk/league/ See the advert on the previous page for details.

PLEASE MENTION THE CATERER, LICENSEE & HOTELIER NEWS WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTISING

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Issue 231

Chefs' Buyers Guide Greenleaf’s Christmas Collection Unveiled

Utensils for the restaurant and fast food trades!

phs Greenleaf has launched its 2024 Christmas tree collection, featuring everything from sustainable moss trees to novelty Christmas jumper trees. phs Greenleaf has been providing Christmas trees and decorations to businesses for over 20 years, including pre-decorated artificial and real trees, bespoke displays and festive accessories for both inside and outside a premise.

This year’s range includes a collection of traditional trees, luxury trees and trend trees and matching accessories, including wreaths, garlands, tabletop trees, desk florals and parcels.

“Christmas is an opportunity to make a statement about your brand,” said Stephen Dieppe, Managing Director of phs Greenleaf. “That’s why we have created

such a diverse collection so that every business can have something that reflects their ethos and culture.

“We have the traditional trees in reds and greens, and a luxury collection for a truly decadent festive display.

We also monitor the market all year round to create our ‘trend trees’.

“With sustainability front of mind, we created our new ‘Festive Forage’ tree, which uses natural decorations, and, as a nod to nostalgia (which is big this year!) our ‘Deck the Halls’ tree is an ode to the Christmas jumper “We also make bespoke trees and displays for our customers. This is a great way to create that big Instagram moment that so many brands want at Christmas.” phs Greenleaf’s new Christmas 2024 brochure is now available online.

Suncream Ice Cream - The Great Taste of the Summer

We at Fryersmate have over fifty years experience between us in the hospitality sector.

Fryersmate, Unit 3, Great Northern Way Great Northern Terrace Lincoln LN5 8XF

Call us now: 01522 542054 Email: info@fryersmate.com www.fryersmate.com

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

For over fifty years Suncream Ice Cream has been manufacturing their award winning Italian ice cream in Tamworth Staffordshire, earning many awards along the way we are proud to be classed as Great Taste Producer. Family-owned business offers an impressive array of products including traditional scoop ice cream, vegan, sorbets and even ice cream for dogs.

Rebecca Manfredi, Managing Director, emphasises the versatility and quality of their Gelato Gold range. Made with 20% double cream, this premium ice cream comes in 21 exquisite flavours like Sea Salted Caramel and Black Forest Gateau. Ideal for standalone scoops or as an accompaniment this range can certainly elevate your dessert offering. Gelato Gold is a perfect addition to any dessert menu. Suncream ensures their clients are well-equipped to present these delights with comprehensive menu cards and a full range of point-of-sale materials.

Suncream's commitment to inclusivity and safety is

evident in their vegan ice cream range, which is free from the main 14 declarable allergens. "We are proud to be a nut-free site" Rebecca states, addressing a critical concern for many consumers and highlighting their dedication to high safety standards.

For those seeking a touch of luxury Gelato Lusso offers an artisan experience. This ice cream is robotfilled and hand-dressed, made with whipping cream to deliver a sumptuous, creamy texture that promises to impress. Gelato Lusso undoubtedly adds the "wow" factor to any offering.

Not forgetting our four-legged friends, Suncream introduces Gelato Woof, a lactose-free ice cream designed for dogs. Made with carrot and apple puree and fortified with calcium, it provides a delicious and healthy treat, promoting strong bones, heart health, and muscle function. A wooflicious treat for your furry friends.

Suncream Ice Cream’s diverse and high-quality offerings continue to set them apart, ensuring delight for every customer, be it human or canine.

For more information on Suncream Ice Cream please contact 01827 282571 info@suncreamdairies.com www.suncreamicecream.com

Chefs' Buyers Guide If You Are Going To Do Northern Ireland - Bringing One Trade Show This Year, Character to Your Business Then This Is It…

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Issue 231

Join us at the Booker Catering Trade Show, Wednesday 25th September at the iconic Wing building of the Silverstone Circuit (Towcester NN12 8TN) from 9am to 4pm

The invitation is open to all catering type establishments, new or existing to Booker Wholesale, with over 5 halls as well as outside street food zones, there is so much to see and do.

Covering food, drink, non food as well as the support with utilities or allergens, supported by live demonstrations and trends advice from butchers, greengrocers, baristas, leading chefs and mixologists. Plus throw in some fun like racing simulators then this is one event not to be missed.

Over 4,000 visitors attend and come back every year from across the country. Don’t take our word

for it… Customers feedback include, “Learnt so much”, “Chance to see a lot of the right people in one place” “Lots of fun as well as lots to see”, “So much new and products perfect for our business” , we could go on

Open 7 days a week across the whole of the UK, Booker/Makro offers caterers one of the widest and indepth services.

From a wide range of channels to suit the customer from the traditional collect service, order online to collect or for a delivery from the branch.

Even an option to purchase from an extended range of premium alcohol, food or even catering equipment. Supported by loyalty schemes and locked down pricing and extended service like oil recycling and credit. You’re truly Better off with Booker. www.booker.co.uk

and Two Stacks showcase genuine innovation with their unique flavours and product formats. Killowen has enjoyed critical acclaim for its rum and raisin single malt, Two Stacks for its ‘Dram in a Can’. In total, Northern Ireland is now home to over 20 distilleries and breweries producing single malt, pot still and blended Irish whiskeys, gin, poitin, vodka, rum, craft beer, cider and hard seltzers. Drawing on the region’s rich natural resources, distillers are crafting spirits with a unique sense of place. An emphasis on quality is aligned with a global trend towards premium beverages and strong value growth in

Over 100 years ago Northern Ireland introduced whiskey to the world and now our distillers and craft brewers are in the midst of a vibrant renaissance. Over the last decade our drinks sector has become one of the region’s most dynamic, innovative and export-driven industries. Our drinks producers are winning awards across the globe, driving buoyant sales at home and abroad and our buzzing visitor centres and tap rooms are enticing tourists into cities, towns and villages across the four corners of our beautiful country.

This resurgence is driven by a compelling blend of long-established distilleries such as Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey producer, and a wave of innovative newcomers. Bushmills doubled its production in 2023 with the opening of its £37mn Causeway Distillery, taking sales to over 1 million cases for the first time. Also taking strides are newcomers Echlinville Distillery, a pioneer in field-to-glass distilling, McConnell’s Irish Whiskey, a brand with roots tracing back to 1776 and Rademon Estate Distillery which has created the first peated whiskey in the region in over a generation.

Impressive visitor centres at Hinch, Belfast Distillery and Titanic Distillers offer insight into the history and provenance of Northern Ireland spirits, whilst Killowen Distillery

McWhinney’s Sausages McWhinney’s Sausages has been a family run business since 1898. Starting out in a butcher’s shop, many things have changed over the years, but one thing has stayed the same – quality. The company emphasises quality above all, using only the best quality cuts of pork to produce their award-winning Irish Pork Sausages. Everything from the 126-year-old recipe used in the Premium sausage to the newer additions, such as gluten free, used the same high-quality ingredients and get the same care and attention to ensure a consistently excellent result every time.

MD Kevin McWhinney is a fifth-generation butcher who was raised on the premium sausages. 6 years ago, he

the sector.

There has never been a better time to buy Irish whiskey from Northern Ireland. The region’s unique post-Brexit position due to the Windsor Framework offers an advantageous gateway for both the UK and EU markets. This strategic positioning promotes business opportunities and sets the stage for the further boost to Northern Ireland’s thriving drinks industry.

For more information contact Michelle Charrington E: michelle.charrington@investni.com or Iain Joannides E: iain.joannides@investni.com Buynifood.com

was diagnosed with coeliac disease and became unable to eat any of the products he produced. This led to the creation of the McWhinney’s Gluten Free Sausage. Applying the McWhinney’s quality ethos, Kevin set out to create a great product in its own right as opposed to a passable alternative. In this he succeeded in creating a sausage with a hint of honey-roast ham sweetness which packs a peppery tingle on the back of the palette.

Gluten free offerings are becoming increasingly important as awareness in the industry grows and kitchens become more equipped to deal with the challenges it poses. The McWhinney’s Gluten Free can sit on any menu proudly to delight diner’s tastebuds whether coeliac, gluten-reducing or just looking far a tasty sausage.

For more information email info@mcwhinneys.com

Photo courtesy of Titanic Distillers, Belfast.

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Issue 231

Chefs' Buyers Guide LittlePod’s REAL Vanilla Paste The team at LittlePod have been speaking to chefs all over the UK in a bid to learn more about vanilla use in the nation’s professional kitchens.

In doing so, a trend has emerged and a consensus reached: quality, affordability and ease-of-use are all crucial when it comes to choosing ingredients in 2024.

For more than fourteen years, such considerations have been at the forefront of LittlePod’s Campaign for Real Vanilla and the innovative product with which the company was launched in 2010.

“We have received great feedback, reviews and recommendations since bringing our natural vanilla paste in a tube to market all those years ago,” said Janet Sawyer MBE BEM, LittlePod’s founder and Managing Director, who spent time with the chefs gathered for the latest A Passion to Inspire Upskill Day in Suffolk earlier this summer.

“The chefs who use our vanilla paste continue to recommend it to their colleagues and others in the industry.

They love the quality of the vanilla and the functionality of the tube. This is the best endorsement of all.

“LittlePod’s vanilla paste is such a versatile product. It saves time and hassle, there’s no need to scrape and split pods, and it has been described as an evolution for the kitchen.

“The chefs we speak to tell us that the tube is the perfect size to hold, the fliptop lid makes our vanilla paste quick and simple to use, and that understanding that one teaspoon of vanilla paste is equivalent to one vanilla pod helps them to manage portion control.

“It’s so important for us to get this feedback as it helps us to encourage more chefs to use REAL vanilla from LittlePod. This enables us to continue to support the farmers in the Equatorial regions and to underline the importance of top quality real, natural ingredients.”

Like to find out more about LittlePod? Visit www.littlepod.co.uk, email sales@littlepod.co.uk or call 01395 232022.

Tiptree Patisserie – Serious About Shortbread

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

At Tiptree Patisserie, we’ve built our reputation on crafting exquisite cakes and desserts that celebrate tradition and quality, supplying the hospitality sector with traditional, cakes, desserts, scones and much more since 2010. Today, we’re proud to be channelling our expertise into expanding our shortbread offerings a category that has rapidly become an important part of our growing product range. These buttery, melt-in-the-mouth treats are becoming a hallmark of our brand, and we’re serious about making them nothing less than exceptional.

With traditional flavours such as All-Butter and Chocolate Chip, to more unusual seasonal flavours like Lavender and Mince Pie, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

As part of the Wilkin & Sons family of business, famous for its Tiptree Jam, you can be assured of our focus on quality and ingredients. Naturally, here at Tiptree Patisserie our handmade cakes are made with

Tiptree preserves and curds.

Our much-loved biscuits have found a warm welcome in hotels across the country, where they are enjoyed as part of a premium offering for room service and gifting. Our bespoke white-label solution also enables us to meet the exacting standards of high street retailers and farm shops, who trust us to deliver excellence under their prestigious labels.

At Tiptree Patisserie, shortbread is not just another product; it’s an expression of our brand's dedication to quality, tradition, and the art of artisan baking.

If you would like to get in touch about supply or to discuss a white-label solution for your business, please get in touch: Tel: 01376 509101 Email: tiptreepatisserie@tiptree.com Web: www.tiptreecakes.com

Hospitality Technology

Issue 231

CLH DIGITAL

43

Introducing Task Manager: Revolutionising Food Safety and Vista Technology Support: Your Trusted Partner Operational Efficiency in Hospitality & Catering Industry NCCO International announces the launch of Task Manager, an innovative food safety task management and temperature monitoring solution designed for the hospitality & catering industry. Task Manager addresses key challenges in food safety, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction, making it an essential tool for catering businesses.

"Task Manager is a transformative digital HACCP solution," said Karl Rose, Managing Director of NCCO International. "Our system not only ensures adherence to food safety regulations but also enhances the quality and safety of the meals served, contributing to a superior customer experience."

Task Manager assists catering companies in complying with local, state, and federal food safety regulations, significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. With robust record-keeping and log management capabilities, Task Manager ensures that businesses are always auditready, simplifying health inspections and compliance

checks.

The system automates temperature monitoring for refrigerators, freezers, and food storage areas, eliminating the need for manual checks and helping maintain safe temperature limits. Task Manager also organizes food safety-related tasks, such as cleaning schedules, equipment maintenance, and staff training, ensuring thorough and efficient operations.

By maintaining consistent monitoring, Task Manager helps preserve the nutritional value and quality of both stored and prepared food. Real-time alerts for temperature deviations allow for quick corrective actions, potentially preventing spoilage and ensuring that customers receive high-quality meals.

For more information about Task Manager, please visit www.ncco.eu or contact David Webster at dwebster@ncco.com.

Discover how Vista Technology Support can help you grow your business, enhance your customer experience, and streamline your operations.

Vista provides a comprehensive package of IT solutions designed for retail and hospitality businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Vista’s services include hardware supply, software configuration, cloud support, cyber security, network, and managed services, as well as technology installation, structured data cabling and remote technology helpdesk and onsite engineering and training and support.

Vista supports an award winning suite of customer focused IT services, provided by a team of experienced and certified professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the retail and hospitality industry.

Vista can help you improve your sales, profitability, and customer loyalty by providing you with the latest and most reliable in-store technology solutions.

Vista can help you enhance your customer experience by offering you solutions such as digital signage, self-service kiosks, mobile PoS, loyalty programs, and in-store

ordering.

Vista helps you streamline your internal operations by providing you with a range of flexible IT services (Service Desk, Maintenance, Technology Deployment), enabling you to focus your budgets and resources on your core retail skills and in serving your customers.

Vista is a trusted partner for hundreds of retail and hospitality businesses (large, medium and small) across the UK and afield.

Vista offers you a flexible and scalable approach that can adapt to your changing needs and budget.

Vista provides you with a true partner and one stop shop for all your IT needs, saving you time, hassle and costs.

If you are interested in learning more about Vista Technology Support and how we can benefit your business, please visit our website at www.vistasupport.com or call us on 0330 135 9878.

We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation and a customised quote based on your specific requirements.

We look forward to hearing from you.

King’s Cross and SevenRooms Aren’t Just Partners; They’re Rewriting the Rules of Hospitality with Tech That Truly Understands Your Guests In a first-of-its-kind partnership for European hospitality, King's Cross has teamed up with SevenRooms, the leading restaurant marketing and operations platform, to become the first real estate destination to launch an aggregated restaurant booking experience. This initiative enables diners to find and book reservations at 11 of King's Cross's esteemed restaurants, including El Pastor, Caravan, and Coal Office, all through a single, convenient platform.

The SevenRooms platform, seamlessly integrated into the King's Cross website, simplifies and improves the visitor experience by cross-promoting multiple restaurant brands and eliminating the need for diners to visit multiple restaurant websites or apps.

“We have been able to facilitate this easy-to-use booking platform that allows customers to get a single view of table availability and make bookings without having to visit multiple websites, which can be time-consuming and frustrating,” said James Rayner, Head of Retail at King’s Cross.

Diners can search by date, time and party size to see restaurant table availability across the estate. This not only ensures guests book at King’s Cross restaurants, but maximises restaurant revenue potential by ensuring all avail-

able tables can be booked quickly and easily.

“It is our mission to help restaurants thrive, and partnerships like these are incredibly impactful in helping bring more business to our restaurant partners by making it easier for diners to book reservations at the places they want to go,” said Danilo Mangano, EVP, International at SevenRooms.

Leveraging SevenRooms’ tech, restaurants benefit from more reservations, while also capturing guest booking details like allergies or special occasions and collecting and responding to customer feedback, delivering more personalised guest experiences that boost loyalty.

This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the integration of technology and hospitality. By prioritising customer convenience and leveraging data-driven insights, King's Cross and SevenRooms are setting a new benchmark for dining experiences, transforming the way diners discover and book their favourite restaurants.

“We hope that by delivering this customer-first experience, customers will keep choosing King’s Cross as their dining destination of choice,” Mangano added.

For further information visit www.sevenrooms.com

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Catering Equipment Ltd

Catering Equipment Ltd are the authorised UK Distributor for the range of Kängabox thermoboxes that keep items Hot or Cold. Kängabox is a revolutionary new high density EPP series of containers in which hot or cold items can be transported with an average temperature loss of less than 1°C plus or minus per hour within a temperature range of -40°C to +120°C. Kängaboxes are available in a range of capacities and attractive colours.

Kängabox are available in eight different designs and four different depths. The various gastronorm, pizza, ice cream and euro norm formats are available.

Our Transport Boxes perfect for keeping food HOT or COLD whether delivering food, running an event or managing extra food production in the Kitchen.

Comprehensive product details can be found on our

website www.kangaboxuk.com.

We are also leading suppliers of European manufactured Stainless Steel items such as Sinks, Gastronorms, Accessories and other products.

In addition Catering Equipment Ltd are also the UK's largest specialist supplier of European manufactured gastronorm containers, ice cream containers, sinks, hand wash and restaurant equipment. See our extensive range of products on our website clickonstore.net.

Catering Equipment Ltd are a family firm that has been trading for almost 30 years. Our commitment is to our customers you are the most important people in our business.

Our promise is that you can count on Catering Equipment Ltd to help you and that our team will do their utmost to ensure that dealing with us is a pleasant and worthwhile experience. Call the team on 0121 773 2228 now.

Elevate Alfresco Dining with Quality Wines from Lanchester Wines James Dainty is business unit controller at Lanchester Wines: When it comes to alfresco dining experiences - be it festivals, picnics or venues where glass isn’t permitted - there’s no need to compromise on the quality of wine served. Lanchester Wines offers innovative solutions that ensure outdoor events can still feature exceptional wines.

INSPIRAL: PREMIUM HOUSE WINES IN SUSTAINABLE PET BOTTLES Our Inspiral range features high-quality house wines in recycled PET plastic bottles, making them perfect for any outdoor event or function where glass is unsuitable. These rPET bottles are made from sustainable materials and are fully recyclable. Specially designed for wine, each lightweight bottle includes a barrier that extends its shelf life to at least 24 months—four times longer than regular PET bottles.

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

WALLFLOWER: FUNKY AND FRESH WINE IN CANS

Introducing our latest range, Wallflower—a collection of 187ml Spanish wines in a trendy can format. Ideal for on-the-go occasions, festivals, events or as a single serve in ontrade settings, Wallflower ensures your wine offering is both stylish and convenient.

The Wallflower range includes: • Red Wine: A fruity blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.

• White Wine: A zesty mix of Airen, Macabeo, and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Rosé Wine: A delightful Garnacha Rosado.

With Lanchester Wines, alfresco dining can be both environmentally conscious and a celebration of great taste. Our innovative packaging solutions ensure you can offer high-quality wines that are practical and sustainable, enhancing the outdoor dining experience for your customers.

See the advert on the facing page for details.

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Mobile Coffee Is The Growth Sector! LEDsynergy - LED Video Screens & LCD Displays

With the increasing number of outdoors events and festivals, the enthusiasm for mobile coffee continues to take off in a really big way! Serving great quality coffee away from the traditional high street coffee shop location also brings with it some operational challenges!

Fracino manufacture one of the most powerful LPG powered espresso machines range available and continues to develop the innovation to further improve the user experience.

As a result, many artisan roasters are now using the concept for sharing their unique talents for creating amazing coffees and taking them to the places that people meet for their many different leisure activities.

This gives plenty of opportunity in a relaxed environment to share their knowledge and fantastic flavours to multiple new customers.

With such a wide range of Dual Fuel models available, Fracino provide every type of outdoors catering venture with the perfect solution for their specific requirements. Operating from LPG – in the form of regular barbeque type gas bottles - and a 12v battery, connect-

ed through an inverter to the machine to power the electronic systems, these innovative models ensure full ‘off grid’ mobility and the opportunity to serve coffee in the remotest of locations!

Back at base, the same machine can then be connected to a mains power and water supply and, without any technical work required, become a standard, electric powered machine again! Ingenious!

Integral durability is the result of construction from high quality stainless steel and the Fracino Dual Fuel models are developed to be robust and strong to ensure they can handle the rougher treatment of moving around the roads and fields their owners take them to.

Fracino have already increased their range of LPG products to include a powerful and ‘steam free’ water boiler – and will launch further new innovative models later this year; watch this space!

Where there’s people, the motto is lucratively becoming, serve coffee!

Check out the range at www.fracino.com or contact us for more details at sales@fracino.com

With over 40 years’ experience in the LED industry, LEDsynergy is a market leader in the field of Programmable Electronic Display Systems and can offer a vast range of LED displays to meet a wide variety of customer applications from simple information displays, right up to large scale, full colour video boards for both Indoor and Outdoor use.

We are incredibly proud, that as a British manufacturer, we have recently become a registered manufacturer with ‘The Made in Britain’ organisation. We design, develop, and manufacture right here in the UK, so that as a customer you can be assured, we have quality at the forefront of our principles and, in addition, we offer outstanding service and of course ongoing support to our valued customers.

We have a highly dedicated and professional team all working in synergy to offer the complete solution from initial design through fabrication to installation and commissioning. We provide the best advice, very competitive prices, and highly reliable products. With a vast

range of LED products, we can compete at all levels of tendering.

Within the hospitality sector we can offer LED video screens which can be used in many ways; such as large TVs, stage backdrop screens, information screens, site entrance displays and ‘what’s on’ event information.

The key to our success is reliability coupled with the highest quality of design and service, with a total commitment to every customer through all aspects of their project.

Flexibility and careful design are key factors in ensuring accurate compliance to customer specifications with relatively short lead-times.

If you want to find out more about how we work, then why not give us a call on 01264 303030 or email us on sales@LEDsynergy.co.uk. Or why not come to visit us in Andover, Hampshire, we have a showroom where you can have a play with the displays, and you can see just how impressive and versatile they are. www.ledsynergy.co.uk

Outdoor Furniture That’s Built To Last Leading the Way in Table Numbers & QR Code Thanks to the weather and heavy use, no furniture has to work harder than the pieces you choose for your outdoor space. Trent Furniture offers a great range of durable, contract grade outdoor furniture that your customers can rely on for comfort and you can depend on for durability.

The Monaco Stacking Chair is a great choice to accommodate outdoor diners. The popular wicker seating option is available in a choice of black, natural, red or green. Made from durable synthetic woven rattan, this is a comfortable chair built to cater for all weathers. Alternatively, you can choose between sturdy aluminium or wood effect slats. Whichever seat you opt for, the sturdy aluminium frame with fully welded joints is built for strength and can be stored stacked up

to 10 high.

Picnic benches are a stalwart of any British beer garden and also offer an ideal solution for alfresco dining.

Available to seat 4, 6 or 8, the sustainably-sourced Chunky Picnic Table is made from 4cm thick, fully dip-treated spruce wood and features a double strut across the A frame and galvanised metal fixings. Not only that, its attractive rounded edges and corners and smooth timber slats mean your guests will be sitting comfortably!

Both these picnic benches and the Monaco chair range are also perfect for indoor use in garden rooms or venues where outdoor style seating is required.

For more information, please call 0116 286 4911 or fill in our contact form at www.trentfurniture.co.uk

Labels for the Hospitality Industry

Brunel Engraving proudly stands as the UK’s foremost supplier of table numbers and QR code labels, catering to the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we offer swift and efficient solutions to enhance the dining experience for both establishments and their patrons.

By utilizing our table numbers and QR code labels, businesses can streamline operations and elevate customer satisfaction. Guests can effortlessly access menus, promotions, and other pertinent information with a simple scan, eliminating the need for physical menus and expediting the ordering process.

In addition to our signature rotary engraving, we offer a comprehensive suite of printing and engraving techniques, including laser engraving, chemical etching, and

various printing methods. This diverse range of capabilities allows us to cater to the unique needs of each client, delivering tailored solutions that exceed expectations.

From large blue-chip chains to local privately owned establishments, our table numbers and QR code labels can be seen installed across the UK. Join countless satisfied clients in experiencing the Brunel Engraving difference. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can transform your establishment’s operations and elevate your guest experience.

T: 01275 871 720 E: info@brunelengraving.co.uk W: www.brunelengraving.co.uk See the advert on page 34.

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Expanding Your Business Potential with Quality and Style

Unable to take any more bookings because it’s too cold outside or raining? Turning customers away because you’ve run out of seats? As professionals in the world of Outdoor Coverings for commercial venues, Broadview know how important it is to keep your business operating whatever the weather.

More clients are looking to enhance their outdoor dining spaces with a Pergola, Awning or Umbrella System that can accommodate all seasons. Broadview are as passionate about outdoor coverings as you are about maximising your business potential. Invite them to see your outdoor space, discuss the options available and turn your vision into a reality. Most importantly, they’ll show you how to achieve a fast return on your investment.

With one of the largest ranges of outdoor living systems in the South, manufactured by the industry leading brand Brustor, every system from Broadview can be custom designed to fit your business. They offer both

louvred roof pergola systems and garden awnings with rotating and retracting roofs which are powered by a Somfy motor and can be operated either by remote or app control as well as umbrella systems.

Add extras such as LEDs, heating, Bluetooth speakers and sliding glass and you’ll get not just an Umbrella, Awning or Pergola, but a full outdoor room to use all year round.

Broadview have over 55 years of experience in the industry - backed with a five year warranty, 5 star ‘Excellent’ Trust Pilot rating and an accredited ‘Somfy Expert’ status, so you can be sure that you’re in good hands from initial survey right through to the final installation. Talk to the experts for your free consultation and see how your business can benefit with an outdoor lifestyle solution.

Call 01202 679012 or visit their website: www.outdoor-shading.co.uk

Café Culture - Pavement Profit

We create appealing and comfortable outdoor seating areas for your clients supplying everything required including:-

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

• planters with real or faux plants • cafe banners and restaurant screens • lighting • heating • classic neon signage • parasols installed and repaired • lenticular bladed roofed shelters • tables and chairs Our hardy planters are built to order using rot proof artificial wood planks. This unique material is not only completely waterproof but is formed from UK

factory waste plastics and materials that would otherwise have gone into landfill. They will last you countless years and are a genuine recyled investment.

From our workshops in Kent we deliver UK wide and are happy to visit and survey your site to to discuss your needs and prepare a drawing and quotation outlining what could be done, all within your available budgets.

We firmly believe the better you look on the outside, the more customers will come to the inside so contact us on 01733 559437 or sales@cafeculture.biz

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Let Jefferson Calor Gas Power Your Hospitality Experience Let Jefferson Calor Gas Power Your Hospitality or Catering Experience with Free Delivery for LPG Propane or Butane Cylinder Supply wherever you are on the UK South Coast from Eastbourne to Weymouth.

In the bustling world of hospitality and catering, reliable fuel sources are not just necessary; they are essential.

Whether you're heating an upscale hotel patio or firing up a BBQ or hotplate burner at a local food festival, Jefferson Gas has your energy needs covered with our high-quality Calor Gas Propane, Patio Gas Cylinders & Refills plus Campingaz Butane Gaz Bottles.

Why Partner with Jefferson Calor Gas? • Diverse Applications: Superb for gas barbecues and patio heaters designed to enhance dining ambience and comfort.

• No Mains Gas, No Problem: Ideal for venues and

events without access to mains gas supply.

• Mobile Solutions: Essential for mobile catering units, burger vans, and food trucks at events and festivals.

Our Calor Gas Delivery Service: • Free Delivery: We Supply Calor Gas Bottles directly to your business at no extra cost, ensuring you have the necessary resources without the hassle.

• Reliability: Experience uninterrupted service a dependable supply, helping you keep operations smooth and efficient.

• Customized Services: Dynamic Supply & Delivery Arrangements to fit your specific needs, volume, and frequency.

Let Jefferson Fuel Your Success: Call us on 01273 041500 to schedule your first Free Calor Gas Delivery.

Choose professionalism, choose reliability, choose Jefferson Calor Gas.

Discover Your Perfect Catering Gazebo with Gazeboshop At Gazeboshop, we specialise in high-quality printed gazebos tailored for food and drink vendors. Whether you run a street food business or participate in occasional markets and events, our custom-printed gazebos will help you stand out and attract customers.

Our catering gazebos are perfect for showcasing your delicious offerings.

They easily accommodate BBQs and street food ovens, ensuring your setup is both practical and visually appealing.

Fully waterproof and flame retardant, our gazebos offer year-round protection from wind and rain, keeping you and your food sheltered and dry. We also offer printed accessories like sky banners, half walls and flags to further personalise your unit and enhance your business’s visibility.

Food and drink gazebos aren't limited to outdoor use; they can also provide a competitive edge at indoor events. We’ve proudly supplied a number of catering clients over the years, including The Filthy

Vegan, Santina’s Wood Fired Pizza Co, Acropolis Street Food, and Bring & Braai Catering. A well-designed gazebo can showcase your unique products and attract passers-by, making your booth the go-to spot at food festivals, markets, and events. Our pop up gazebos come with a manufacturer’s warranty of up to 3 years, and next working day delivery is available for spare parts.

For those who don’t need a branded gazebo or are working within a budget, we offer plain pop up gazebos in various colours, sizes, and frame strengths.

Additionally, explore our stretch tents to elevate your outdoor space and create a beautiful alfresco dining experience for your customers.

At Gazeboshop, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect gazebo solution to make your business shine. Contact us at 01295 258922 or visit www.gazeboshop.co.uk to get started.

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

• Diverse Applications: Superb for gas barbecues and patio heaters designed to enhance dining ambience and comfort.

• No Mains Gas, No Problem: Ideal for venues and events without access to mains gas supply.

• Mobile Solutions: Essential for mobile catering units, burger vans, and food trucks at events and festivals.

FREE DELIVERY TO THE SOUTH: We Supply Calor Gas Bottles directly to your business at no extra cost.

01273 041500 | www.jeffersongas.co.uk

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Issue 231

Caterquip Ventilation Caterquip Ventilation Ltd is proud to be celebrating their 23rd Anniversary this year.

design service to help you build your ideal kitchen.

This Warwick based company offers nationwide coverage for all your commercial catering needs: free site surveys, quotations and designs (CAD), quality bespoke and standard fabrications, specialist knowledge of catering ventilation systems including input air, odour reduction (carbon filtration and ESP) and sound attenuation.

Affiliated members of Constructionline and CHAS, Caterquip Ventilation have a strong hold in the marketplace often advising industry professionals on ventilation systems to a DW172 specification & BSEN:6173.

They have strong relationships with all leading kitchen equipment suppliers, and they offer a kitchen

Projects undertaken have included Olympic Villages, Basildon Hospital, The Mitre Hotel at Hampton Court, The Truck Stop at Anglesey, The Lodge at Old Hunstanton, Colleges, Schools, Hotels, Restaurants and Public Houses. They ensure their systems are compliant with the current guidelines whilst maintaining an efficient and dynamic facility.

With extensive knowledge of manufacturing and installing ventilation systems, they can help you design the best kitchen within the space available.

Call: 01926 887167, visit: www.caterquipventilation.co.uk, email: info@caterquipventilation.co.uk

Fridge Seals Direct

Fridge Seals Direct proud to be UK's no1 supplier of replacement fridge and freezer seals. We fabricate for a wide variety of commercial fridge & freezers.

The management team at Fridge Seals Direct have over 30 years of experience in the refrigeration industry and have each spent many of those years installing gaskets and hardware for a range of styles, brands and sizes of fridges.

From restaurant kitchens to food warehouses - we have experience in dealing with fridge & freezers of all sizes and scales. To learn more about fridge seals, be sure to explore our range of extensive guides on how to replace a refrigerator door seals. Otherwise, find your specific guides in how to identify, measure, install or maintain your fridge or freezer door seal.

The Importance of Venting Floor Mounted Waste Water Pumping Systems

When designing or installing a commercial kitchen venting the floor mounted waste water pumping system may not be the first thing that is taken into consideration. However, understanding the importance of venting for the effective operation of the pump, as well dispersing odours from the tank, is a critical factor for reliability in these situations.

As wastewater drains from a sink or appliance the air inside the tank must be released to allow the flow of water into it. If the tank is not vented correctly wastewater will be noticeably slower to drain away from sinks and appliances. Odours and gurgling noises from equipment and sinks will also occur. In these situations, the likelihood is that the pumping system is not properly vented.

ing tank.

Two filters are available from Aldermaston based waste water pumping system specialists Pump Technology Ltd, the smaller CharcoVent and the larger MicroVent. Both contain an activated carbon filter ideal for removing odours.

The smaller CharcoVent, which is an easy to replace disposable cartridge, should be used on systems that are typically sink only. Its vent pipe should be 1 1/4”.

The larger MicroVent, which features a replaceable cartridge, should be used on systems that have multiple wastewater inlets, or with appliances such as dishwashers. Its vent pipe should be 2” to allow the greater airflow.

As the pump operates air needs to be drawn back into the tank so that a partial vacuum is not created.

If this is allowed to happen the discharge flow of the pump will be reduced adversely affecting its efficiency.

Vents should be positioned as far above the collecting tank as practical. This improves the life of the filter and its effectiveness and facilitates easy removal of the lid for cleaning and servicing. It also ensures that, when pumping hot wastewater, any potential condensation will not adversely affect the activated carbon.

For these reasons all pump tanks need to be fitted with a suitable vent to allow them to breathe in and out. Ideally this should be routed to atmosphere external to the building.

The specialist team at Pump Technology Ltd are always happy to talk with any potential customers who are designing or installing a waste water pumping system and offer help and advice.

In cases where the vent outlet can only be sited within the building, a filter must be used to minimise any potential odours escaping from the pump collect-

More information: 0118 9821 555 www.pumptechnology.co.uk

Our reputation in the industry along with our commitment to providing a high-quality gasket without having to buy from the factory allows us to have competitive pricing and fast turnaround time.

Try us out, order your door gaskets from us and discover a better way to do business. We are here to help you. www.fridgesealsdirect.co.uk

• Be ready for your inspections • Damaged fridge seals are unhygienic • Make your fridge more energy efficient with a good seal on your fridge • We provide custom seals for cold rooms, discontinued models, and units with no identification information • Next-day delivery service • Discounted prices on large orders

WhatsApp, phone, and email support

07936807320 sales@fridgesealsdirect.co.uk

fridgesealsdirect.co.uk

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Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems from Trinity Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems guard against highly destructive kitchen fires. Trinity Fire & Security Systems will survey, design, install, commission, maintain Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems throughout the UK, including Ansul and others.

A restaurant fire suppression system is a crucial piece of equipment for any commercial kitchen, it responds within seconds should a fire break out and they can often be an insurance company requirement. Kitchen fire suppression systems are ideal for all types of commercial kitchen such as hotels, factories, restaurants, casinos, stadiums, schools, hospitals and fast-food outlets.

Trinity Fire & Security Systems are an Authorised Tyco distributor for the Ansul R-102 Restaurant Fire Suppression System.

The need to provide continuity in a commercial kitchen is key to the survival of the business, which is why Trinity offer the class leading Ansul R-102, Restaurant Suppression System to stop fires rapidly, at source. With

more 3rd party accreditations under UL-300 and LPS-1223, than any other product, Trinity are proud to become one of a select number of companies that are fully approved, having their system designs, installations and servicing audited by the manufacturer, to provide clients with complete peace of mind.

Fires can, and often do, run quickly out of control and it is essential to have a system that can protect all aspects of the cooking and extraction process, that’s exactly what the partnership between Trinity and Tyco can offer.

There are several similar Suppression systems that only have limited certification covering the fryers, however the Ansul R-102 offers 3rd party certification for individual cooker types whether it be a fryer, broiler, salamander, range or skillet as well as the associated hood and ducts.

Get in touch with kitchensuppression@trinitypro.co.uk to enquire or for a quote.

Mobile Kitchens Ltd specialises in the hire of temporary catering facilities and foodservice equipment.

Ideal for events or to provide temporary catering facilities during your kitchen refurbishment, our versatile units and equipment offer an efficient and economical solution to the caterers’ needs.

Production Kitchens, Preparation Kitchens, Ware-washing Units, Dry Store Units, Cold Rooms and Restaurant Units are available as individual units in their own right or they can be linked together on site to form a complete complex.

Alternatively, we can offer modular, open-plan facilities, usually for larger, longer-term hires.

We offer a free design service, and project management from concept through to delivery and installation on site, plus full technical support throughout the hire period.

The standard specification of our Medium Production

Kitchen unit includes a six burner oven range, salamander grill, twin basket fryer, undercounter fridge, undercounter freezer, hot cupboard, double bowl sink unit with integral hand wash basin, storage racking, plus ample power points to plug in Microwaves, Food Processors, Toasters etc. Internal equipment can be interchanged, and clients can effectively specify their preferred layout.

We have many tried and tested design layouts and would be pleased to put forward our recommendations for your project.

So, if you’re planning a refurbishment or need to cater for an event then why not give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide advice and put forward a competitive proposal.

For further information or to arrange a site visit, email: sales@mk-hire.co.uk or call us on 0345 812 0800, or visit our website: www.mk-hire.co.uk

Temporary Kitchen & Equipment Hire

0844 335 1910

kitchensuppression@trinitypro.co.uk

Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems guard against highly destructive kitchen fires.

Trinity Fire & Security Systems will survey, design, install, commission, maintain Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems throughout the UK, including Ansul and others.

www.trinityfireandsecurity.com

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

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Design and Refit

Transform Your Space With Stackable Chairs When you’re planning a refit or furnishing your restaurant from scratch, the chairs you choose play a crucial role in getting the very best out of your space.

Bring your walls to life with Fitzwalls.com

Dreaming of Venice or simply love the serenity of water scenes?

Do your clients have a soft spot for horses?

Maybe you're a fan of abstract colour bursts?

Say goodbye to tedious cleaning and hello to beautiful acrylic presentations.

No matter what your needs, check us out on www.fitzwalls.com Contact Kate on kate@fitzwalls.com or by phone +44 (0)7812 341517

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

In any demanding hospitality setting, the quality and contract-grade durability that comes as standard across Trent Furniture’s large and varied range is key. The York Crossback Stacking Chair is a highly popular dining chair among venues of all types and sizes thanks to its versatility and understated style. Choose the vintage oak finish for a rustic vibe or the clean tones of light oak for a contemporary feel. Alternatively, walnut and dark oak finishes are available for a more traditional look. Whichever oakwood finish you choose, you can rest assured you’ve opted for an elegant chair with the added benefit of being stackable up to 8 high.

Alternatively, our bestselling Loopback chair is now available with the added convenience of stackability. Available in walnut or dark oak, the Loopback Stacking Chair, inspired by classic Parisian café design, will seat your customers in comfort and style.

It’s the little details that really create the wow factor in your newly designed space. That’s why these chairs are available with a simple wooden seat or expertly upholstered by us onsite in a choice of over 100 hardwearing fabrics in material, faux leather or vinyl to fit in perfectly with the colours of your décor scheme.

To find out more, please call 0116 286 4911 or fill in our contact form at www.trentfurniture.co.uk

The Final Touch - Delight Your Clients With Gorgeous Art Fitzwalls.com offers a range of high quality photographic images with you in mind.

Enhance your new build or refurbishment with glorious images from www.fitzwalls.com.

Find that perfect finishing touch for your building, whether new build or refurbishment, home, office, restaurant or pub.

Subjects include, Travel, Water, Boats, Rigging, Venice, Horses, as well as abstracts and images inspired by the natural world.

Transport your clientele to a favourite or planned holiday destination, with fabulous images of Venice and the islands, or a Safari with Zebra, Elephant and Lions from Kenya.

Abstract images are also available, which cause the viewer to stop and consider what is depicted there. We all see things differently.

For horse-lovers choose from a selection of attractive breeds, magnificent Friesian ‘warhorses’, elegant

Portuguese Lusitanos, free running Icelandic horses, and wild, white Camargue horses.

Modern and sophisticated presentations as acrylics are available, which, with no heavy wood frame, can fit with any style of building.

Easy to clean, maintain and ready to hang they are eminently suitable for offices and public areas of buildings.

Some of the images are available both with existing black frames as well as unframed.

Images bought unframed are supplied with a mat border.

For more details, or if you have questions arising from the website contact Kate by email or phone. kate@fitzwalls.com M: +44 (0)7812 341517 Freephone 0808 197 2726 www.fitzwalls.com

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New Stock Chair Ranges from ILF www.ilfchairs.com email terry.kirk@ilfchairs.com With the continuing success of the ILF Chairs website, 2023 has seen an increase in their STOCK chairs to 11 ranges available in different Faux and Velvet upholstery and selection of frame colours, plus a 12 colour STOCK range of Egger laminated 25mm table tops in a selection of sizes and colour finishes. A full range of table bases in metal and stainless steel are also kept in STOCK In addition, ILF now also have a comprehensive range of STOCK outdoor seating and tables to suit all budgets plus real wood table tops and real wood table bases for indoor use.

More STOCK ranges coming soon please check the website. www.ilfchairs.com/email terry.kirk@ilfchairs.com

Their online website offers both indoor and outdoor seating and table solutions.

Divided into Contemporary seating, Boutique, Lounge Seating, Period Seating, Outdoor seating and tables plus Indoor Dining & Coffee height wood tables, creating a great selection of products to view at your leisure.

Most made to order indoor seating and indoor wooden table bases and tops can be finished to any customer specification. Outdoor items offer a variety of colours within the same product style.

Enquiries can be sent to ILF directly from the website and they will reply within 24 hours. ILF hope you will enjoy the experience of viewing their easy to navigate website and they look forward to helping clients get the best products for their hospitality site.

Mayfair Furniture Mayfair Furniture will be celebrating 12 years this year of providing the UK’s fastest and affordable commercial furniture. Supplying all kinds of establishments from high end hotel chains to small local takeaways.

We keep in stock a huge variety of items ready for immediate dispatch, and can fulfil a wide range of bespoke orders. We deliver to all areas of the UK, Ireland & Europe.

We are not just a supplier; we understand that from time to time hospitality and leisure establishments like to give themselves a fresh new look. That's why not only do we supply contract furniture, but when it's time for your establishment to go through a

refurbishment we also offer a complete clearance service. We'll organise everything from a suitable time and date, professional clearance staff to remove contract furniture whether fitted or unfitted. Along with our sister company Caterfair who provides commercial catering equipment for your kitchens we are the ideal people to speak to when you are looking to refurbish.

01733 310115 sales@mayfairfurniture.co.uk www.mayfairfurniture.co.uk

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

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CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Design and Refit

Maximising Revenue, Compliance and Customer Experience with a Lift a restaurant in London For larger establishments and new buildings, the primary choice should always be a passenger lift, as it can robustly handle high volumes and frequent use.

Not only do these lifts improve overall customer experience but also ensure inclusive access. Failure to give equal, dignified access is a breach of the Equality Act, and with the Purple Pound valued at £274billion per year, it’s a vital source of business revenue.

Whether you're opening a new hospitality venue, renovating existing premises, or looking to comply with regulations, a lift could be the solution.

Any hospitality business aims to provide unparalleled customer service, facilitating easy movement for customers throughout the building and enabling staff to serve quickly and safely.

Lifts in hospitality settings generally fall into two categories: front of house lifts, which ensure smooth movement of people and occasional goods (such as luggage), and back of house lifts, which facilitate the transport of goods and sometimes staff.

A front of house lift, depending on the size and needs of the establishment, is typically a passenger or platform lift.

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• Where stairs to a mezzanine floor or steps in front of the building create a barrier for wheelchair and buggy access, a step lift can provide a practical solution where installing a ramp is not feasible.

• For moving customers between floors: In smaller establishments and existing buildings, a conventional platform lift may be sufficient. For a more enhanced customer experience, a cabin platform lift, which gives the look and feel of a traditional lift, could be ideal. Platform lifts benefit from lower pit and headroom requirements and involve less building work than a conventional lift.

A platform lift designed to match the building refit at

Behind the scenes, back of house lifts play a crucial role in maintaining excellent customer service. The most well-known is the dumbwaiter, also known as a food or catering lift. With options such as heated shelves to help keep food warm, it’s an invaluable tool when kitchen and restaurant areas are on different floors. This setup prevents the risks of manual handling for staff and improves safety for customers if using the same stairs.

The benefits of a Stannah dumbwaiter include their ability to fit into the even smallest spaces, quick installation time, and relatively low-cost addition to the overall fit-out cost.

For larger working restaurants, trolley lifts and goods lifts are available, including an option for attendant control so a staff member can accompany the load.

Fast and efficient service enhances the customer experience and ensures staff safety at work. Including a lift as part of a refit or fit-out can be a relatively small investment with significant benefits. Are you considering a renovation or thinking about a lift? Look no further than Stannah Lifts, www.stannahlifts.co.uk.

Download our free manual handling guide here resources.stannahlifts.co.uk/manual-handling

Design and Refit

Restaurant Furniture Store

Looking to elevate the elegance of your restaurant? Discover the sophisticated range of chairs and tabletops at Restaurant Furniture Store, available in both standard and custom sizes. Enjoy peace of mind with our 5-year warranty and free delivery, ensuring both quality and convenience.

We offer a comprehensive selection of in-stock products, along with a vast array of unique, custom options.

If you're searching for something truly bespoke, we provide an extensive range of customisable chairs that can be tailored to your exact specifications, including colour, fabric, and design.

We’re also excited to introduce our new leasing option! If you'd like to enjoy our products without the upfront cost, you can now lease any of our in-stock items—perfect for startups and business renovations.

Leasing starts at just 33p per week, with flexible 2-year and 3-year terms, giving you the option to purchase at the end or renew your lease to refresh your furniture.

At The Restaurant Furniture Store, we are dedicated to delivering high quality indoor and outdoor restaurant furniture, complemented by exceptional customer service.

With a dedicated account manager and our expert customer service team, you’ll receive timely updates throughout the entire process, from purchase to delivery. Our mission is to make your experience smooth and stress-free.

Visit our online store to explore our extensive indoor and outdoor furniture collections www.restaurantfurniturestore.co.uk

Beautiful Wood For All Surfaces

Inspiring customers for nearly 50 years, Havwoods is the prevailing name in beautiful wood surface design for floors, walls and ceilings.

Havwoods’ superior collection of products is available in an extensive range of species, finishes and colours to ensure the perfect fit for any interior.

OVER 400 WOOD FLOORING OPTIONS Combining unrivalled expertise and latest designs, Havwoods set the benchmark for outstanding quality wood surfacing in a wide variety of species and with every conceivable finish. They select the very best products from the best manufacturers worldwide, continually researching new ideas and trends. The result is a superior portfolio of hundreds different wood surfacing products, most of it being European Oak. Wood flooring offers the perfect balance of luxury and practicality for any space adding value to a property. Investing in this beautiful, tough, natural and durable material is therefore a great choice.

BEYOND THE FLOOR Providing a literal new dimension to their collection

of wall surface and veneer solutions Havwoods recently introduced its latest new collection, Elegante Veneers. With versatility, flexibility and sustainability at the heart of the range, Elegante is part of Havwoods’ new journey to enhance its product portfolio to offer ranges that extend beyond the floor. With a wide variety of wood surface options for floors, walls and ceilings, Havwoods is your go-to provider for any of your timber surface requirements.

PRODUCTS FOR ALL BUDGETS H Collection by Havwoods is the perfect high-quality timber flooring option for value management and a popular choice in the Hospitality sector due to its fantastic price-point without compromising on the performance or durability required for high-traffic spaces. Dive into a curated palette of popular hues, thoughtfully designed to inspire and elevate your interiors. H Collection products are FSC® Certified Timber (FSC-C009500). info@havwoods.com +44 (0)1524 737000 www.havwoods.com/uk

Issue 231

CLH DIGITAL

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CLH DIGITAL

Issue 231

Design and Refit

It’s The Small Touches That Make A Big Difference: British Luxury Lampshades

So much effort goes into making guest experiences special and memorable in the UK’s 10,000 or so hotels. It could be down to the softness of the bed or the tartness of the lemon dessert ...it all takes professional care and attention from all the skilled staff working their magic day in day out.

Here at Tringhams we believe that the ambience of the rooms in a hotel have a massive impact on the positive experience of guests that stay there -the warmth of the lighting and the quality of the lampshades is where we specialise in making a real difference to guest experiences.

These are areas that are so often overlooked or seen as less important than other higher profile areas of the hotel.

Our consumer research tells us that guests love to relax in quintessentially British décor...in surroundings that they aspire to have in their own homes.

It also tells us that housekeepers and hotel proprietors struggle with finding the time to look at the smaller touches that make up a stunning hotel room-that’s why we have created the Tringhams’ Lampshade Fitting Guide to make the process as stress- free as possible for our customers.

At Tringhams we have been supplying handcrafted luxury lampshades from our family-owned business in London since 1986.

We are proud to have supplied many of the most beautiful houses, hotels ,castles and palaces in the UK but it’s helping the Independent Hotel sector transform their special spaces into stunning rooms that is our true forte.

If you want to order new luxury lampshades or replace or restore existing one’s please see the advert on this page for details.

Drakes Bar Furniture Have you recently taken over premises, just fancy a change or need to replace your tired old fixed seating and fixtures? At Drakes, we can help you realise your dreams with our bespoke furniture design service.

We can take ideas from you, or your interior designer, or we can design something ourselves, all done efficiently, with professional quality and on time within budget.

Our service provides a unique opportunity to make your establishment stand out from others and add additional comfort for your customers.

We have been providing bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and hotels with high-quality furniture and fixtures for decades. Our dedicated team are either time-served officially trained craftsmen or externally based professionals.

Please mention the Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News when replying to advertising

Call 01422 839 690. If you prefer, email us at sales@askdrake.com, and of course please visit our website www.askdrake.com to see some of our range and past work. See page 42 for details.

Property and Professional

Issue 231

CLH DIGITAL

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UK Pub And Restaurant Transactional Market Activity Improved In H1 2024 Report Reveals Investor confidence has returned following an uplift in mergers & acquisitions according to the latest Pubs & Restaurants 2024 Mid-Year Market Insight report by Christie & Co, which reflects on market activity and trends across the UK’s pub and restaurant transactional markets in the first half of 2024 and provides an outlook for the rest of the year.

The report reveals that pub market activity improved in H1 2024, compared to the subdued levels seen in 2023, with Christie & Co’s key transactional metrics trending upwards since January this year, albeit off soft year-on-year comparables.

Demand has been polarised towards bottom-end and premium assets however, this also shifted over the past six months, with signs suggesting the mid-market is returning. Additionally, there has been increased M&A activity signalling that investor confidence has improved.

THE KEY MARKET INSIGHTS AND TRENDS REVEALED IN THE REPORT INCLUDE: • Christie & Co instructions increased by 46% compared to historic low levels. Viewings, offers, deals agreed and exchanges increased by 5%, 15%, 46% and 74% respectively • The sub 600K market remains strong but the freehold, freehouse market is returning as confidence improves • There is increased demand for closed sites, particularly within the restaurant sector as buyers would prefer

Why Use a Specialist Hospitality Consultant?

Answer: because we can help your business to succeed.

With over 30 years of industry experience in the Hospitality sector, The Bowden Group’s Managing Consultant David Hunter will work with you to address the following elements: Profitability, Operational Strategy, Staff Management, Marketing and The Future of your business.

PROFITABILITY & OPERATIONS Our experts will analyse your entire operation and also its key operating figures if they are available. We then help you to identify strategies to manage costs and overheads associated with the core Profitability of running a Hospitality business.

The largest overhead, even higher than Cost of Sales, is the Labour cost, so, with detailed analysis of your wages and being able to understand ‘’the way your business actually works’’ we can ensure that you are maximising the labour usage in your business.

Budgeting, Forecasting, Menu Management, Stock Controls, Purchasing, and controlling Variable Costs are

just a few of the other areas that David Hunter, your Restaurant Consultant, will work on with you, and improve with you.

MANAGING PEOPLE Managing people brings with it a whole set of new skills that are now needed more than ever. From ‘’Managing the Managers’’ through to Service and Kitchen staff, your team needs careful and skilful Management, Motivation, guidance and Development.

MARKETING We will help you build a workable, planned Marketing Strategy. From Digital Marketing, such as Social Media marketing, Websites, eMail Marketing and online advertising, to print design, Promotions and offline advertising, your Hospitality business should be constantly working on ‘’ all things Marketing’’.

If your business is actually struggling, or if you just feel that it could be doing some things better, give David Hunter a quick call on 07831 407984 to arrange a ‘’Free of Charge’’ initial consultation (please quote CLH Offer), when David will discuss with you what could be achieved if you ask us to work with you.

to buy the property and add value in the current environment • The most active buyers are predominantly experienced operators or individuals already in the marketplace who understand value • Pub Co’s have been notably active. They are looking to divest sites that no longer fit their portfolios, subsequently freeing up capital to acquire new sites • The late-night sector has continued to struggle, with the latest figures from CGA Nielsen indicating there were approximately five closures per week in Q1 2024. The growth of the late-night bar, changing social trends and disproportionate impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the student and younger demographic has contributed to this. Entertainment-led venues are faring better • Consumer habits have shifted with regards to food, drinking and dining out times – a continuation of last year • Operators are focusing on creating lean, consolidated businesses versus saturation Looking ahead, whilst it is noted that operators are still contending with staffing issues, cost pressures and current interest rates have made funding deals challenging, Christie & Co remains optimistic that market activity is moving in the right direction and suggests that correctly pricing assets is the key to increased deal activity as vendor expectations remain high, particularly as rates are expected to come down in the coming months.

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What Next?

UK Hospitality is not alone in having had a turbulent couple of years, but it does seem to be resilient. The UK economy has just been confirmed as the fastest growing economy in the G7, inflation and interest rates have come and dare we say energy prices seem to have levelled off.

The pessimist in me however is looking at what is next, we have a budget coming up and despite pre-election promises we know taxes are going to increase, it would be fair to assume that minimum wages will increase and possible pension’s requirements also.

One area I think could be an increase is the rate of IPT (Insurance Premium Tax) which is currently 12% and I feel could be increased to 20%, this would be an increase on all insurance premiums before any insurance rate increases.

It’s not all doom and gloom though and with the economy growing it suggests that we are all spending more money. I recently had a trip to Yorkshire and was amazed at how busy the town was, the pubs, bars and restaurants and the variety of establishments, slightly annoyed I had not thought to pre-book for dinner!

As an insurance broker we are here to find the best insurance deal for you and if you are tired of having excuses for poor service or just want to change to a broker who cares, we can look after all your insurance requirements, from your hotel to your home, your leisure centre to your life insurance, call us and find out more.

Simon Bentley Phoenix Specialist Risk Solutions – Insurance Brokers 01273 977221 Info@phoenixsrs.co.uk See the advert on the back cover for further information.

T H E W E S T C O U N T RY S P E C I A L I S T S

• Famous Premises with Unique History in Prestigious Town • Grade II Listed Four Storey Building, Built in 1736 • Commercial Ground Floor Unit with Planning to Convert to Residential • Delightful 2/3 Bedroom Town House with Pretty Sun Terrace • Must Be Viewed to be Fully Appreciated

BRIXHAM, DEVON

SOUTH CORNWALL COAST

CHAGFORD, DEVON

SOMERSET COUNTRY VILLAGE

Free Of Tie Village Pub/Restaurant

Well Known Character Café & Tearoom

Destination Country Pub & Restaurant

Stunning & Profitable Business

Tearoom 24, Catering Kitchen

Bar/Restaurant Areas 66+, Garden 60+

Impressive Bar & Dining Areas 104+

Easy Daytime Hours, 5 Days A Week

2 Bedroom Owners Accommodation

Gardens, Parking, Owners Accom.

Successful & Profitable Business

Landmark Trading Position

Excellent Reputation & Reviews

Tremendous Potential & Opportunity

Affordable & Profitable Business

LH £37,500

4850

LH £40,000

2150

FH £295,000

EXMOUTH, DEVON

SOUTH HAMS TOWN

POPULAR DEVON VILLAGE

Café, Coffee Shop & Restaurant

High Turnover Character Village Inn

Prime Town Centre Location

60+ Covers & Commercial Kitchen

Bar & Dining Areas 68+, Kitchens

Fully Equipped With 42 Covers

Landmark High Street Position

4 E/S Letting Rooms, 3 Bed Owners

Vibrant Coastal Town

Easy Daytime Hours, 6 Days A Week

Beer Gardens 98+, Car Park

Tremendous Potential

Thriving Turnkey Business

Impressive & Profitable Business

2109

LH £75,000

2168

FH £695,000

FREEHOLD

REF: 4906

PRICE: £27,250

NR. SALCOMBE, DEVON

• Award Winning Restaurant in Idyllic South Hams Location • Panoramic Coastal Views over Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Contemporary Interior Design & South Facing Terrace • Local Repeat Custom with Huge Tourist Boost • Trading 11 Months of the Year

4794

Licensed Café, Bar & Restaurant

LH £24,950

PRICE: OIEO £435,000

LAUNCESTON, CORNWALL

• Delightful Café in Substantial Grade II Listed Premises • Art Deco Design Trade Area Seating 20+ • Owners 1 Bedroom Accommodation • Separate Function Room & Studio Flat Let on AST • Popular Café with Further Potential

PRICE: £85,000

LEASEHOLD

REF: 3684

TORQUAY, DEVON

PRICE: £70,000

FREEHOLD

REF: 4940

PORT ISSAC, CORNWALL

DEVON VILLAGE

DORSET VILLAGE

Stunning Country Inn & Restaurant

Traditional Pub & Restaurant

Prime Central Trading Position

Bar & Restaurant Areas 48+ Kitchens

Bar Areas 48+, Gardens 78+

Purpose Fully Fitted Premises

Superior 4 Bedroom Accommodation

3 Bed Owner’s Accommodation

Potential To Develop Business

Extremely Successful Business

Sought After Dorset Village

Customer Seating 18+, Kitchen

High Turnover & Six Figure Profits

Profitable Wet Led Village Pub

PRICE: £1,500,000

LH £19,995

2170

FH £725,000

THINKING OF SELLING? CALL FOR A FREE VALUATION

4864

FH £495,000

4851

01392 201262 www.stonesmith.co.uk

FREEHOLD

REF: 4351

FREEHOLD

REF: 4320

• Unique & Successful Lifestyle Business in Former 18th Century Water Mill • Licensed Café/Bistro situated Over 5 Character Trading Areas • Extensive Retail Sales Area Located on 3 Floors • Exceptional 2 Bed Owner’s Accommodation • Expansive Grounds with Woodland, River Frontage, Paddocks & Ponds

• Stunning Coastal Thatched Village Inn - Rethatched in 2023 • Recently Totally Renovated, Reequipped and Remodelled • 70+ Covers inside and Stunning Outside Trading Areas • Beautiful Owners Chalet Bungalow with Sea Views • Very Strong Business, Viewing Essential

PRICE: £1,100,000

REF: 4942

TOTNES, DEVON

TORQUAY, DEVON

Coastal Licensed Café & Takeaway

LEASEHOLD

• Historic Building, Sympathetically Converted to Create Versatile Property • Very Well Established B&B/Hotel with Significant Net Profit • 10 Superior En-Suite Letting Bedrooms, all Individually Designed/Decorated • Breakfast Room & Conservatory, Fully Equipped Kitchen & Guest Car Park • Newly Renovated, Self-Contained & Separate Bespoke Owner’s Cottage

SOUTH ZEAL, DEVON

PRICE: £1,500,000

REF: 4262

• Successful Fish & Chip Takeaway with Excellent Reputation • Impressive Turnover & Net Profit Figures • Prominent Location within Residential & Commercial Area • Smart Fitout, Well Equipped with Ancillary Areas • Rent £11,200 PA, 10 Year Lease from 2020

• Stunning Hotel & Inn with Luxury Rooms Overlooking Dartmoor National Park • Steeped in History with 7 Luxury En-Suite Letting Rooms • Extensive Trade Gardens, Patio, 2 Paddocks & Private Field • Separate 3 Bedroom Owners Bungalow & Gardens • Genuine Retirement Sale of a Very Successful Business

4859

LEASEHOLD

TIVERTON, DEVON

PRICE: £895,000

FREEHOLD

REF: 4885

Phoenix Specialist Risk Solutions Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FRN: 992540.

Phoenix Specialist Risk Solutions Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 10529278.