CLH Digital - Issue #99

Issue 99

City Centres Building Back from COVID-19 as Hospitality Sales Rise www.CLHNews.co.uk

Hospitality sectors in major British cities including Bristol and Manchester are recovering their vibrancy as COVID restrictions wind down, according to new research.

The latest in a new series of ‘Top Cities: Vibrancy Ranking’ reports from On Premise consultancy CGA and Wireless Social, the leading connectivity solutions

CLHNews

CLHNews

provider for hospitality and leisure businesses, combines sales and device log-in data to assess the performance of Britain’s 10 most populous cities over the four weeks to 12 February 2022.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

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CLH Digital

Issue 99

Editor's Viewpoint

Welcome to the latest issue of CLH DIGITAL Bit of a short column from me this week as I am away at a trade event in the West Country.

Once again it is good to report some positive sector news - city centres are bouncing back! I am off to my hometown of Liverpool soon and it’s great to see it has risen in the top ten “bouncing back” cities from number six to five.

The concern is of course inflation, currently running at 5.4%, but the sector is facing price rises far in excess of that, probably in the region of 15%!

EDITOR

Peter Adams

While the news of increased city-based hospitality sales is, of course, most welcome, it would be interesting to see how these sales are broken down.

The reason I ask this is that the hotel I am staying in has a large public bar and a well established wonderfully attractive restaurant attached to the side. The restaurant, a very popular one even out of season, has been closed for two years, and the hotel is currently 20 staff down, and breakfast has to be staggered and pre-ordered, which was never the case pre-pandemic.

Yes, a harbour facing restaurant in one of the UK’s most popular destinations cannot open because of a staff shortage.

The area is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, but all the bars and restaurants are desperately struggling to recruit staff.

This was an ongoing theme when getting feedback at the trade event. We had many pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, cafés and holiday parks stop by our stand, all optimistic for the future now restrictions are gone, but all concerned about staffing issues.

The other sector, hospitality, is a generator of cash for the treasury. It would make complete sense to add, in the short term, hospitality to the SoL list whereby the operators like restaurant in the hotel I am staying at can open, serve customers, and get back to its bustling best, providing jobs to workers who pay taxes, providing VAT, corporation tax to the treasury and of course breathing back life into the area and the sector right through the supply chain!

Another suggestion I wholeheartedly back is the call for permanent pavement licenses.

Probably a “bone of contention” where critics may complain about “clogging up high streets”, but I have witnessed first hand in many different towns and cities just how popular street dining has become.

It has, as the story on page 9 suggests, provided a vital lifeline and made the difference between success and failure for many operators.

The temporary measures brought in in April 2021 end in September, an absolute travesty in my opinion. We all benefit from this, the public have embraced it, and for those still concerned about social distancing outside dining provides a safe reassuring dining environment.

Furthermore, many businesses have invested time and money and are reaping the benefits, so it would ultimately be the government coffers which would be harmed as revenue streams enjoyed from pavement dining dry up.

This was also an issue we covered in our “sister” title we publish for the residential & nursing care sector.

We are at the Hotel Restaurant and Catering show (HRC) later this month March 2123, this is the premier event! 1,500 food, drink and hospitality suppliers in 5 sections at London’s Excel.

Our decision to leave the EU has had a massive impact on both sectors, and in the care sector the rules have now been relaxed and care workers have been added to the “Shortage Occupation List” (SoL) for 12 months allowing migrants workers to obtain work visas and fill positions where there are clear shortages.

We have enjoyed some great industry feedback at the two recent regional events so please do pay us a visit at the HRC show, always good to meet and listen to views from people at the very “coalface” in hospitality!

I accept, of course, that the two sectors are distinctly different, and those with skills in providing care classed as more vital than those serving in hospitality, but, (and a big but,) one sector relies heavily on funding from the taxpayers, and has been chronically underfunded for decades.

Visit www.hrc.co.uk for details or see our feature in this issue.

Once again I would ask the favour - we are trying to maximise our advertisers reach as much as possible, without them would not be possible to run CLH NEWS, so please do follow us on Twitter, and encourage as many people you know in the trade to subscribe to our digital issue, further details can be seen at www.catererlicensee.com

“Never make an excuse for going to the pub, save it for leaving.”― BENNY BELLAMACINA

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EDITOR Peter Adams

SALES EXECUTIVES David Bartlett Guy Stephenson

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Matthew Noades

PRODUCTION & WEB ADMIN Charlene Fox Published Publishedbyby

City Centres Building Back from COVID-19 as Hospitality Sales Rise Issue 99

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) It shows that Bristol was the most vibrant of the ten cities, with eating-out and drinking-out sales in modest growth from pre-COVID-19 levels and check-in numbers improving. Sales were also up in Manchester, lifting the city from ninth place in the last report to second in this one. Glasgow is the third-placed city, while Sheffield moves up four places to fourth.

Across the ten cities monitored by CGA and Wireless Social, sales were just 3% down on the same period in 2019—a sharp improvement on the 10% shortfall in the previous four weeks. However, with inflation running high, sales are substantially lower than 2019 levels in real terms.

Since check-in numbers are flat compared to the previous period, the improvement may be due to greater spending per head rather than increases in visits.

Elsewhere in the rankings, London is in bottom place for the second time in a row, with sales and check-ins still 11% and 38% down on preCOVID-19 levels respectively. While both figures are improvements on the previous four weeks, it suggests workers have been slow to return to the capital, and the shortfall of tourists has reduced sales further.

There were modest drops in sales in other leading cities, but clear signs that trading is improving. See below for the full list of cities.

HOPES RAISED FOR “PRE-PANDEMIC SALES” CGA’s client director Chris Jeffrey said: “After two very difficult years for Britain’s city centres, our report is proof of their growing vibrancy as COVID restrictions ease. Positive trends in Bristol, Manchester and elsewhere raise hopes that sales and footfall may soon return to pre-pandemic norms.

However, while many consumers are making up for lost time in pubs, bars and restau-

rants, others remain cautious about spending as inflation mounts, and trading in London remains particularly challenging. Recovery is going to be fragile, and achieving real-terms growth will be tough amid high inflation. But it is already clear that hospitality will be pivotal to the economic revival of Britain’s cities in 2022.”

Julian Ross, founder and CEO of Wireless Social, said: “It’s really encouraging to see activity is on the rise for hospitality across UK cities, after what has been an unprecedented two years. However, sector businesses still face mounting economic challenges, with the impending rises in VAT, energy bills and inflation on the horizon. This is why we fully support UK Hospitality’s ongoing campaign to ensure the VAT rate is kept at 12.5% and the planned increase to 20% is scrapped. Measures like these are needed to ensure sales and footfall continue to climb, which is vitally important to our industry’s recovery.”

£114BN SALES LOST This positive news follows a r export last month which revealed that the sector racked-up £114.8bn sales lost versus what was expected for 2020/21. With a full 24-months of data available, hospitality, which in normal times generates up to £140bn-a-year, has lost 43% and 45 full weeks of sales since March 2020.

“UTTER DEVASTATION PANDEMIC HAS WREAKED” Speaking last month, UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “These figures lay bare the utter devastation that two years of this terrible pandemic has wreaked on the third largest private sector employer in the UK, with thousands of businesses closed, many on the brink of collapse, and countless jobs lost. The last thing operators need – and which a lot of them simply wouldn’t survive - is a VAT increase.

“Businesses big and small have been left with depleted cash reserves and crippling debt as Covid loans as well as contending with a gaping hole of 400,000 job vacancies, as more than 80% of hospitality businesses report they have roles to fill.

“Who’d have thought two-years-ago that we’d now be looking at a once vibrant and dynamic industry brought to its knees? Tragically, in

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addition to the devastating monetary losses are the damaging and longterm psychological effects on thousands of people in our sector who have lost their livelihoods and, in some cases, seen their life’s work ruined.

“But two years on, and with all restrictions about to end, there are signs of hope and recovery. With government support, hospitality – which is full of energetic, creative and entrepreneurial people – must be at the vanguard of the UK’s wider post-pandemic recovery."

“TOP CITIES-VIBRANCY RANKING” The series of ‘Top Cities: Vibrancy Ranking’ reports is based on a powerful combination of sales data from CGA’s Managed Volume Pool of more than 8,000 pubs, bars and restaurants, and Wireless Social’s guest data gathered from more than one million log-ins. It provides the most accurate assessment yet of the vibrancy of Britain’s key city markets for eating and drinking out.

BRITAIN’S 10 BIGGEST CITIES, RANKED BY VIBRANCY: Rankings for the four weeks to 12 February 2022. Numbers in brackets indicate position for the previous four weeks to 15 January 2022.

1

Bristol

(3)

2

Manchester

(9)

3

Glasgow

(2)

4

Sheffield

(8)

5

Liverpool

(6)

6

Leicester

(5)

7

Birmingham

(4)

8

Edinburgh

(7)

9

Leeds

(1)

10

London

(10)

Russia-Ukraine Conflict May Have a Spillover Impact on UK Hospitality 4

CLH DIGITAL

Issue 99

By Kunal Sawhney, CEO of Kalkine (www.kalkine.co.uk) Plans outlined by the UK prime minister Boris Johnson to live with covid came into effect from 24 February, which ended the legal requirement to isolate even after testing covid positive. The move came as a relief for the Hospitality sector in the UK, but the sudden invasion of Ukraine by Russia changed the scenario altogether. The crisis may not have a major direct impact on the hospitality businesses but will have serious knock-on effects on UK’s farmers and the border food system, which would consequently impact the hospitality industry as well.

CONSEQUENCES OF RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS The impact of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has already started appearing across the various façades of the world as not only the countries that are directly involved are facing the consequences, but different sanctions imposed on Russia is going to have an economic impact beyond its borders. The global oil and gas, food, and commodity prices have already surged to a record high, which is going to impact the broad food chain. Oil prices that had edged past a multiyear high of $90 a barrel are now over $100 a barrel.

Both Russia and Ukraine are major agriculture exporters to the world, with Ukraine being one of the leading external food suppliers in Europe and Russia the largest exporter of fertilisers. According to experts, the crisis could lead to a price rise of items such as beer, baked goods, and bread at a rate not seen in decades. The two countries export around a quarter of the world’s wheat and half of its sunflower products.

Although the UK produces 90% of the wheat by its own, farmers may have to pay a higher cost for the fertilisers, which could be ultimately passed on to customers and businesses. Many Economists are projecting a further rise in inflation to over 8% in April, higher than what was being expected by the Bank of England (BoE).

UKRAINIAN SEASONAL WORKERS Historically, t has been proven that any disruption in Ukraine exports affects the global supply chain and prices of key food items such as maize and vegetable oils that are important for UK food production surge.

According to migration statistics from the UK’s Home Office, Ukraine has emerged as a major country for seasonal workers, with around 20,000 seasonal worker visas issued to Ukrainians in 2021. Though, Ukrainian seasonal workers who are currently working in the UK have got their visas automatically extended to the end of 2022. The escalation of war may result in fewer Ukrainians coming to the UK now, which will further escalate the staff shortage in UK’s food and drink and farming sector.

UK HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES BAN THE SALE OF RUSSIAN VODKA The UK market is significantly important for the Russian vodka exporters as the UK hospitality industry sells a large amount of Russian vodka, whose earnings go to Russia.

Reacting to the full-scale Russian attack, Bars and hospitality businesses in the UK have recently stopped selling Russian vodka and other alcohol products to show support to the people of Ukraine. For the domestic businesses, it’s a little thing but for vodka exporters from Russia, it could be a critical business impact.

HOSPITALITY MAY HAVE TO BEAR THE SPILLOVER EFFECT Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, has already stated that Britons will have to go through some economic adversity because of the sanctions being enforced on Russia. Now all will depend on how long the conflict continues as higher oil, energy, and food prices feed into overall inflation, which will weigh on the consumer sentiments, and though modest, there will be a spillover impact on UK’s hospitality sector as well.

The Caterer, Licensee & Hotelier News Group is published by RBC Publishing Ltd, Suite 4, Roddis House, Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset. 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.

Trade Body Raises Concerns That Energy Suppliers Are Refusing To Provide The Hospitality Sector Hospitality businesses across the UK are being refused energy contracts from suppliers, placing them under additional financial burden as they look to recover from the pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic the hospitality sector have faced ongoing energy issues which have become increasingly worse. Businesses are reporting increases of 150%+ on pre-pandemic energy bills, with an average above 100%, equivalent to an £800m additional cost to the sector.

Cost increases on this scale risk wiping out already narrow margins publicans receive and could have a knock-on effect on pricing.

In addition to overly complicated application processes, risk premiums and significant up-front renewal deposits, over recent months there has also been an increase in the number of utilities providers refusing to take on new accounts or renew contracts if they are linked with hospitality. Some providers will initially quote for a business but will then renege on signed agreements leaving companies with little or no

“Struggling publicans that have managed to keep their heads above water throughout the pandemic now face a further financial hurdle that threatens the viability of their businesses and the ability for the sector to recover.

“The pub and brewing sector is at a pivotal point in its recovery and the erosion of margins is impossible to sustain. We are urging the energy regulator, the providers and the Government to work with us and take a more pragmatic approach with regards to the provision of energy to the hospitality sector.”

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Robin White, Regional Managing Director, Nisbets, said: “We are thrilled to host our first trade show gathering the industry’s leading suppliers in catering equipment alongside some of the best artisan food and drink producers in the South West, all under one roof at the NCEC.

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Where pubs are split between domestic and nondomestic energy consumption, a refusal to supply energy raises serious concerns, it is failure of the energy providers to satisfy the obligations they are subject to under the authority of the Energy Ombudsman.

food safety to sustainability and innovation in the hospitality industry.

Nisbets Live will showcase a fantastic line up of speakers including Juliane Caillouette- Noble, Managing Director of Sustainable Restaurant Association, chefs Seamus O’Donnell, Josh Eggleton and Adrian Kirikmaa, Nick Summers, Managing Director NCASS, entrepreneur George Havercroft and many more discussing on topics ranging from

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choice to secure a new provider.

Nisbets Gears Up For Its Debut Trade Expo Nisbets Live 2022 Nisbets, the leading supplier of catering equipment in Europe, is gearing up for its debut trade show, Nisbets Live 2022. Designed to be the first ever experience of this kind in our industry, Nisbets Live will take place on 9-10 March 2022 at National Catering Equipment Centre (NCEC) in Bristol.

Bringing together over 60 exhibitors, including world leading brands and the latest innovations in the catering equipment industry, the expo will include live kitchen demonstrations, panel discussions, exclusive discounts and offers.

Issue 99

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Issue 99

Five Marketing Tips For Hospitality Businesses To Boost Bookings

By Clare Bushby, Managing Director at Clockwork Marketing (www.clock-work.co.uk) Never has there been a more challenging time for the pub and hospitality industry. After two years of chaotic lockdowns, supply chain issues and staffing crises, it’s essential to maximise bookings in 2022, as things start to return to some sort of normal.

traffic and sales for year-round revenue. Using social media also allows you to promote your guest experience in an engaging and fun way.

When it comes to Instagram for example, you should prioritise an aesthetically engaging page that resonates with your audience. The basic building blocks include a consistent colour scheme, a branded theme that demonstrates what is distinctive about your business, and a grid image sequence that looks cohesive and appealing.

The move online of every aspect of our lives has only accelerated. To consistently attract new customers now, independent hospitality businesses need to ensure a strong online presence and an easy customer booking journey..

To increase your audience’s engagement, offer a range of different content using Instagram’s features such as Stories, Reels and Instagram Lives.

Reels and Stories gain a higher rate of engagement than posts, as does video content over still images.

Strong Search Engine Optimisation so people can find your business using Google Search, an attractive, results-driven website, email marketing to engage loyal customers, and a standout brand with an engaging social media presence, to show your best guest experience are all essential.

A great way to maximise your Instagram profile is to sell experiences via Stories. Stories are a fantastic medium for boosting engagement with your Instagram followers and bringing your hotel guest experience to life.

But beyond these tools, you need to think carefully about the real customer benefits of eating, drinking or staying at your premises.

Here are five marketing tips to build your independent hospitality brand to better connect with your audience and boost bookings.

1. A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS Your first point of customer contact is usually your website, meaning it’s critical to show off your business at its very best. You won’t regret investing in a professional photographer, after all, a picture says a thousand words.

Developing a substantial bank of photography, showcasing your hotel and its features throughout the year, can boost your online brand presence. Scenes of your hotel in the snow, warming log fires, and of course, your stunning landscapes, are all great examples of seasonal photography that can link to timely marketing campaigns throughout the year.

The quality of mobile photography has improved with advances in technology. Encourage visitors to share their best images of their experience at your premises via social media. You can ask people by direct message if you can repost their pictures on your own Instagram page, for example. This customer led promotion and engagement gives your business independent testimonials, feedback and credibility, leading to a boost in bookings.

2. PROMOTE BENEFITS OVER FEATURES A stylish new décor, new menus or cocktails are all great features to promote. These features appeal to the rational mind of the customer who wants to mentally tick off a checklist of facilities or services for their visit.

After price, guests will often make purchasing decisions emotionally, which is why it’s important to think about and communicate how staying

at your hotel or visiting your pub will make people feel. How does their experience of your venue positively impact them emotionally? What are the real benefits customers can expect from their visit?

A stay at your hotel or visit to your venue might provoke nostalgia of happy holiday memories of childhood, or perhaps your food is so good it gives people joy with every mouthful. Strong emotions provoke strong memories, so it’s critical your business communicates its real benefits for your customers.

3. EXPERIENCE COUNTS Research shows that Millennials already value experience over consumerism. As a group of new customers with purchasing power on a par with Baby Boomers, ensuring your business markets experiences to attract Millennials is essential for long-term growth.

Make the most of the experiences you offer as well as what’s going on in your local area. Research the best local markets and excursions, and market these alongside your accommodation or food.

Think about offering cookery classes, so people can learn how to make your very best dishes at home. They will still want to visit you to experience the real thing! Wine or whiskey tasting evenings provide knowledge and experience that people can share online with others.

For those with wellness facilities or spa treatments and accommodation, market these as “experience breaks” that people can easily book as one stay package.

4. GET SOCIAL Having a strong social media presence will increase your direct website

You can use Stories to film your best hotel features, create polls, ask questions, get followers to swipe up to your website, and offer special promotions. Audiences love to feel heard, which makes polls and questions the perfect tool for wider feedback and engagement.

5. GIFT VOUCHERS FOR YEAR-ROUND REVENUE An online gift voucher shop is the easiest way to increase sales and drive extra revenue year-round.

A gift voucher shop works seamlessly with your website, offering a secure way to sell spa, dining, stay, monetary and experience gift vouchers.

It’s designed for hotels, restaurants, pubs, groups, and destinations and experience providers to keep cash flowing.

Over the last two years, gift voucher sales have rocketed as people purchased experiences to look forward to. Vouchers’ long redemption time offer flexible terms for when the experiences are redeemed.

Pubs and restaurants in particular have grown voucher sales significantly over the last two years, selling food and drink experiences such as cookery school vouchers, cocktail-making or wine-tasting courses.

With an online gift voucher shop, make sure you have the ability to set up promotions such as secret sales and upselling features at checkout to boost revenue further.

By implementing some or all of these marketing tips in your hospitality business, you will attract new customers, strengthen your relationship with loyal customers, generate an increase in meaningful engagement and most importantly, boost bookings.

UK Foodservice Delivery Market To Grow +5.3% In 2022, To A Value Of £13.3 Billion Issue 99

According to the new Lumina Intelligence UK Foodservice Delivery Market Report 2022, the UK foodservice delivery market is forecast to grow by +£0.7bn in 2022, to a value of £13.3bn.

This follows strong growth of +6.5% in 2021, bringing the total value of the market to £12.6bn currently. In total, the report forecasts total market growth between 2019-2022 to be +£5.7bn.

The foodservice delivery market is expected to hold a 12.2% share of the total UK eating out market in 2022, despite wider market recovery.

From an aggregator perspective, the top three delivery aggregators – Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo – hold a combined share of 69.9% of all foodservice delivery occasions. Just Eat has grown its share of foodservice delivery occasions to account for over 1 in 3 (36%) in 2022.

From a brand perspective, the top five foodservice delivery brands – Domino’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Papa John’s and Pizza Hut Delivery - comprise of just under one third (29%) of the delivery market in terms of share. McDonald’s and KFC have doubled their shares of the delivery market from 2019-2022, to 8% and 4%, respectively.

Delivery has become habitual, with consumers becoming more price conscious

12% of UK adults order foodservice delivery at least once per week, with this peaking at 15% during the third lockdown period. Penetration has remained around 12% from June 2021 to January 2022, despite restrictions easing and dine in reopening. Delivery has been able to successfully maintain new customers brought into the channel throughout the pandemic.

Familiarity, as a reason for choosing a particular establishment to order foodservice deliver from, is key, accounting for 38% of occasions.

However, whilst familiarity is the top need in foodservice delivery, its importance has declined by -4ppts year-on-year, as consumers show more willingness to try somewhere different. ‘It’s good value for money’ has risen by +2ppts to be only 3ppts behind familiarity as the pandemic and rise in cost of living puts a strain on consumer finances.

UK foodservice delivery market expected to total £14.6 billion in 2025 The UK foodservice delivery market is expected to total £14.6 billion in 2025, with robust growth of +3.2% per year from 2022-2025.

Support For Ukraine

Watching the heart-breaking scenes of the attack on Ukraine unfold makes us feel quite helpless here in the UK. Yet, one small gesture we can make is to address a basic need and contribute to food aid efforts.

Thousands of Ukrainians have fled their country to find a safe place with sympathetic neighbouring countries, many are at the border with Poland where donations of everyday items, from clothing to toiletries and food are being donated – our great friends at Oakland, the supply chain specialists, have organised a food relief effort in which we can show our support for those in need.

A plea for food from suppliers across the industry to aid people who’ve had to flee from Ukraine has been issued by Dean Atwell, Chief Executive, Oakland International Ltd: “We have today issued a call for support from the UK and Ireland food sector to assist our European friends so badly affected by the invasion of Ukraine. “Oakland is prepared to fund up to 50 trucks and drivers to take essential food items to the Eastern border of Poland and possibly into Ukraine if we can get through.

“We are involved in a sector which is famous for responding fast and achieving impossible targets – I am

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The branded traditional fast-food channel is expected to lead value growth in the market from 2022-2025, with leading players including McDonald’s and KFC focusing on leveraging delivery. The channel is expected to hold an 18% share of the market in 2025, up from 8% in 2019.

Blonnie Whist, Insight Director at Lumina Intelligence said, “"After two years of on-off restrictions across the UK eating and drinking out market, the use of foodservice delivery has become habitual to consumers, with no sign of demand waning over the coming years. As a result, it is no longer an either/or scenario for operators, but a necessity in order to recover from the effects of the pandemic swiftly. This is evident in our forecasts that suggest delivery's share of the total eating out market will grow each year over the next three years. However, consumers are becoming more demanding and adventurous. Healthier options, sustainable packaging and a wider coverage across day parts other than dinner are all areas that will be key to growth for operators."

Find out more about Lumina Intelligence’s UK Foodservice Delivery Market Report 2022 at https://tinyurl.com/2x5pnfsp

hoping that we can all publicise this request for support and rally together to get all 50 trucks dispatched between Wednesday and Friday this week.”

Charles Coleman, Sales Director, The Sausage Man UK Ltd: “When the call went out from Oakland for food donations for the people of Ukraine, we were very keen to support this initiative. I’m proud to say that we will be sending seven pallets of produce from The Sausage Man, including a selection of German style Beef and Turkey Burgers, Krakauer Bacon Frankfurters, and to accompany these, Baguettes and a range of mustard, mayonnaise, and burger sauces. We wish Oakland every success with the safe delivery of this aid and urge any other food suppliers to donate to this great cause.”

If anyone else is able to support with offers of full pallets or full trucks of food, please email ukraine@oakland-international.com

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Time for Landlords and Tenants To Talk 8

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Issue 99

By Henry Page, Partner and Lee Benmore, Assistant Manager in the Corporate Restructuring team at accountants Mercer & Hole (www.mercerhole.co.uk) amongst other remedies, in respect of the protected rent debt. Instead, both the landlord and tenant may refer the debt to an arbitration scheme. The arbitrator will consider the solvency and viability of the tenant as well as the impact on the landlord, prior to determining whether any relief from payment should be awarded.

The arbitration scheme is intended to last for six months after the passing of the Bill, with any repayment scheme being concluded within 24 months.

WHAT CAN HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES EXPECT FROM 26TH MARCH 2022?

With protections from rent arrears about to be lifted, now is the time for hospitality businesses and their landlords to talk, say Henry Page and Lee Benmore.

On 26 March 2022 the provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 Act preventing commercial landlords from evicting tenants using of the Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) will expire. From 1 April 2022 landlords will also regain the ability to issue winding up petitions against non-paying tenants. Hospitality businesses will be under the spotlight.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EXPIRY OF THE CORONAVIRUS ACT 2020?

It is currently not intended that 26 March will represent a cliff edge for hospitality tenants through their being at the mercy of immediate enforcement action from Landlords under CRAR, nor that there should be a slew of winding up petitions being presented on 1 April 2022 as further protections fall away. Instead the government is currently progressing the Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Bill which is expected to become law on or before 25 March 2022.

SO, WHAT IS THE BILL? The Bill will introduce the concept of ‘protected rent debt’ being rent falling due during the ‘protected period’ which begins on 21 March 2020 and ends on or before 18 July 2021, the period end being dependent on specific coronavirus restrictions placed on the affected business. The tenancy has to be shown as being adversely affected by Coronavirus, which does not appear to be high bar.

It is likely therefore that hospitality businesses may have some protected rent debt.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PROTECTED RENT DEBT? A temporary moratorium is created such that Landlords cannot issue Court proceedings or exercise CRAR,

The short answer is that this is a new scheme and how it develops in the first weeks of operation is still to be seen. However it is clear that the intention is that viable businesses should not be rendered insolvent or wound up solely as a result of rent arrears accrued during the protected period. It is also clear that where a business is not viable it will not simply be protected for the duration of the scheme. Instead the scheme seeks to ensure that where it is affordable to do so, protected rent is repaid. This may be over an extended period or subject to some amount of relief. The Act is not solely tenant centric and the arbitrator will also assess the impact of any repayment agreement or relief on the landlord’s solvency.

Tenants should therefore have financial information available to demonstrate the ongoing viability of their business, the impact of the protected rent debt on the business, and they should be able to make an affordable repayment proposals.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR. The Act, once in legislation, will only apply to arrears arising from the protected period. Arrears relating to periods prior, or subsequent to, 18 July 2021 (or earlier as the case may be), will not be protected. Therefore, landlords will regain their enforcement options and the ability to issue winding up petitions in relation to debt falling outside the protected periods at the end of current restrictions.

PRACTICAL TIPS Ensure you have a dialogue with your landlord prior to 26 March 2022. Understand what arrears falls into the protected period and what relates to unprotected periods. Where part payment of rental arrears is being made it may well be advantageous to seek to apply payments to rent accrued outside of the protected period.

Prepare robust financial information and make sure you have affordable proposals to be put forward, notify your landlord in advance and be aware that the landlord, having considered your proposal may make a counter proposal.

POTENTIAL PITFALLS Should the arbitrator determine that the tenant’s business is not viable and therefore cannot be considered by the scheme, it would seem to be a clear indication that the business cannot reasonably avoid an insolvent liquidation or administration. The directors should therefore seek professional advice in relation to the solvency of their business and the potential personal liability associated with continuing to trade.

Craft Union Pub Company has Raised over £8,000 for Only A Pavement Away’s Winter Warmth Campaign Warmth events, Arsenal Tavern, London, Bullring Tavern, Birmingham, Railway Bell, Brighton, Saracens, Doncaster, where Craft Union operators, ops team and support team donated their time to hand out 480 bags to the homeless, which were filled with warm clothes, toiletries and flasks. Some pubs also held ‘Fill A Flask’ events, which is where Craft Union teams again donated their time to hand out flasks of cold water to those who are homeless and sleeping rough.

Over the last few months, Craft Union pubs and teams across the country have been busy donating and fundraising for Only A Pavement Away’s Winter Warmth campaign. The aim was to lend a helping hand to those in need and to also support local communities and the homeless.

Only A Pavement Away is a charity based in the UK, working with employers within the hospitality industry. The charity connects these employers with individuals who are experiencing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans, to try and secure them long-term and stable employment. They believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find and establish a career.

Nick Andrews, Managing Director of Stonegate Group, said: “It is amazing to be able to work with and support Only A Pavement Away again for another year as the work they do for individuals in need, in the local community is outstanding. Also, a huge well done and thank you to our amazing crafty community for their hard work and donations to this brilliant cause and charity. The Winter Warmth campaign gives us all an immense amount of pride to be serving the community and putting in hard work to try and make positive contributions to

Greg Mangham, Founder of Only A Pavement Away, said: “We were delighted to be working with the Craft Union team again on our Winter Warmth campaign. Once again, they have gone above and beyond to raise an amazing amount of money that will help those in need. I would like to thank them for all their support, without efforts like this in the industry, we would not be able to make our campaigns happen.”

those who need it most.”

The money raised went towards setting up four regional Winter

To keep up to date with Craft Union Pub Company and their future fundraising initiatives, as well as find out more about Only A Pavement Away and the work they do, check out their websites. www.craftunionpubs.com www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk

Star Launches Virtual Wine Tastings to Help Licensees Capitalise on Premiumisation Trend their pubs and want to be able to talk knowledgably to them about their wine selection and offer them opportunities to trade up.

Star Pubs & Bars is offering leased and tenanted pub operators virtual wine tastings for those wanting to upgrade their ranges and educate themselves on premium wines.

“Whilst some people love wine tastings at roadshows, many find them intimidating. They don’t want to look uneducated or feel patronised.

Our virtual tastings put licensees in the driving seat and at their ease.

They give them the tools they need to upskill their own and their staff’s wine knowledge and a choice of how they do so.

The move follows on from a successful pilot run throughout the summer once pubs had fully reopened. They were held at pubs that had seen increased demand for premium wines and were looking to gain a better understanding of the key wine varieties.

“With travel contracting since the start of the pandemic and the industry experiencing staffing issues, virtual wine tastings offer licensees a more personal and immediate means to try and learn about different wines, which they are loving.”

The wine tastings are aimed at all types of pub –from wet-led locals considering Fizz Fridays through to food led pubs interested in food matching.

The service will deliver sample boxes of 12 wines – a mix of still and sparkling plus new and old wines – to participating pubs. These will be accompanied by a guide on wine tasting, taster notes, food matching tips as well as information on the wines and their country of origin.

Licensees have the option of booking a free virtual wine tasting with Star Pubs & Bars Wine Category Buyer Roberta Neave, which will be held on the first Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm. Alternatively, they can opt to download a pre-recorded tasting session they can choose to

watch at their leisure.

Roberta Neave, Star Pubs & Bars Wine Category Buyer says: “Licensees are noticing more wine focussed customers coming into

Ann Cooper at The Bull in Chelsham Common, Warlingham said: “The insight and training session with Roberta was a massive help. She reviewed my current wine offer, took me through trends and gave me suggestions of wines that would work well in my pub. It felt tailored to my pub. Having the wines delivered to my door and talking with Roberta online was great as I didn’t have to take time out from the business or pay for travel and could involve members of staff.”

UKHospitality says Permanent Pavement Licences will Speed Recovery Issue 99

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UKHospitality believes making pavement licences permanent will help the Covid-ravaged hospitality sector make a faster post-pandemic recovery.

regions. The fact that the scheme has been embraced enthusiastically by a number of local authorities is hugely encouraging in itself.

The leading trade body says outdoor drinking and dining areas have become hugely popular over the past two years, in some cases ensuring the survival of those hospitality business unable to serve customers indoors due to coronavirus restrictions.

“Pavement licences also revealed our sector’s ingenuity and creativity, with some truly striking outdoor spaces being created across the UK – from pods to yurts – and significant levels of investment in features such as lighting and heating.

Responding to a recent Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) call for views on pavement licences, UKHospitality said the temporary scheme – introduced last April and due to end this September – should become permanent, and would be ‘low-cost, low-admin’.

“It’s crucial, therefore, that we press for the pavement licence scheme to made permanent, so that pubs, bars and restaurants struggling to recover from the pandemic can get back on their feet much quicker.

UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Pavement licences have been a really positive success story, and in many cases have enabled businesses to remain open, when otherwise they would have had to close or restrict their opening hours, threatening thousands of jobs.

“As well as businesses, outdoor spaces have also brought benefits to those town and city centres previously without al fresco drinking and dining opportunities, enabling them to begin the process of levelling up, and start to enjoy the sort of outdoor experiences available elsewhere. Not only that, but by helping local economies recover – and recover faster – this will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term levelling up of the

“This has the potential to be a hugely beneficial, low-cost, low admin scheme, and a welcome boost for an industry facing rising costs across the board, including VAT, business rates, rents, staffing and raw goods.”

UKHospitality’s consultation response also recognises that making the scheme permanent may require changes in terms of cost and how it is administered, but calls for it to remain easy to use and cheap enough for businesses to continue using it. It has agreed with a proposed £350 cap on application fees, and suggests that any new fee system should encourage and allow local authorities to offer subsidised – or even free – pavement licences, which some councils have already done with great success for businesses and local areas.

Craft Brewers Join Forces For Ukraine Craft breweries, cider makers, wineries, and drinkers across Europe are coming together for a series of events throughout March, to raise funds and show solidarity for their friends and peers in Ukraine. The Drinkers For Ukraine initiative is a fundraising drive to support the International Red Cross humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine. Starting today, the campaign is asking people around the world, and across the drinks industry to get involved, in whatever way they can.

As well as inviting businesses and individuals to join a charity online auction of rare and sought-after items, Drinkers for Ukraine has also called upon breweries to brew RESIST, a ‘Ukrainian Anti-Imperial Stout’ developed by displaced Ukrainian brewers, with profits donated to the Red Cross.

“The messages of support we’ve already received from our international friends have meant so much,” says Lana Svitankova, writer, translator, educator and Ukraine’s first ever certified Cicerone, who is leading the project. “With Drinkers for Ukraine, we want to channel this solidarity into real, practical help for the people dealing with the devastating consequences of this tragic and illegal war. It will start with charity auctions and a collaborative brew, but we have more plans in the works, for even more people to show their support and get involved. It isn’t hyperbole to say this is a matter of life and death for millions of people, who urgently need our help now - in whatever way we can provide it. ” Breweries, cider makers, wineries, and any other drinks-related business wishing to run an auction, participate in the collaborative brew, or learn more about the project can find out how to join in at www.drinkersforukraine.com

Online Sales Tax Early-Stage Consultation Issue 99

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The UK government has published an early-stage consultation to explore the arguments for and against an Online Sales Tax (OST). It follows concerns reported by businesses of a potential tax imbalance between in-store retailers and online.

Chancellor’s decision to open a consultation on Online Sales Tax which we have been calling for as part of fairer taxation review. Pubs currently overpay rates by £570million relative to their turnover and an urgent rebalancing is needed.

Although there has been no decision as yet on whether to go ahead with the tax, the consultation aims to look at potential designs and impacts on consumers and businesses of its implementation.

“Within our response we will be recommending the introduction of an Online Sales Tax explicitly used to reduce the burden of rates from physical properties, especially those ones that cannot shift to digital platforms, like the great British pub. We agree with the stated aim that this should not be a penalty on digital shopping, but rather a welcomed attempt at a fairer tax structure which recognises our modern economy.

The Government said that given the significant changes in the retail market and shift online, it is right to reassess the taxation of this sector.

Stakeholders are invited to give their views on the challenges on the design of an Online Sales Tax, including which products and services would be in scope and whether it would be a flat-fee tax based on the number of transactions or deliveries, or a revenue-based tax.

“We urge the Government to support the sector’s recovery by tackling the unfair business rates system and continuing to reduce the punitive tax burden on our sector to ensure the sustainability of brewing and pubs, and help us regenerate our high streets, towns and villages up and

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, commented:“We welcome the

down the country.”

Greene King Pubs Save A Record Number of Plastic Tubs from Landfill and Raise Cash for Charity Greene King, the country’s leading pub company and brewer, has saved over 24,000 biscuit and sweets tubs, which is over three tonnes of plastic, from landfill, thanks to its Tub2Pub recycling scheme.

breweries and this Tub2Pub project shows we can help customers reduce waste from their homes too. Millions of these confectionary and biscuit tubs are sold, particularly over Christmas, so January is an ideal month to use our pubs as drop off recycling points. It stops the tubs going to landfill and our charity partner, Macmillan, receives the money from the sale of the recycled plastic. Landfill’s loss is the environment’s and charity’s gain.”

People have been dropping off their empty tubs at Greene King’s 1,700 managed pubs across the country throughout January as they cannot always be taken to local recycling centres. These tubs are typically made of the hard polypropylene plastic which many local authorities are unable to recycle so they are incinerated or landfilled.

This is the second year the Tub2Pub scheme has been running.

Greene King partners with co-cre8 who specialise in designing systems to collect and recycle ‘hard-to-recycle’ materials. The plastic from the empty tubs is turned into granulated plastic which can then be sold to manufacturers, avoiding the use of virgin plastic.

The money raised from Tub2Pub is passed on to Greene King’s charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support. With approximately eight pence from each tub, that’s over £2,000 going to Macmillan to help people living with cancer.

Vance Fairman-Smith, Greene King’s supply chain director, said: “As a

company we are working hard to reduce waste from our pubs and

Peter Goodwin, managing director and co-founder of co-cre8, said: “We are delighted with the response this year. It definitely shows people have a real appetite for recycling these tubs which would otherwise end up in landfill. A pub is at the centre of the community and there is a real collective spirit from customers to back this type of recycling opportunity. It is a prime time to collect the tubs after Christmas. Our partnership with Greene King offers a network of pubs where tubs can be collected. It’s a success because it’s simple, guarantees recycling in the UK and there is a charitable benefit too.”

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Contract Catering Sector Sales Still Below Pre-Covid-19 Levels Contract catering sales saw a modest recovery in the last quarter of 2021, new CGA research reveals—but COVID-19 concerns continue to hold them well below pre-pandemic levels.

The latest edition of CGA’s Contract Caterer Tracker shows sales from October to December 2021 were up by 37% on the same three months in 2020—a period when many venues served by caterers faced heavy restrictions.

However, the Tracker also indicates that sales were 26% below the fourth quarter of 2019, when businesses were trading as normal—though this marks an improvement on a shortfall of 36% in the third quarter of 2021.

The figures show how contract caterers have suffered from lingering concerns about COVID-19, and from a drop in visits to the venues they serve. The Tracker shows that the number of outlets open in the fourth quarter of 2021 was 13% lower than in the last three months of 2019. Trading was also hit by the spread of the Omicron variant and Plan B restrictions that were introduced in England in December.

CGA’s Contract Catering Tracker aggregates sales from leading operators to provide quarterly reports with

year-on-year analysis. It offers businesses a valuable benchmarking tool to measure performance across various metrics and market groupings, and participants in the Tracker receive additional analysis in return for their contributions.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s director – hospitality operators and food, said: “It has been a hugely challenging two years for contract caterers, and with sales still well below pre-COVID-19 norms the sector is clearly going to take a long time to recover. The phasing out of restrictions should pull more people back to workplaces and the many other spaces served by caterers as 2022 goes on.

However, with some businesses severely weakened by the effects of COVID-19, supply and staffing problems continuing, and inflation hitting both caterers’ costs and people’s spending, more challenges lie ahead.”

Three AA Rosettes Awarded to Blas Restaurant at Twr y Felin Hotel, St Davids, Pembrokeshire, West Wales Blas Restaurant, at Wales first contemporary art hotel, Twr y Felin in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids is celebrating its latest accolade, being awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

from the kitchen team to the front of house team, this award reflects the hard work of each person that has contributed to the experience our diners receive.”

Head Chef Sam Owen, who has led the team since 2019, is passionate about creating exciting culinary experiences and has an enthusiasm for ingredients. Focussing on flavours, the food is creative, refined and fun, whilst the presentation is ‘art on a plate’.

In 1956, the AA introduced the rosette awards – the first nationwide awards for recognising restaurants. Today, the AA continues to provide establishments with professional ratings and they are a valued symbol of quality for both consumers and the hospitality industry.

The whole team at Blas Restaurant champions local seasonal produce, sourced from predominantly Pembrokeshire and Welsh suppliers, as well as foraged ingredients from the surrounding countryside and coast.

Paula Ellis, Group General Manager of Twr y Felin and its sister properties in St Davids Peninsula, Roch Castle andPenrhiw Priory, said: “I have always been hopeful of the team achieving three AA rosettes, as their passion and vision shines through every day and the feedback from our guests is so positive. This is an absolute career highlight for me here at Twr y Felin, I am delighted for the team and feel so proud of our achievements over the last seven years.”

Sam Owen, Head Chef at Blas Restaurant said, “I have always strived to achieve three AA rosettes and am really happy that I have been able to do that with my team here at Blas. I want to say thank you to them,

Registration Now Open For Europe’s Leading Natural And Organic Business Event Natural & Organic Products Europe has announced that visitor registration is now open for 2022. After a two year wait, Europe’s leading trade show for natural, organic and sustainable products will reunite the industry once again on 3-4 April at ExCeL London.

For over 25 years, Natural & Organic Products has played an integral part in making the natural and organic sector what is it today. Due to unprecedented times, the show has had to close its doors to many visiting buyers, who say it’s “the place” they source new contacts for their businesses. The return edition is perfectly timed because it will feature new and exciting ‘start-ups’ – some that have emerged through the pandemic, plus new innovations from established brands who have been adapting and evolving. The show will also provide expert insights about current challenges and future opportunities for the industry.

The show brings together 700 exhibitors across five exciting sections: • Natural Food • Natural Health • Natural Beauty & Spa

• Natural Living • Vegan “If you own a health store or work in the industry, this is the essential show to attend. It is the only place that you can meet your suppliers, other retailers and trade associations and find out about new products and trends in one place over two days. It can be hard taking time out of your business, but you will save time in the long run by dedicating time to the show. You will have fun, try lots of new foods and end up exhausted but it is all very much worth it,” says Joanne Hill, founder of Amaranth Wellbeing.

VISITOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Natural & Organic Products Europe will return to ExCeL London on Sunday 3rd and Monday the 4th of April 2022. To register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.naturalproducts.co.uk or see the advert on the back cover.

Accor Signs Three New Properties in the UK Hospitality group Accor has announced the signings of The Municipal Hotel Liverpool – MGallery, Mercure Paignton and ibis Styles Paignton with a combined 470 rooms, in partnership with major global Accor development partner, Fragrance Group. The signings mark the first for the Accor-Fragrance partnership in the Northern European market, with 17 hotels in Australia and Singapore.

The Municipal Hotel Liverpool – MGallery will be a 189-bedroom boutique hotel opening in 2023, following an extensive conversion of the city’s famed historic landmark, the Grade II listed Municipal Buildings. The project will include a restoration of the heritage building as well as a new extension in bronze-effect glazed cladding to complement the existing façade, which is also undergoing restoration and treatment. The modern yet opulent building will include a pool, gym, spa and treatment rooms, in addition to a restaurant, bar and lounge.

The MGallery Hotel Collection features boutique hotels with original designs and unique stories, and this property heralds the collection’s expansion into a new UK city.

Mercure Paignton is a brand new five storey, 161-bedroom hotel joining Mercure’s wide-reaching portfolio located in a prime location on Paignton’s seafront. The property is due to open in Q3 of 2022. Each Mercure hotel is unique and an invitation to discover the location,

partnership to the UK and Northern Europe market with these three new signings. We are particularly excited to bring the MGallery brand to Liverpool in such a preeminent location and unique building.”

“The expansion of our successful partnership demonstrates the growing confidence and active appetite within the market, and we are pleased to see that investors are forging ahead to support the recovery of our industry. We are proud of our continued growth which is enabling us to further develop projects in the UK with great partners who share Accor’s vision and ambition for the hospitality industry.” offering travellers a high-quality stay and immersive local experiences.

Part of Accor’s globally renowned ibis brand family, ibis Styles Paignton will be a 120-room hotel also opening in Q4 2022. The property will also feature a restaurant and enjoys a seafront position, located centrally to the town. ibis Styles properties celebrate creativity and are an invitation to experience unique, playful and surprising designs.

Located along the seafront, this hotel will bring the UK portfolio to 26 ibis Styles hotels.

Philip Lassman, Vice President Development, Accor Northern Europe, said: “Following the successful launch of hotels with Fragrance Group in both Australia and Singapore, Accor is delighted to be bringing the

The opening of these hotels is a continued mark of faith in the future of the sector as Accor continues to generate job opportunities and invest in local communities across the country.

Martin Rogers representing the Fragrance Group said: “Fragrance were delighted to sign with Accor to operate these three new hotels currently under construction in the UK. This very much cements the relationship between Accor and The Fragrance Group and we look forward to opening these hotels later in 2022 and early 2023. These new hotels are a reflection on the growth of the regional hotel market in the UK.”

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5 Creative Ways to Increase Sales and Boost Outreach at Your Catering Business 16

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By Megan Prevost, marketing content writer for MustHaveMenus (www.musthavemenus.com) The catering industry can be cutthroat, filled with many different businesses both large and small vying for the customer’s attention. To make a name for yourself, you have to stand out from the crowd. To do so, you’ll need to brand your company in a way that’s attractive to others. Ask yourself “why?” Why would people choose your business over another? Make a list of your answers, and then run with it.

After you’ve discovered your “why”, also known as your brand, it’s time to start thinking about marketing strategy and ways to get your name out there to potential event organizers and individuals.

Whether you’re looking to try out some new strategies, or you’re just starting out, here are five creative ways to boost sales and increase your marketing outreach.

AT VENUES

1. GET PLACED ON “PREFERRED VENDOR” LISTS

Many venues offer a list of “preferred vendors” that they like to work with. Getting on one of these lists means that everyone who holds an event at that venue will see your company as an option. The increase in brand visibility will increase your booked events and sales directly. However, it can be challenging to get onto one of these lists, depending on the venue.

To start, make a list of the most popular venues in your area. Choose ones with good reviews that get a lot of business. A venue that’s booked out far in advance can prove valuable for your company.

After you’ve made your list, start contacting people. Check out their website to see if they have any forms or direct contact for partnership. Some venues may require specific things, so make sure to check that out as well before applying or sending over an email. Building a personal relationship with venues can also help get you on these lists, so don’t be afraid to spark conversation at a show or exhibition.

2. UPGRADE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS Did you know that 55% of consumers learn about new brands on social media channels like Facebook and Instagram? Over the past few years, more and more people have used social media to follow businesses alongside friends and celebrities. In fact, approximately 90% of Instagram users follow at least one brand.

With these statistics in mind, passing up social media isn’t the right move. Using social media as a platform to promote your business can help potential customers find you more easily. If you’re already on social media but you aren’t getting the results you want, you might need to step up your game.

To find success on social media, you need to post content that is informative, relevant to your brand, and helpful for your audience. There are many ways to do this, such as posting sales, availability, and general information about you and your business. You should use all channels available, such as stories, reels, posts, and more depending on the platform.

The more consistent you are, the more likely you are to show up in someone’s feed. Even if they aren’t planning on hosting an event now, they may remember your name in the future. On top of consistency, you should also promote a cohesive brand image across social media. Define your color scheme, logos, and voice to ensure that everything matches up. This will make your brand look more well put together and professional.

3. CREATE A STAND OUT MENU When choosing a catering company, many people rely on their menus, websites, and reviews in order to decide if it’s the right company to work with. In order to engage customers and prove that you’re professional and experi-

enced, you’ll need to have a succinct, well-designed catering menu.

There are two types of catering menus you’ll want to consider. First, is your general offerings. This menu should showcase the types of food you can provide for different events. This menu, like your social media posts, should align with your brand image. Not only that, but it should feature smart food names and evocative descriptions.

Another menu you may want to consider is a prix fixe menu. These menus could be made for specific types of events or if you offer preset multi-course meals. Having a few preset menus makes it easier for customers to make a decision, and they’ll be able to showcase this prix fixe menu at their event. Having menus on display that showcase your brand will provide your business with greater visibility and brand recognition.

4. ENCOURAGE POSITIVE REVIEWS As is true with all consumer-facing businesses, reviews are everything, especially in the event industry. If your company has too many bad reviews, your business might be dead in the water. However, it’s possible to revive your company and receive those sweet, sweet five-star reviews. You should always respond to negative reviews to show that you’re putting in the effort and attempting to better your business. This will leave a better impression than leaving them without a response.

To increase your positive reviews, you can reach out to the people who left negative ones and attempt to solve the issue. Offer a coupon for their next booking, or a partial refund for any errors that occurred. Oftentimes, people who have had a bad experience simply want to be heard and acknowledged. Reaching out and hearing them through can often resolve the issue and convince them to remove the poor review. If you feel that a customer left an unwarranted bad review, you can reach out to Google, Yelp, or whatever service they used to have it removed.

You should also offer incentives for new customers to leave reviews after your service has been performed. This could be any number of things from a discount on their bill or their next booking to a complimentary number of desserts. Because people only tend to leave reviews when their experience is bad, it’s important to incentivize your customers to leave positive reviews.

You can make it easier to leave a positive review by placing a QR code linked to your Google My Business listing on their receipt or any other materials that you give them.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR WEBSITE IS PERFECT Your website is often the first thing that potential customers see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. If your website is poorly designed or runs too slow, you’ll want to make updating it a priority. A poor website will cause potential customers to click away immediately, but a great one may inspire them to book you for their next event.

For your website to be effective, you should have a simple layout that features all of the information that people need to know before they contact you. You should include sample menus from previous events, potential menus for future events, booking information, prices, and availability.

To create a good website for your business, you can either use a website design tool or hire a professional. It’s possible to make a good website on your own, but hiring a professional will ensure that you’re left with a fantastic product that nails the first impression.

IT’S TIME TO TAKE YOUR CATERING BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL With these five tips in mind, it’s time to start working on improving your catering business. With hard work and dedication, you can get your name out there. Analyze your business model and figure out what isn’t working. Do you need a new website? Are you posting on social media enough? Is your menu exciting? Put these tips into action and continue to work hard to achieve your goals for this year.

Wales Celebrates St David’s Day as WBPA Marks First Anniversary St David’s Day in Wales marked a year since the foundation of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association (WBPA), set up to represent and support pubs and brewers across the country in response to the devastating impacts of the pandemic.

As the sector has emerged from the pandemic, the WBPA has been a strong voice for brewers and pubs across Wales, working with industry partners, the Welsh Government and the Senedd to achieve positive change for its members. Most notably grants which have provided pubs with £100m.

The brewing and pub sector has been disproportionately impacted throughout the crisis and latest figures from CGA highlight the extent of the recovery challenge. The latest drinks trading figure for pubs in Wales, show trade is still down 26% in the first seven weeks of this year following a fall of 29% in December, compared to usual trade and following the emergence of Omicron and additional restrictions.

The WBPA anniversary also comes on the day the Welsh Government will publish its Budget. The WBPA is

pushing for the removal of the cap on business rates reliefs, alongside Welsh Government support on pressing Westminster for lower beer duty rates and permanent levels of lower VAT. Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association said: “On this St David’s Day it is fitting that the celebration coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Welsh Beer and Pub Association whose work has been pivotal in ensuring support has been provided for the pub and brewing sector as it recovers from the devastating impact of the pandemic.

“As we move to living with covid as an endemic virus it is crucial the pub and brewing sector receive the necessary support and guidance to ensure a strong and sustainable recovery. As the latest trading data in Wales shows, there is a long way to go. We are therefore urging the Welsh Government to help the sectors recovery by encouraging our calls to reduce the punitive tax burden on our sector to ensure the sustainability of brewing and pubs.”

Chef Nico Simeone Expands Restaurant Portfolio Nico Simeone, a renowned Scottish-Italian chef, is set to bring his Glasgow dining concept to Aberdeen this Spring when he opens ‘Six by Nico’ in Scotland’s North East.

Six by Nico Aberdeen will be the tenth restaurant in his expanding portfolio, which includes locations in Scotland, England, and Ireland. The Aberdeen restaurant will be Nico Simeone’s first in North East Scotland, with plans to expand the brand across the UK in the future.

The new Union Street restaurant, which will take over the former Topolabamba restaurant space, will follow in the footsteps of his Six by Nico restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London Canary Wharf, and Dublin, and will feature a carefully curated and constantly evolving tasting menu.

Nico and his team will re-invent the dining experience every six weeks, serving a brand new six-course tasting menu, each one themed on a different place, memory, or idea. Six by Nico combines different ingredients, flavours, and dishes to bring memories and stories together to create a brand new dining experience every 6 weeks, drawing inspiration from both at home and abroad, such as the street markets of the Middle East to a journey across

Route 66 in America.

The restaurant and bar will be located in the heart of Aberdeen City Centre. Each menu will tell a different story, taking guests on a new and exciting journey each time they visit, using food as a narrative.

Each new chapter will be a surprise, and new menus will be revealed two weeks before the next theme.

Chef Nico Simeone from Simeone Group said: “We are thrilled to bring Six by Nico to Aberdeen this Spring. During the pandemic, we launched our Home by Nico dining range on HOMEX – our home delivery experiences – and the appetite in Aberdeen and surrounding areas was strong, making it an obvious choice for our first restaurant site outside of Scotland’s central belt due to its thriving foodie community.

Expansion into Aberdeen signals our first move into Scotland’s North East and a significant step in our plan to grow further this year.

In the nine locations where we operate in the UK and Ireland, we have quickly established an enthusiastic base of repeat customers, and we intend to and look forward to doing the same in Aberdeen”.

Russian Vodka Brands Face Pressure Due to the Ongoing Crisis, Says Globaldata 18

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Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there have been calls to boycott Russian brands with the country’s most famous commodity, vodka, bearing the brunt of these boycotts, says GlobalData. Notably, the US government has put sanctions on state-run liquor stores to stop selling Russian-made vodka and distilled spirits, while many private establishments are taking the initiative to do the same. The leading data and analytics company explains that these sanctions both damage brand recognition of Russian suppliers while offering a spotlight to other producers.

The global vodka market was valued at $75.7 billion in 2020, representing an 11.3% share of global spirits value* – the third largest category, following rum and whisky. The vodka market’s value is expected to continue to grow over 2020-2025, however, it will be at a slower pace than other spirits categories, largely owing to a lack of innovation and limited premium positioning when compared against its counterparts.

Carmen Bryan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Governments have been implementing sanctions however, it is interesting to see similar moves from the wider public and independent businesses.

GlobalData’s survey reveals that brand loyalty is heavily influenced by alignment to one’s values. This puts

Russian vodka brands in a precarious position, as prolonged conflict will not only damage immediate sales, but may also cause permanent disillusionment against Russian commodities in the long-term.”

According to GlobalData’s Q3 2021 consumer survey, two in five (41%)** people worldwide completely or somewhat agree that they will boycott a brand that does not align with their personal beliefs or values.

Similarly, 51%** of people are more loyal to brands that support social causes and human rights.

Bryan adds: “Boycotting essential goods can be a difficult and drastic step. However, this becomes a lot more likely in a saturated, non-essential market such as vodka, where there is an array of competitor brands to choose from. As the situation in Ukraine continues, we may see people in Western Europe and North America opt for alternative brands such as the Swedish made Absolut, France’s Grey Goose or the US made SKYY.” It is difficult to know what the long-term implications of this conflict are on the vodka market, as well as other commodities. If the situation escalates, it may lead to an overhaul of European supply chains, creating more localised production in both Russia and the rest of Europe as companies pull out of the conflict zone, as well as increased trade to countries in Asia.

Lakeland Dairies’ Reimagine Colcannon Chef Competition, Offers Winner £1000 Amazon Gift Card Prize Lakeland Dairies Real Dairy Whipping Cream, Pure Irish Butter or Millac Gold Double for a deliciously creamy finish.

Steeped in Irish heritage, Lakeland Dairies is a 100% farmer-owned and managed Irish Dairy Co-Operative. With St Patrick’s Day on the 17 of March, March has become the month of Lakeland Dairies’ annual Celebrate Green campaign.

Jean Cattanach, marketing Controller at Lakeland Dairies says: “March is such an exciting time for Lakeland Dairies, it’s the month of Celebrate Green when we shine a spotlight on our farming excellence and Irish provenance.”

The campaign embraces the Irish Co-Operative’s excellence in dairy farming, the lush green grass and high-quality milk from its family farms, alongside a heritage in creating professional dairy products, all carefully designed to deliver extraordinary taste and fantastic functional performance.

To celebrate, they are inspiring the whole industry, from hotel to hospital chefs, to celebrate their Irish Dairy, by entering their Colcannon Competition. Judged by Lakeland Dairies and the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition encourages chefs to create a modern twist on Colcannon. One lucky chef will win an amazing £1000 amazon gift card.

“We can’t wait to see the amazing Colcannon dishes the fantastically skilled chefs across the country will create.”

favourite Irish dish*. Colcannon is traditionally an Irish potato-based side dish, made with fluffy mashed potato, deliciously creamy Irish butter and cream, with fresh cabbage.

The competition runs through the month of March when chefs can submit their entry including a photograph and description of the dish via Lakeland Dairies’ website for a chance to win. Entries will be judged for their creativity and visual appearance.

To support the competition, Lakeland Dairies have created an inspiring ‘Reimagining Colcannon’ Guide which presents many exciting and innovative ideas alongside lots of fresh approaches to the dish.

75% of chefs* said they usually make a special dinner to celebrate St Patrick’s day, and in the same survey, voted Colcannon as chef’s

To make a modern twist on the dish, chefs are being encouraged to explore Lakeland Dairies range of high-quality professional products;

With a proud heritage of excellence in dairy farming, Lakeland Dairies is a 100% farmer-owned and managed Irish dairy co-operative, whose products are made from high-quality milk from the lush green pastures of its 3,200 family farms.

Claim your free Reimaging Colcannon Guide and enter here: https://bit.ly/3uBbShR Website:

www.lakelanddairies.com/foodservice

Facebook: @lakelanddairiesfoodservice Twitter:

@lakelandFS *Survey of 1200 chefs, 2021

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Craft Guild of Chefs Celebrates 20 Years of the Graduate Awards 20

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and must be completed by Saturday, 30th April, 2022. The Pastry Graduate Awards are aimed at young pastry chefs, chocolatiers or level 3 students studying pastry. Entrants for both awards do not need to be members of the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Entries for the Graduate Awards 2022 have opened online and it’s a special year as the Craft Guild of Chefs celebrate 20 years since the first chefs received this prestigious award. Known for accelerating the careers of ambitious and talented young chefs, the Graduate Awards have seen its alumni going on to win some of the UK’s most respected culinary titles and earn Michelin Stars. With the latest addition, Luke Selby, winning his first Star last month.

Founder of the Graduate Awards, Steve Munkley said: “Over the last 20 years, we have seen 84 people achieve the Graduate Award and I’ve enjoyed following the careers of these dedicated chefs. It’s a hard award to achieve, but every chef who goes through the different rounds learns a lot from the experience which helps their careers. Behind the scenes we are working on some exciting initiatives to make this year’s event extra special and more will be revealed as the competition unfolds.”

Chefs who enter this year will enjoy a whole host of celebrations during their journey including mentoring at every stage and the much-awaited return of the two-day learning experience. This year, chefs will develop their knowledge and skills with exciting study visits to Trenchmore Wagyu Beef Farm, Albury Vineyards and Norbury Blue Cheesemakers in Surrey, as well as an overnight stay at the stunning De Vere Horsley Estate.

For two decades, The Graduate Awards have been spearheaded by Steve Munkley, who is Vice-President of the Craft Guild of Chefs. He wanted to provide chefs in the early stages of their career with the opportunity to develop the skills they learnt at college and hone them for the workplace. It also provides a platform for chefs to progress to competitions such as Young National Chef of the Year. Whilst it’s an exam rather than a competition, successful chefs can take home a host of prizes ranging from culinary trips of a lifetime to products from the awards’ impressive list of sponsors.

To celebrate the big birthday, the Craft Guild of Chefs has revealed it is creating a Graduate Awards recipe book which will include delicious recipes from chefs who achieved the award back in 2002 right through to its 2021 Graduates.

Russell Bateman will continue his role of Chair of Examiners for the Kitchen exam for these 20th anniversary celebrations whilst Will Torrent will lead the Pastry Exam supported by award-winning pastry chef, Sarah Frankland of Pennyhill Park and for the first time, Master Chocolatier, Paul A Young. Steve has welcomed two former Graduates to his committee, Erin Yates and Eleanor De Maria to help generate new ideas and energy for the 20th year.

The Graduate Awards entry process is quick and simple. Chefs aged under 25 on the 1st of September 2022 are asked to complete a form which is available via https://craftguildofchefs.org/competitions/graduate-awards

Russell Bateman, head chef at Castle Ashby estate's Falcon Hotel in Northampton added: “As a head chef myself I’m appealing to senior chefs across the industry to encourage younger team members to get involved in this award. I’ve always considered this an important event in any young chef’s career development and have put many of my own brigade through in recent years. Not only does it help them to develop their culinary skills, but you also see them grow in confidence from the semi-final to the final exam. With the mentor trip back for 2022 and a year of anniversary celebrations, there’s never been a more exciting year to get involved.”

Will Torrent, Chair of Pastry Examiners and senior development and innovation chef at Waitrose & Partners commented: “There’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion than with pastries, cakes and chocolates so the Pastry Award will be extra special this year. Working alongside my fellow examiners, Sarah Frankland, Paul A Young and the rest of the team we’ve got a lot in-store for all pastry chefs, and we can’t wait to unveil our exciting brief for the semis and final exam. Whatever stage of the award you get to, you will learn from our dedicated mentors and have the chance to show the industry just how fantastic young pastry chefs are in the UK right now.”

The Craft Guild of Chefs Graduate Awards wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship from The London Meat Co, Oranka, Savoy Education Trust, Reynolds, Meiko UK, Essential Cuisine. City and Guilds, Robert Welch, Villeroy and Boch, CCS, Mars Foods, James Knight of Mayfair, Pan Artisan, Worshipful Company of Cooks, CCE London Ltd, Hoshizaki UK, University of West London, Tilda, Lakeland Dairies Foodservice, Grand Cuisine, The Caterer, Redefined Meat, Adande, Eurilait, PizzaSi UK, Indeed Flex and Wrapmaster.

Hospitality Sector Businesses Only Have One Year Left to Register Historical Banking Complaints The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS) is an independent and free dispute resolution service. The BBRS is appealing directly to the tourism and hospitality sector to see if their unresolved banking disputes can be tackled.

The BBRS resolves disputes based on what is fair and reasonable for each case. Businesses going through the service will be assigned a dispute resolution specialist, who will act as a single point of contact and offer practical support. The BBRS can make both financial and nonfinancial awards when a complaint is upheld.

The BBRS’ Historical Scheme covers banking complaints first registered in the period from 1 December 2001 to 31 March 2019.

Businesses may qualify for support if they had turnover between £1 million and £6.5 million per annum at the time of their complaint, and their case has not already been settled, been subject to an independent review, or gone to court. This includes businesses which have since

closed, merged or been sold.

The BBRS can also assess more recent unresolved complaints through its Contemporary Scheme, which covers cases for the period from 1 April 2019 onwards: it is for businesses with turnover up to £10m per annum; and total assets up to £7.5m; and which are not eligible to take their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Businesses with outstanding historical banking disputes are urged to see if they can apply for support using a quick online tool as the deadline for historical complaint applications is just one year away, closing on 14 February 2023. Professional services businesses are also encouraged to see if their clients could be eligible for the BBRS. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, said:

their bank check to see if they can receive BBRS support. Services like the BBRS play a vital role in ensuring SME and their owners, past and present, can access expert advice. The BBRS supports business to address unresolved banking complaints. This service is vital to the UK economy as we bounce back from this pandemic and look to the future.”

Dirk Paterson, Customer Director at the BBRS said: “We want as many businesses as possible to have the opportunity to use the BBRS’ service. This includes businesses, trusts, charities, friendly societies, and co-operative societies. It includes directors of businesses no longer operating. We urge them to see if they qualify for our help and, if so, to register. If they’re unsure, businesses can check online or contact us to find out more.”

Tourism and hospitality sector businesses can check and register online at: www.thebbrs.org.uk/register

Beat the Blues by Bringing in the Jazz!

“It is important that businesses who have unresolved disputes with

Whether you own a pub, bar, café or restaurant it’s important your business reflects the positive atmosphere you want your customers to experience.

That’s why playing music, particularly upbeat songs and other well-known tracks, could help to create an upbeat, happy environment and potentially relieve stress for your staff. It could help to provide an added burst of energy throughout the day and improve concentration and focus, especially during long hours and repetitive tasks.

Playing music that suits a style or a certain occasion, in your venue, could help to create the right feel, whilst distinguishing your brand and helping to make it stand out. It could also help to promote customer loyalty and ensure the experience is both unique and memorable for customers.

You may want to create a lively environment during the evenings as opposed

to perhaps a more relaxed and calming space during the day, or how you might want to reflect a certain theme at events or other occasions. Whatever the situation, the right music can help to create a unique and appealing space and can even influence consumer behaviour.

Music can be an important part of day-to-day life for many people, particularly during their leisure time, which is why something could seem lacking without it in a hospitality environment.

For more information on the benefits of music and TheMusicLicence contact us today on 0800 0868 803 | pplprs.co.uk/get-themusiclicence/

How to Guide Teams Through Disruption 22

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Top 20 HR Most Influential Thinker, thought leader and founder of Engage Leadership David Liddle reveals his practical guide for leaders facing team conflict (www.engageleadership.com) Working in hospitality has always been one of the most physically demanding sectors. It’s said that over a third spend between eight and ten hours completely upright, causing physical pain. But with mounting pressures of lockdowns and Brexit visa requirements, the industry has greatly suffered too. A report from Caterer.com stated that ¾ of London’s hospitality workers hailed from the EU pre-Brexit – most of which were forced to leave the industry. Upright working directly impacted mental wellbeing of staff, now exacerbated by immense staffing shortages. Our famed and favoured pubs, restaurants and cafes simply couldn’t cope over Christmas.

What happens when we’re under massive strain like this? Much of the time, we fight. As mental health deteriorates and exhaustion kicks in, we’re far more likely to find ourselves in conflict with colleagues or even customers. With fractured teams, misaligned behaviours and rising disputes the running theme of the working day, how can our leaders handle the heat?

It all boils down to effective management. With the right toolkit, those in charge have the power to build bonds, repair damage and boost productivity. In short, it’s about courageous, competent and confident leadership. And as we surge back into our prized pubs with the end of Plan B firmly underway, it’s more important than ever to bounce back with strong, resilient and united teams.

THE LEADERSHIP TOOLKIT It’s well known in the business world that role modelling positive behaviours will trickle down the pack. A Gallup poll proves that 70% of team engagement is determined solely by the manager at hand. When situations turn sour, it’s the time for leaders to truly lead by example. Diffusing tense situations can be successful in five

simple steps:

START CONVERSATIONS Prioritise guiding colleagues through crisis and conflict by facilitating empowered, confident and well-structured conversations. Be curious, questioning and constructive whilst always listening actively to the discussion.

COMMUNICATE THE VISION Make sure to clearly define and communicate your company vision with staff, aligning employee values and behaviours to reflect this. This will create a strong team purpose that staff can fall back on.

HAVE COMPASSION Showing resilience and agility can be a great support to struggling staff, particularly those that may be mentally and physically drained.

UNDERSTAND YOUR TEAM Account for differing personality types, demonstrating flexible leadership styles. At times, it may make sense to be more autocratic, and sometimes it will be necessary to let your team take the wheel.

BE THE CHANGE When the going gets tough, focus on reinforcing those standards that you’ve so clearly defined and communicated. It helps to remind your co-workers of team culture, especially when they’re feeling the pressure.

Improving employee experience through confident, competent and courageous leadership is of utmost importance to any thoughtful manager. In a direct customer-facing environment like hospitality, it’s even more vital as healthy and harmonious teams will in turn enhance customer experience. Bounce back from circumstances out of your hands – Brexit, Plan B, burnout – by managing what is under your control well.

More Than One Million Customers Take Advantage of Extra Time to File Tax Returns HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed that more than one million customers filed their late tax returns in February – taking advantage of the extra time to complete their Self Assessment without facing a penalty.

About 12.2 million customers were expected to file a return for the 2020/21 tax year and more than 11.3 million customers submitted theirs by 28 February.

The deadline for submitting tax returns was 31 January but, this year, HMRC gave customers an extra month to complete it. If customers filed their returns in February, they would avoid a late filing penalty.

HMRC has given customers until 1 April to pay their outstanding tax bill or set up a Time to Pay arrangement to avoid receiving a late payment penalty. Interest has been applied to all outstanding balances since 1 February.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We understand some customers might be worrying about paying their Self Assessment bill this year, and we want to support them. To see if you’re eligible to set up a payment plan, go to GOV.UK and search ‘pay my Self Assessment’.”

Lucy Frazer, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

self-employed people and businesses across the UK, helping to ensure their survival as we recover from the pandemic.”

The existing Time to Pay service allows any individual or business who needs it the option to spread their tax payments over time. Self Assessment taxpayers with up to £30,000 of tax debt can do this online once they have filed their return.

If customers owe more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, they should call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.

Customers can now make Self Assessment payments quickly and securely through the HMRC app. Customers choosing to make secure Self Assessment payments through the HMRC app can either connect to their bank to make their payments or pay by Direct Debit, personal debit card or corporate/commercial credit/debit card.

A full list of the payment methods customers can use to pay their Self Assessment tax bill is available on GOV.UK. HMRC urges everyone to be alert if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. Customers should always type in the full online address www.gov.uk/hmrc to get the correct link for filing their Self Assessment return online securely and free of charge. HMRC sees high numbers of fraudsters emailing, calling or texting people claiming to be from the department. If you’re in doubt, do not reply directly to anything suspicious, but contact HMRC straight away and search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’.

“Today’s stats show how vital the extra month was in supporting the cash flows of more than a million

ETM Group Praises Workwear And Washroom Services Supplier, Elis, For Support During The Pandemic London bar, pub and restaurant group, ETM, has praised its workwear, linen, washroom and mats services supplier, Elis, for its support during the pandemic.

up-front purchasing costs. There is also flexibility to make additions, reductions, and free size exchanges to reduce costs when employees change.

Elis began providing services to ETM Group during the pandemic in 2020 and supported ETM with a flexible approach to the service roll-out and with a rental model that meant there were no large up-front costs. The Elis team supplied items to the venues when they were able to re-open, scaling up and down as necessary and working in partnership with ETM during this challenging time.

For organisations of all sizes, Elis collects used workwear, professionally launders and maintains it, and returns the clean workwear to an agreed schedule, ensuring that sufficient workwear is available, and that those wearing it are comfortable and look the part.

ETM Chief Financial Officer, Landen Prescott-Brann, says: “Elis won the tender to supply a suite of services, as part of our plan to simplify and consolidate suppliers across the business. They won the tender on value for money, efficiency and their passion for the business, and they run their services efficiently and professionally. Prior to appointing Elis, I used to be made aware of problems with the services, especially washroom, but now I don’t hear of any problems, which is a real credit to Elis.”

Elis is providing ETM Group with over 12,500 laundered workwear and linen items a week. It supplies its workwear and linens on a cost-effective rental basis, so there are no

Elis is also providing a range of washroom products and services to meet each venue’s requirements. The service, including regular scheduled service visits to each venue, is run by the local Elis site, with regular communication from the local account manager.

Elis is the first laundry and textile services company in the UK to state its intent to attain Net Zero carbon emissions by 2045. This major commitment is the next step on a journey to reduce its emissions, which started over ten years ago and which has been certified over several years by The Carbon Trust. This goal is aligned with the United Kingdom government’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050.

For further information see uk.Elis.com or call free on 0808 1698265.

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Manchester Hoteliers Association Members Unite To Support Hospitality Sustainability Pledge In Manchester hotels in the city have committed to working together to reduce Manchester’s carbon footprint.

Manchester Hoteliers Association (MHA) have launched their sustainability strategic initiative marking a move to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint across Manchester.

“We at the MHA are starting to have conversations with data management companies to delve deeper into the carbon footprint numbers of the city, assess the current footprint and position of the city and move forward by setting targets and goals to encourage all hotels to follow our lead. We are confident others will get behind the initiative in the coming months and work together in reducing Manchester’s carbon footprint as a whole.”

Numerous hotels including Dakota Hotel, The Lowry Hotel and The Park Inn have signed up to be a part of the ‘Clean the World’ initiative and committed to recycling leftover soap from hotel rooms. Following on from extensive research, it was found that many hotels in Manchester throw away hundreds if not thousands of soap bars and plastic bottles daily which eventually end up in landfill.

The ‘Clean the World’ initiative allows bars and bottles of soap to be collected from hotels and shipped into a warehouse where they are sanitised, re-packaged and sent to charities across the globe to people in need. Plastic bottles are collected, recycled, and brought back into production. As a result, Clean the World is able to prevent millions of poor hygiene-related illnesses each year.

Several hotels across the region have also committed to using renewable energy sources such as wind, water and thermal energy in their hotels with the aim to eventually use no fossil fuels at all.

In line with the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Pledge to reduce the use of plastic straws in the hospitality industry, members have also supported this by providing paper alternatives reducing the use of plastic in their hotels. 70 hotels across the city are supporting this initiative.

The MHA has a 50-strong membership made up of general managers of hotels throughout the region. Its key objectives are being a strong voice for the hotel community, and continually improving the offering for visitors spending time in the city.

Hotels are also involved in reducing food waste in their hotels by holding less buffet style events and have introduced clever menu planning to ensure a substantial reduction in the amount of food being thrown away over the course of the year.

Adrian Ellis, General Manager of the Lowry Hotel and Chairman of Manchester Hoteliers’ Association said: “We are delighted that so many

They have spearheaded a number of campaigns since launch working with a number of charities including the NHS frontline staff and vulnerable members of the community.

The MHA Ball, a firm fixture in the calendar is scheduled to take place on 1st April at The Vermillion in Manchester and will also be raising money for several charities For more information on The Manchester Hoteliers Association, please visit: www.manchester-hotels.org.uk

Be At One’s The Shake Off Showdown Returns for 2022 Be At One’s Bartender cocktail competition, The Shake Off Showdown has returned for another year and the competition is bigger and better than ever.

Be At One’s cocktail competition named The Shake Off Showdown returns for 2022 with some exciting changes being made to enhance the competition. This year, the competition is being sponsored by Diageo, which sees four premium drinks brands including Tanqueray, Johnnie Walker, Ketel One Vodka and Casamigos Tequila chosen as the focuses for the competition that bartenders can get creative with.

Each submission will have to adhere to Be At One’s guest service parameters, taking no more than 60 seconds to create, ensuring speed of service, be served in the bar’s premium glassware, and contain the brand’s carefully curated selection of spirits and mixers.

There are also bigger prizes up for grabs this year, including a trip within the UK and a big finale event in London. The winner of the competition will take home a prize of £1000 and see their creation included in the next Be At One cocktail menu. There will also be a £1500 fund for a team party. Second and third place

will also receive a cash prize and their drinks to be considered for seasonal specials on the Be At One menu.

The Shake Off Showdown competition has been created to give bartenders at Be At One across the country, the opportunity to showcase what they do best, demonstrate their creativity when it comes to cocktails and innovate and create a cocktail that has never been seen before.

Helen Charlesworth, Managing Director of Stonegate Group, said: “We are really thrilled to host The Shake Off Showdown for another year, and see all the brilliant creations our bartenders come up with. The Shake Off Showdown is something everyone at Be At One and indeed Stonegate thoroughly enjoys, so it is great to be able to make the competition happen again, with lots of new changes making it much more exciting. This competition really allows Be At One bartenders to perform and execute their skill to the highest quality. We are all looking forward to seeing what this year’s competition has to offer.”

The competition is open to all Be At One team members. Entries must be submitted, including a video representation of each cocktail submission, by 10pm on Monday 28th February before judging takes place and the finalists being announced by Friday 11th March, with the final showdown event taking place at the end of March or early April.

SIBA Business Awards 2022 Finalists: The UK’s Best Independent Beer Businesses The Finalists in the SIBA Business Awards 2022 have been revealed, highlighting the very best breweries, taprooms, retailers, pubs and beer industry businesses from across the UK. The SIBA Business Awards seek to congratulate excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories, from pump clip, can and bottle design, to efforts taken by brewers to make their business more sustainable, innovative or successful, as well as naming the UK’s best pubs, bars and retailers of craft beer from independent breweries.

The 2022 Awards also include three new categories introduced in response to shifting consumer buying habits over the last year: “UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer – Online”, “UK’s Best Independent Craft Brewery Webshop” and “Community Engagement”, the latter award aimed at breweries which have cemented themselves as assets of their local communities over the last year.

Joining the expert judging panel for 2022 were Caroline Nodder, Editor of Independent Brewer and the SIBA British Craft Beer Report; Kate Oppenheim, KO Media and Editor of BII News; Barry Watts, Head of Public Affairs & Policy at SIBA; Jo Hunter, Interior & Architectural Design expert and founder of Hunter’s Daughter; Ellie Hudspith, Senior Campaigns Manager at CAMRA; and Robyn Black, Head of Content at Fleetstreet Comms and former Editor of Inapub.

The SIBA Business Awards 2022 will be presented on Wednesday 16th March at BeerX UK in Liverpool by acclaimed beer author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant Pete Brown. Named British Guild of Beer Writers’ “Beer Writer of the Year” in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2021, Pete has won three Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, been shortlisted twice for the Andre Simon Awards, and in 2020 was named an “Industry Legend” at the Imbibe Hospitality Awards.

SIBA BUSINESS AWARDS 2022 FINALISTS

Marketing Implementation Anspach & Hobday Big Smoke Brew Co. Signature Brew Siren Craft Brew “Massive congratulations to all of this year’s finalists Sustainable Business – not only did we see a huge sixty percent increase in Barnaby’s Brewhouse entries compared to last year but the quality of Bluestone Brewing entries was genuinely astounding, with some truly Duration Brewing inspiring businesses in the running. To have made it Ludlow Brewing this far and been named a finalist in the 2022 awards Community Engagement is a huge achievement, and I wish you all the best of luck when we announce the overall winners at BeerX 40FT Brewery Big Smoke Brew Co. UK in Liverpool next month.” Neil Walker, Chair of Judges.

Brewgooder

Full Circle Best Individual Design Anspach & Hobday Bundobust/North Brewing Co. Brewgooder Duration Brewing Best Concept Design Big Smoke Brew Co. Brewgooder Moonwake Jiddlers’ Tipple Business Innovation Brew York Bullhouse Pitchfork Thornbridge Commercial Achievement Brew York Maxim Moonwake North Brewing Co. UK’s Best Independent Craft Brewery Taproom Abyss Brewing, Lewes Double Barrelled, Reading Farm Yard Brew Co., Lancaster North Brewing Co. Springwell, Leeds UK’s Best Independent Craft Brewery Webshop Full Circle Moonwake Siren Craft Brew Timothy Taylor’s UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer – Multiple

Ghost Whale Hoppily Purple Moose Real Drinks UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer – Single Bier Huis Bottle Monkey Brewery Market Wee Beer Shop UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer – Online A Hoppy Place Beer Ritz Honest Brew UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Bar or Pub – City Craft Republic, Barry Dead Crafty Beer Co., Liverpool The Colmore, Birmingham The Pembury Tavern, East London UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Bar or Pub – Rural Fox & Hounds Beerhouse, Caversham The Bailey Head, Oswestry The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden Too Hoppy, Tavistock UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Promotion Brew York Pellicle Hop Forward Supplier Associate of the year (Brewer nominated) Beer Box Shop Charles Faram Saxon Packaging

Windsor’s Mango Lounge Win at Asian & Oriental Chef Awards 26

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rants in Romford in East London, plus Grays and Canvey Island in Essex respectively, both received Highly Commended awards.

Chef Ashwani Kumar of the Mango Lounge in Windsor has scooped the top award at this year’s Asian & Oriental Chef Awards. Open to professional chefs across all Asian and Oriental cuisines, nominations were invited from members of the public, restaurant critics, food journalists and bloggers.

BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds will present the Asian & Oriental Chef Awards, hosted by Lord Sheikh, at a special dinner in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace at the Palace of Westminster from 18:30pm.

Contestants were required to prepare a starter and main course in an hour. Marks were awarded for originality and creativity, technical skill, use of fresh local produce of known provenance, presentation and flavour.

The live cook-off event was held at Pillars Kitchen at the University of West London on Monday 21st February. Winners will be presented at the House of Lords on Monday 2nd March, which will also be used to launch the 12th Asian Curry Awards sponsored by Just Eat, being held in London on 20th November. Spice loving members of the public can nominate their favourites at www.asiancurryawards.com.

The Runner’s-Up award went to Vinod Rawat, Head Chef of Pushkar restaurant in Birmingham, who won Fine Dining Chef of the Year – West Midlands, with Iqbal Ahamad, Head Chef of the acclaimed Grand Trunk Road in Woodford in East London in third place – who was named Fine

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the UK’s 30,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants and takeaways.

Dining Chef of the Year – London.

Jie Chen Chef at Canton Kitchen in London’s Chinatown was named Oriental Chef of the Year.

Kamrul Hoque, Ahad Abdul and Dilder Miah, the Chefs at Kushi restau-

Commenting on the competition, ACF Chairman Yawar Khan said: “Standards have risen exponentially since we launched our various awards to recognise the most innovative chefs, adding, “During the Covid 19 lockdown, restaurants had to survive on their takeaway and delivery offers, with even Michelin-starred restaurants turning to this avenue for the first time – with our sponsor Just Eat providing them with a vital route to market.”

The ACF will also he holding the Asian Restaurant Awards in Manchester on 11th July; the Asian Restaurant Awards – Scotland on 19th September.

Apprentice Chef to Represent Wales in Two International Finals A young Mid Wales apprentice chef completed a notable double in her competition debut at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) last week.

Charlotte Latham, 21, from Llanidloes, who works at Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen Hotel in the town, won both the Wales heat of the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef of UK and Ireland and the Major International Main Course Challenge.

She will now represent Wales in the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef of UK and Ireland Grand Final at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the April 4, where the finalists will compete for an exciting prize. In the Wales heat, Charlotte cooked a lobster risotto.

The overall winner will travel to Italy for a three day stage with Fabio Pisani, Alessandro Negrini and

their team at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia in Milan, famous for its contemporary Italian cuisine.

Charlotte will also represent Wales in the Major International Main Course Challenge Final at Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) which is being held at ExCel, London from March 21-23.

Organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), the WICC are hosted by Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s campus in Rhoson-Sea. Main sponsor is Food and Drink Wales, the Welsh Government’s department representing the food and drink industry.

Charlotte, who has worked at Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen Hotel, since last May, is working toward her Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery with Cambrian Training Company.

After competing in two competitions on Tuesday, she was in action again on Wednesday as commis chef to sous chef Matthew Smith, from Chartists 1770 at The Trewythen Hotel, who won a bronze medal in the National Chef of Wales final.

“I was very nervous because it was my first competitions,” she said: “My mind just went blank on Tuesday morning but I was okay when I started cooking and I am really proud of myself.

“I love the industry and enjoy the pressure and challenge. I really enjoyed being Matthew’s commis chef which was a great experience.”

Looking forward to the two competition finals in London, she said: “It’s a bit scary but I’m going to try my best.”

Cornwall Scale & Equipment Ltd Visit us on Stand F20

Tel : 0333 577 0108 Mobile : 07770677123 Email : info@cornwallscalesltd.co.uk www.cornwallcashregisters.co.uk

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South West Labels

South West Labels 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.

Monster Mesh Monster Mesh is a leading events and construction branding company, specialising in supplying large format printed products.

We specialise in large format full colour and dye sublimation printing for weather resistance, strength and durability. Our top-quality products match the service you should expect, and we supply direct to brand owners, event management, construction, and signage companies.

We can provide a range of custom designed and printed products for HERAS fence covers, PVC and

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

Visit www.southwestlabels.co.uk ACM Hoarding panels, PVC and mesh banners, and large scale scaffold wraps. We have been in operation for 4 years now, continually growing year on year thanks to both new and return clients.

At Monster Mesh we agree that your brand needs to generate the right impact. Getting an eye-catching design is the most important when displaying your banner amongst others, so at Monster Mesh we offer a complete in-house design service. Most of the time this is a free service where our team of designers will take your logo and a brief sample of text to create your individual design. Throughout our years of experience in large format design, we have learnt several ways to produce the impression you desire.

We take pride in our leading customer service, one of our Biggest selling points. Each client is given a direct contact to liaise with and we also offer a free design service to all our customers regardless of their size.

We work with large and small construction companies across the UK and into Europe, many UK councils and government bodies as well as directly and indirectly with events and events management companies.

The majority of our products include free delivery and typical lead times are just 7 working days, with some products available through our 5-day express service.

To find out more, please visit www.monster-mesh.co.uk.

Cornwall Scale & Equipment Ltd

Established in 1975, Cornwall Scale & Equipment Ltd are now one of the largest Suppliers of Cash Registers and Electronic Scales in the South West Of England, as well as shipping world-wide.

models including Sam4s, Casio, Pi Electronique, Aster and much more.

Whether you are looking for a basic low cost Cash Register or a fully integrated, EPOS solution for retail or hospitality environments, we are always happy to help.

• • • • •

Supplying and maintaining cash registers and scales throughout the south west of England. All makes and

Duchy Cash Systems Supplying Cornwall and Devon, Duchy Cash Systems is a provider of premium EPOS solutions for the hospitality sector - pubs, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs. Each system is tailored to suit the customer's needs, focussing on speed/ease of use and durability. Our touchscreen EPOS terminals offer a host of time and labour saving features, helping your staff work more effi-

Full training and support on any make and model of Cash register, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Cash Register Rolls and Ink Rollers/Ribbons Pricing guns and labels • Money Counting Scales Money Sorters • Forge Note Detectors Monitor lines • Stock control Software Paging Systems Visit www.cornwallcashregisters.co.uk

ciently.

Optional back office, stock control software features total stock management, enhanced security features, time and cost saving tools.

Duchy Cash Systems provide the comprehensive after sales package that only a local company can really offer: 24 hour telephone support, remote diagnostics & assistance, and a fast callout response.

Chadds Foodsmiths Visit www.duchycashsystems.com

for great food and great service. From the big brand products to working with local artisan suppliers we have something for everyone. Why not join us on 5 April for our Food Expo at the Royal Cornwall Showground and come and meet our suppliers.

Chadds Foodsmiths, the leading Cornish foodservice wholesaler distributes all your catering requirements.

Whether you're a restaurant, hotel, pub, cafe, coffee shop, take-away, farm shop, visitor attraction, care home, school or anyone else that procures food - we are the company for you.

We offer an extensive range of food categories from frozen, ice cream, dairy, meats, fruit and vegetables to grocery, drinks, non foods and janitorial supplies - ‘the one stop shop for caterers’.

Our range will appeal to all those who have a passion

Chadds Foodsmiths are members of the Sterling Supergroup, this allows us to benefit from the group purchasing power when negotiating deals with suppliers; we can then pass these savings on to our customers. It also enables Sterling own label produce to be available. The own label range has significantly developed over recent years and continues to help us offer a good value product to our customers.

For more details call our telesales 01288 353964 for a representative to visit www.chaddsfoodsmiths.co.uk

Food Waste Dryer Slashes Waste Disposal Costs The Eco-Smart Food Waste Dryer is taking the country by storm, saving catering and hospitality owners up to 80% in food waste disposal costs. With macerators and disposal units banned in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it’s only a matter of time before they’re illegal in England too. And putting smelly food waste in wheelie bins is a health hazard attracting vermin and pests, particularly in warm weather.

The Eco-Smart Food Waste Dryer is already in hotels, hospitals and restaurants solving these problems. Each unit extracts the water from food waste overnight, leaving a dry powder, only 20% of it’s former weight and volume. The result is an 80% saving in disposal costs, no smelly wheelie

bins and no blocked drains.

There are seven models from 20kg to 350kg daily capacity so even small premises can benefit from the technology as the smallest unit is about the size of a small fridge. It is a ‘plug and play’ solution: you just need a power socket and a nearby sink drain for the extracted water to drain off. “This really is the future of food waste disposal. The dry powder is collected for recycling so no food waste goes to landfill. Not to mention the substantial savings from disposal” said David Boyd from Eco-Smart.

For more information and a brochure go to www.foodwastedryer.co.uk or call 01522 692888

Raise the Bar of Your In-Venue Entertainment with NSM's Hottest Jukeboxes Leeds Based Jukebox Manufacturer NSM Music has a rich heritage of pioneering jukeboxes using the state of the art technologies for over 70 years, for customers across 5 continents.

Whether it’s licensed music content, Video’s or the latest technological hardware, NSM Music prides itself as a one stop shop music solution with fantastic technical support and after sales.

• Tell us more about your interactive digital jukeboxes.

How do they affect customer experience?

It’s no fluke that NSM has been manufacturing jukeboxes for over 70 years. All NSM products have been developed off the back of customer and operator feedback, We believe we have something for everyone, for example;

• All our jukeboxes have the option to be an audio or audio/video jukebox and can be changed at a press of a button.

• On Screen Visual Advertising • Contactless payments.

• Online connection gives customers the use of both NSM Apps, daily music updates, the Official Big Top 40 and access to our entire music library.

A key area when developing our jukeboxes user interface is to make it simple and easy to use, this way the customer doesn’t get frustrated and walk away and instead feels comfortable and takes pleasure from interacting with the jukebox.

• How has ‘NSMMusic App’ affected business? Any increase in attendance and/or footfall?

Customers just love jukeboxes, many of times Licensee tell us how the jukebox keeps their customers in their venue longer which increases wet sales.

The app has been an amazing addition to our jukeboxes. NSM’S Alex Kirby explains, the “NSMMusic” App is for customers to browse the jukebox, buy credits and make selections, all without having to leave their seat, It’s certainly a great facility for shy customers.

Customer simply download the app from the Google or App Store, create an account, then your all set. Once logged in you can buy credits via Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Debit Card or Credit Card.

We have also a second app called “Co-Pilot”, Co-Pilot is an app which

was developed so operators can manage their jukeboxes remotely, for example; Operators or location staff can use Co-Pilot on their phones to pause, reject, change the volume up and down or even reboot the jukebox.

They can also use the app to create and schedule adverts by choosing from one thousands of our predefined templates and adding their own text, they can even create ads by using their own photos from their phone.

Other Co-Pilot uses are as follows; • Check Jukebox Internet Connections – know which devices are in an error state, haven’t connected to the NSM network recently, or need to be tended to immediately • Access Location Details and Controls – view and manage all jukeboxes including money collections.

• Receive Jukebox Notifications – get alerts for power downs, overheating & door opens Over the next few years we will continue to develop this powerful tool and add many new exciting features including Back Ground Music Control. www.nsmmusic.com Tel: +44 0113 2713 708 Email: info@nsmmusic.com

Products and Services

Issue 99

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Isn’t It Time You Stocked One of Robert’s Dorset - Handmade in Britain the FASTEST GROWING Rums?

We are a family business based in Bath serving the UK, we make Award Winning drinks using quality Caribbean Rum with traditional techniques and only the best natural ingredients.

Caramel, Coconut, 40% Black Pearl Spiced, Golden Rum, Pineapple Spiced Rum

In 2021 over 65,000 bottles of Beckford’s Rum were sold to consumers across the UK, this year we will be attending over 100 consumer events.

Isn’t it time you stocked one of the UKs best selling rums?

We sell to pubs, hotels, cocktail bars & farm shops Order your taste samples today sales@craftywolf.com or 07961471474 or visit www.craftywolf.co.uk for further information or see the advert on page 9.

Is TEAPY T-4-1 The Future Of Tea Service?

Perfect brewing conditions, a proven 40% saving in staff time compared to teapot service, and a unique “aroma burst”, make TEAPY T-4-1 an obvious choice for any foodservice operation. Mosaic Hospitality have over five years experience of TEAPY T-4-1 used with tea bags at The Stables Kitchen, Bramall Hall. According to director Kirsten Inverarity, “I immediately saw its advantages for busy operations like ours.” Not far away, at MarJoe’s speciality tea and coffee shop, tea aficionado Lawrence Turner serves only loose leaf teas, offering a choice between TEAPY T-4-1 and teapot service. “The majority of our customers choose TEAPY T-4-1 and we prefer serving with it, providing the best possible tea with the least possible effort”.

TEAPY T-4-1 is the clear preference of serving staff, a complete tea service safely carried in one hand, or more servings

on one tray, fewer pieces to dishwash, and easy to store ready for the next use, saving up to 70% shelf space.

The latest TEAPY designs include no less than three inventions, two already patented and one patent-pending, that enable these breakthrough benefits in serving and enjoying tea and other infusions. TEAPY T-4-1 is also used for hot chocolate, mulled wine and coffee bags.

Serial inventor Roland Hill’s one-way vision inventions are used on bus and retail window advertisements worldwide, including Pret, Eat, Costa and Starbucks. They have won three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, two for Innovation and one for International Trade. He believes TEAPY T-4-1 will be just as successful, “All TEAPYs are made in the UK, of either Eastman Tritan copolyester or bone china, each providing the perfect tea experience.”

Visit www.teapy.co.uk, www.contravision.com or see the advert on page 6.

Robert’s Dorset is a family owned and operated company and we know the value of our stockist.

All orders are made to order giving you the freshest product available.

One area we differ from everyone else is each box we send out. We don’t insist on each box being a single flavour. We tailor every box to exactly what you require.

We offer 11 flavours of Proper Pork Crackling so if you only want 8, that’s exactly what we will send you.

Our minimum order is just 1 box with carriage or £150 with carriage paid.

We specialise in 3 core products, Pork Crackling, Nuts and fudge but we offer both reusable and recyclable

packaging in both.

In today's market place we try to tick as many boxes as possible to make us a one stop for the snack requirements.

Allegan Free, Keto, Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carbohydrate, No Cholesterol, High Protein.

All of our products are British sourced with the exception of our nuts but hopefully in time, who knows.

For own online catalogue with visuals & prices please email trade@sct-sct.com or give one of the team a call 01202875280.

If you have an online store we are happy to send you visuals to ad to your website. Those with store we will provide full POS free of Charge.

Isle of Wight Distillery - Free Your Spirit Rooted in the natural landscape of a unique island, we are the Isle of Wight’s first and only distillery. Our founders Xavier and Conrad and our small team distil spirits shaped by our stunning surroundings and the unique character of our island. Doing things differently, minimising waste, using ethically sourced and often local, foraged ingredients to craft a range of smooth, complex spirits.

Our signature spirit Mermaid Gin delivers a smooth yet complex blend of fresh organic lemon zest and peppery grains of paradise, with a hint of sea air from locally foraged, fragrant rock samphire - a refreshing and invigorating serve. Mermaid’s name was inspired by

its lead botanical rock samphire, known locally as ‘mermaid’s kiss’. This aromatic succulent clings to the cliffs surrounding the island and marks the high tide line on its majestic beaches.

Alongside Mermaid Gin, we produce subtly sweet, naturally flavoured Mermaid Pink Gin, infused with fresh Island strawberries grown in the rich and fertile microclimate of the Arreton valley and Mermaid Salt Vodka (a favourite with mixologists), using salt harvested from the flood tide off the island’s southern coast.

Mermaid is naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Our spirit range also includes HMS Victory-branded Navy Strength Barrel-aged Gin and Rum, which incorporates real oak from the famous warship,.

We blend traditional methods with contemporary techniques, hand-crafting our spirits in small batches and slow distilling before cutting with local spring water and bottling on the island. The result is an awardwinning range of spirits with a contemporary style, layered complexity and signature smooth delivery.

Contact: +44 (0)1983 613653 or Web: www.isleofwightdistillery.com

We Promise To Make Coffee Keeping Food Hot? We Have All The Answers Moments Unforgettable First of all, you will want one of our world beating Kanga boxes and a Carbon Heater. You can then keep food hot indefinitely and fully comply with HACCP regulations.

Sounds too good to be true?

Well we only supply premium German manufactured products from stock at incredibly low prices. The insulated box manufactured from top quality expanded polypropylene is a dense closed cell insulation material but incredibly light to handle when empty for example the GN insulted box with a 117 mm internal depth only weighs just over a kilo and yet holds a massive 21 lts capacity. Now combine the Kanga box with a Carbon Heater and the magic begins, hot food all the time!

Our range of Carbon heaters offers two voltage options 12 volts for car operation using the cigarette lighter socket or 230 volt mains voltage for internal or external mains use. The big advantage of the Carbon Heaters they are absolutely fool proof just insert them in the bottom of the box turn on and forget, there are no consumer controls the temperature is pre-set at the factory at 75 deg C. The Carbon Heater is very light at only 700 grammes and does not take up much room only being 10mm thick. Dishes can be place on the Carbon Heater straight out of the oven up to 120deg C. Finally quick and easy to clean just wipe over with a damp cloth.

Contact Catering Equipment Limited on Tel: 0121 773 2228 or visit www.clickonstore.net or www.kangaboxuk.com

Your customers choose you because they want to create great memories. Whether enjoyed first thing in the morning or last thing after supper, Artisan Coffee will transport your customers somewhere truly magical - and all they need to do to get there is to walk through your doors.

Our indulgent blends have been created and perfected by some of the best in the biz. From a Michelin twostarred chef to a team of the world’s best Q graders (the coffee industry’s equivalent to a sommelier), the leading minds - and palates - in the industry are behind our original and characterful blends.

This is no ordinary coffee. When it comes to flavour, we’re changing the game. We use cutting-edge science and innovative technology to stay ahead of the flavourtrain. Our six distinctive characterful blends have been crafted to thrill everyone from the casual caffeine con-

WTTB – Print Ordering Made Easy…

To take liberties with a popular phrase, “no business is an island.”

To succeed there are so many other factors to take into consideration, which is why it’s important to ensure that you have reliable, cost effective and professional suppliers in your corner.

WTTB is one such ally, so much so that we don’t see ourselves as service to your business but rather an extension of it.

Our print on demand and up-to-the-minute technology means that we can provide everything you need for your offline marketing – from banners to flyers to signage and all points in between.

Through our state-of-the-art site you can manage your print requirements

seamlessly and easily, with a fast turn around time. And although we’re a digital service, we’re there every step of the way to give you our support or answer any queries.

Our products are suitable for an endless range of sectors and particularly for hospitality.

From information packs to menus, from promotional materials to vouchers and loyalty cards – we’re about producing everything your business needs to keep your existing customers happy and to help you win new ones.

We have a long and strong track record in helping boost our customers’ bottom line with endless solutions to help you get your business noticed and keep it front of mind.

sumer to the consummate coffee connoisseur. Who knew coffee could taste so good?

We didn’t start with a mission to change the way you drink coffee; we started with a mission to greatly improve it. From giving you the power to choose how you brew - our coffee is available as pods, whole bean, coffee bags or ground so you can tailor it to suit your needs - to ensuring that flavour and freshness are maintained cup after cup. Our unique packaging keeps your coffee at its flavourful best.

No subtle note is lost, just cup after cup of perfection.

With us, you’re in good company. Like the coffees we craft, we’re constantly evolving, improving and seeking perfection. The only challenge your customers will face is how to stop at just one cup.

Visit www.artisancoffeeco.com or contact sales@artisancoffeeco.com for more information.

Print is an essential tool for any successful business so find out what we can do for you by visiting www.wherethetradebuys.co.uk

SPECIAL CLH OFFER GET 10% OFF LIST PRICE DURING MARCH 2022

BY QUOTING ‘CLH10’ Telephone 01329 285518 for full details

HRC Show Preview Exclusive Ranges Showcases New Zep - Leading in Cleaning and Addition to Menu System Portfolio at HRC Maintenance Since 1937

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Exclusive Ranges will be showcasing Celsius Black at HRC, the newest generation of induction cookers to be introduced to the Menu System portfolio of innovative cooking solutions for the professional chef.

Trevor Burke, Managing Director, Exclusive Ranges; “We’re already supplying highend, bespoke cooking suites from Menu System but Celsius Black sets them apart in the market, raises the bar for induction cookers from mid or low level manufacturers and positions Celsius Black from Menu System as the benchmark for those considering induction.

Launching at HRC is an exciting time for us as it is a great platform for our industry.”

With superior connectivity and the very latest in induction technology, Celsius Black from Menu System will be a gamechanger for chefs, offering unparalleled connectivity, energy management and serviceability, as well as ultra-precision and control over cooking temperatures.

Exclusive Ranges can be found on stand number P249.

The show is open 21st – 23rd March at ExCeL, London.

To find out more about the Exclusive Ranges service and its full product portfolio, call 01707 361770, email sales@exclusiveranges.co.uk or go to www.exclusiveranges.co.uk

From the bedrooms to the kitchen, the pool to the gym, from the restaurant to the laundry Zep is a valid partner for all the needs of every facility.

Zep is the global manufacturer and supplier of chemical cleaning products.

Zep aims to make the planet safer, cleaner and more productive by delivering superior and differentiated solutions, service and technical expertise.

Zep offers a wide variety of high performing chemical solutions to help with all your cleaning, disinfecting and maintenance needs; helping you save time, helping you save on costs, and helping you to reduce risk – all without compromising on standards.

Zep will be at the Hotel, Restaurant, Catering (HRC) exhibition between 21st – 23rd March, Excel London.

Come and talk solids and solutions with us at Stand P161. www.zep.co.uk

Disposable Straws Created by Nature Frogut Straws produces natural disposable drinking straws made from wild grass (Lepironia articulata) growing in the Mekong Delta. The straws are produced in Long An province in Vietnam in the production plant established together with our Vietnamese partner Natufarm. The grass is hand-picked by the local farmers living in wetlands so that improves their livelihoods. On the other hand, growing Lepironia grass helps maintaining wetlands in their natural state. Therefore this is a great example of integrating ecosystem conservation and poverty reduction in the wetlands.

The straws are stored in Gdansk/Poland, and from there we distribute them to any place in Europe.

Frogut supplies both wholesale market (250 or 500

pcs carton dispensers) and retail market (50 and 100 pcs boxes). The straws come in three lengths and can be individually wrapped in tissue paper. In the production we follow strict hygiene rules, as a result of which we obtained the German LFGB (food contact) certificate, issued by TÜV Rheinland.

Our grass straws are an ecological and sustainable alternative to paper straws. They do not soften, keep their shape and stiffness in both hot and cold drinks. They are ideal for water, carbonated drinks, juices and alcoholic beverages. They remain hygienic and functional even after years of storage.

For further information visit us on Stand F368, see www.frogut-bio.pl or see the advert on the facing page.

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Invest Northern Ireland as Great Taste, the Quality Food Awards and most recently the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards. Key to this success is our unique blend of tradition and innovation. Invest NI’s Pure, Natural, Quality strapline summarises the goodness of Northern Ireland’s produce, which emanates from our rich pastures and sustainably managed farms. High quality local ingredients ensure guaranteed provenance and short supply chains, giving full confidence in food security and traceability.

Northern Ireland is well known for the quality of its beef, dairy and bakery products. In each of these sectors, suppliers are melding established production techniques with the latest technology, enabling them to access opportunities in the growing plant-based and free-from sectors.

Finnebrogue is at once a leading supplier of sausages, nitrate-free bacon and plantbased meat alternatives, operating from several discrete production facilities. In the bakery sector, traditional craft soda farls and wheaten breads sit alongside glutenfree and vegan options from Stone Bakery and Graham’s.

Food and drink is a vital and growing industry in Northern Ireland. In terms of turnover, employment and cultural significance, this £5bn sector continues to extend its reach in GB and in international markets. Whilst 50% of turnover comes from our top 10 companies, family-owned businesses remain prominent, resulting in an industry that is flexible, authentic and straightforward in its dealings.

A diverse range of food and drink brands from producers of all shapes and sizes brings warmth and personality to the sector. Northern Ireland’s produce has proven award-winning status, the result of many years of success in schemes such

Invest NI’s dedicated food business development team supports local companies to develop their business with customers in GB and beyond. Visit our website or contact us directly to learn how our worldclass food and drink can help grow your business. www.buynifood.com

HOTMIXPRO EASY : The EASY way to MIX and BLEND, HOT or COLD. Having introduced the Thermal Mixing concept to the UK many years ago, the Barbel brand has been recognised and highly regarded throughout the professional kitchen world ever since.

Before being added to the Barbel range every product will have been thoroughly ‘tried & tested’ and approved.

HotMixPro Easy is manufactured by Vitaeco S.r.l., the world-famous manufacturer of many high-quality products such as the unrivalled HotMixPro thermal blender range, Sanozone, Giaz

and more.

HotMixPro Easy fits into every professional kitchen and is also particularly suitable for hospitals and care home areas, where absolute hygiene and self-sterilisation is mandatory, The Barbel team always provide prompt professional advice and reliable back up service.

For full details, see the advert adjacent and visit www.barbel.net

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Fly the Flag this June to Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Urges Chevler

Chevler, the UK’s leading manufacturer of baking cases and a major player in the bespoke printed greaseproof sheet market, is urging bakers, coffee shops, retailers, and foodservice operators not to miss out on the opportunities offered by what it is describing as a truly momentous event and unprecedented anniversary – the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“As the country is now rapidly coming out covid of restrictions and with the four-day bank holiday in early June in order to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70th year on the throne approaching we hope that bakers, cake makers, coffee shop owners and retailers will get into the spirit of the event and seize the opportunities the fourday bank holiday offers,” explained Chevler’s director of sales and marketing Garry Parker.

“That’s why we have we have been forced by popular demand to reintroduce two of our specially designed baking cases which feature the Union flag. This means it is not too late for cupcake makers to take advantage of the growing excitement and build on the red, white and blue theme I know many are planning.”

The cases are available in the ever-popular 51mm x 38mm size and in quantities as low as 360 giving every

business, whatever its size, the chance to participate.

Chevler is unique in that its printing and converting is carried out in-house. “We do not rely on stock shipped from abroad or depend on outside printers or converters, explained Mr. Parker. “This means it is a truly British manufactured product. And we only use water-based, odour-less food safe inks. We have responded to our customers’ requests in order that they can be as innovative as they like this summer and take full advantage of the opportunities the snack cake market will offer.”

To also help tap into the excitement the company is offering a food-safe, printed natural greaseproof sheet featuring the Union flag marketed under the company’s Gourmet Food Wrap brand.

The 255mm x 406mm sheet with its rich luxurious feel has numerous potential uses and applications in the retailing, presentation and serving of both cold and, because of its excellent thermal properties, hot food.

These range from a simple sandwich, panini or burger wrap to, a liner for wire baskets and stainless-steel buckets, a place mat, or it can be simply put on a wooden board or slate on which sizzling or cold food can be placed.

Mr Parker stressed: “It is very important to remember that we print on natural greaseproof paper which does not have any chemical treatments or coatings. It acquires its greaseproof properties during the pulping process. Its fibres become so tightly entwined that the spaces between them are smaller than a grease molecule. It is therefore recyclable and a sustainable option for your business.”

They are available in individual packs of 500 sheets within boxes of 2000.

For further information visit www.chevler.co.uk or call 01844 344231.

Katana Saya is the Universal Knife Brand of our Times, Encompassing the Very Best of our Different Cultures and Traditions The Katana was the prized sword of the Samurai with its extra sharp blade fashioned from folded steel. The blades of our knives are similarly crafted from 67 layers of Japanese VG-10 Damascus Steel.

The comprehensive collection evolves from its Eastern traditions to Western culinary classics.

Comprised of 16 essential knives and additional accessories including whetstones, sharpening steels & carving sets, Katana Saya offers all that any chef could need.

For Japanese traditionalists, we present the traditional Japanese style knives with traditional Wooden Saya, to match the knife handles. For those of a more Westernised nature, we have adapted the series to represent all the popular Western style blades and provide a more modern and practical storage and safety solution, with a real leather sheath.

Furthermore, each of our Katana Saya Knives comes complete with a durable wooden presentation case. Whilst offering additional protection, the case provides the perfect gift for someone in your life who loves to cook!

The handles of our Katana Saya knives offer a further choice. They are all crafted from the finest wooden material in the traditional chestnut shape to give a safe grip and perfect balance. You may choose either the traditional dark Pakkawood handles, or the light Olive Wood handle alternative.

So… Old, New, East, West, you choose whatever’s best for You! Our knives are available through selected stockists.

For more information, and to view the complete collection you can visit our partner Knives From Japan at their website www.knivesfromjapan.co.uk or pay a visit to our showroom, SANTOKU at 100 Great Portland Street, London.

Can't wait to read the next CLH News?

Visit our website

www.catererlicensee.com

Or to sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter and weekly digital editions with all the latest news delivered directly to your email!

www.catererlicensee.com/signup

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It's Time To Get Real

LittlePod’s responsibly-sourced product range includes our innovative, easy-to-use natural vanilla paste Are you squeezed for time? Why not try our quality and organic vanilla Vanilla Bean Paste in a tube. pods, as well as our It has been specially created to provide top-quality extracts of vanilla, vanilla in an easy and versatile form, with no wastage and coffee and chocoless flavour bake-off. Each tube has a two-year shelf life late. These ingrediand contains the equivalent of 20 pods, seeds and all. ents not only Put it in coffee, porridge, smoothies and ice cream, rub support each other in the rainforest, but it into meats like duck and pork, use it in your cakes and bakes, or as a marinade for fish! Sweet and savoury are also perfect alike, LittlePod products are gluten free, suitable for veg- flavour partners in the kitchen. ans and kosher certified.

Visit www.littlepod.co.uk

GLOBAL Knives Need Little Introduction in the Culinary World

The Komin Yamada design has become a true icon. Hand crafted in Japan for over 35 years using the best raw materials available.

Like the samurai swords before them, each knife is carefully weighted to ensure perfect feel and balance in the hand.

In 2021 Global knives was awarded The Icon Award at the prestigious Excellence in Housewares Awards, solidifying Global’s truly iconic status.

It is this iconic status along with unfailing quality that has drawn the attention and trust of some of the world’s most renowned and exceptional chefs. Global have established a long-standing relationship with the legendary Roux family as a key supporter of the prestigious Roux Scholarship since its inception in 1984.

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

Michel Roux Jr’s signature range has been popular amongst professional chefs and keen amateur cooks

alike. Personally curated from the GLOBAL classic collection and stamped with the Michel Roux Jr signature, emblemizing the relationship between Roux and Global.

Here we offer a selection of three carefully selected knife sets ideal for chefs. Whether you choose the 3 Piece, 6 Piece or 9 Piece there really is the perfect tool for any kitchen task.

This tremendous offer is only available for a limited time, so do not hesitate in taking the chance to own one of these fabulous knife sets.

This offer is available online exclusively through our partner website, Knives From Japan - www.knivesfromjapan.co.uk but you can also visit us in our London showroom, SANTOKU at 100 Great Portland Street.

Chefs' Buyer's Guide

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Lancashire Supplier Brings Edible Print to the Food Service Market Food Service from Eat My Logo Launches Established UK based bakery business Eat My Logo has set its sights on the UK foodservice industry after high demand for their products in 2021. The company specialises in bespoke fully finished cake, biscuit and chocolate products, all printed with company branding or themed images.

The award-winning business has supplied bespoke products to UK businesses big and small since 2014. Work has now been carried out with some key catering and hospitality businesses to bring new and exciting options to market.

There has been demand for bakery treats decorated with a company logo or themed image for several years, with catering businesses looking to offer their clients unique products for celebrations, staff engagement, awareness days, and events.

The businesses core range includes frosted cupcakes, biscuits, brownies along with more unique options such as cake jars and cake pops. Also available is a range of printed toppers, for use by chefs on their own creations. As part of their launch, the business has developed a website and brochures for industry professionals from chefs to buyers and business owners.

Business Development Manager Daniel Clarke commented that ‘having spoken to dozens of catering and

Total Produce

Total Produce has become one of the UK's largest and most accomplished fresh produce providers, with an extensive network of depot operations throughout the UK, reaching from Cornwall to Edinburgh.

Total Produce sources and distributes an extensive range of fresh produce across all major categories including fruits, vegetables and salad - extending from the more familiar to the truly exotic. Total Produce also supply an extensive range of dry goods and dairy.

Serving the retail, wholesale and food service sectors, Total Produce UK is a complete fresh produce solution provider, offering a comprehen-

hospitality businesses we know that time, staff and resources can be a limitation at times, so we’re offering an easy way to provide themed or logo branded solutions at the right price for end-clients. Offering themed or branded solutions can make all the difference to your client’s event, awareness day, celebration or reward’, and could enhance your proposition and generate additional revenues.’

Eat My Logo is an innovative supplier of sweet treats, decorated with a themed image or company Logos.

Established in 2014, we work with catering and hospitality businesses to offer their clients unique products for celebrations, staff engagement, events and conferences. We specialise in irresistible cakes, biscuits and chocolates.

Contact: Eat My Logo Limited Phone: 01772 273137 Email: catering@eatmylogo.co.uk Website: www.eatmylogo.catering

sive menu of services to our customers, ranging from simple service provision to an independent grocer to complete category management for major multiples.

Continually striving to offer the highest quality fresh produce along with the best possible service, Total Produce offers national distribution through our fleet of 200 temperature controlled vehicles. Through our unrivalled infrastructure of depots nationwide, we are uniquely positioned to deliver value to both national and independent customers - supplying both locally grown and globally sourced produce from the finest producers across Total Produce's extensive supply base.

A strong, vibrant and accomplished business, Total Produce UK is part of the worldwide Total Produce group.

Telephone: (01208) 77911 Fax: (01208) 261400 Answerphone: (01208) 261407 Email: bodminsales@totalproduce.com Website: www.totalproduce.com

Wholesale Fruit & Vegetable Importers

2-5 Callywith Gate Industrial Estate Launceston Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2RQ Suppliers of quality fresh produce and dry goods to the wholesale, retail and catering trade throughout Devon & Cornwall.

DAILY DELIVERIES LARGEST RANGE OF EXOTIC FRUITS IN THE SOUTHWEST 24 HOUR ANSWERPHONE SERVICE QUALITY PRODUCE ON THE MOVE WHEN YOU NEED IT, WHERE YOU NEED IT!

Telephone: (01208) 77911 Fax: (01208) 261400 Answerphone: (01208) 261407 Email: bodminsales@totalproduce.com Website: www.totalproduce.com

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Hygiene and Infection Control

Check for Bed Bugs Before Season Starts Hospitality businesses are being urged to get the 2022 season off to the best start, by making sure their accommodations are free of bed bugs.

Adult bed bugs are wingless insects resembling a small brown disc up to 6mm in length. The early stages of bed bugs are tiny, making them hard to detect with the naked eye.

National trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is advising businesses to check for bed bugs before the holiday season gets underway next month – and to maintain regular checks throughout the year.

Bed bugs are not known to spread diseases, but their bites cause red irritating marks or lumps. Some people may develop a severe skin reaction and can experience disturbed sleep.

BPCA warns against amateur treatments which could prolong an infestation and lead to it spiralling out of control.

BPCA has an online guide (bpca.org/bedbugs) with video to help hospitality professionals identify a potential bed bug infestation, along with advice on when to call for professional help.

John added: “Bed bugs will migrate in search of a human host, so if you spot them in one room, they might be elsewhere in the building, so it’s vital that as soon as it is spotted, an infestation is dealt by a pest professional such as a BPCA member.”

John Horsley is Technical Officer at BPCA. He said: “Bed bugs can live for up to a year without feeding, so a room that has been unused for a few months may not be as empty as it appears.

The online guide and video can be found at bpca.org/bedbugs.

“Bed bugs are parasitic insects that can be transported on items such as luggage and second-hand furniture.

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals with access to a range of specialist products not available to the public.

“They will hide in crevices in beds, nearby furniture, behind skirting boards, under loose wallpaper and even in plug sockets.

They are trained, qualified and regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.

“If you spot signs of a bed bug infestation, we strongly recommend you act immediately and contact a professional pest control company, preferably a member of the BPCA.”

To find a professional pest controller visit www.bpca.org.uk/find

Infection Control - Why Rotowash?

Rotowash, one of the pioneers in the design and production of compact floor cleaning machines, was established in 1981 to distribute high quality industrial floor cleaning equipment, manufactured to BSI and similar International Standards by the Rotowash factory. We have a significant presence in both the private and public sectors with many businesses entrusting their cleaning regimes to Rotowash equipment.

In some establishments just the “appearance” of cleanliness can be sufficient, but cleaning is paramount and needs to be consistent and effective to ensure the possibility of infection is eradicated, or at least significantly reduced. The Rotowash system works exceptionally well on textured surfaces, such as safety flooring, tiles and carpets, and carries many endorsements from leading flooring manufacturers. The small footprint allows easy storage and the requirement to have only one machine to efficiently clean both hard flooring and carpeted floors reduces costs to labour, downtime, training, mainte-

nance and of course machine investment. Recognising the importance of infection control, we are also able to provide a full range of colour coded brushes that helps eliminate any fears of cross-contamination, enabling you to safely use the same machine throughout your facilities.

All our machines are extremely portable, easy to operate and clean after use and use up to 90% less water and chemical than other.

On-site training is available free for the life of the machine, and our own service engineers are available to carry out on-site maintenance across the UK. 020 884 74545 cleanfloors@rotowash.com www.rotowash.com

• • • • •

Infection Control Why Rotowash?

Cleans both carpets and hard floors Lightweight and dries as it cleans Easy to use with free operator training National support with on-site service Colour coded brushes helping to reduce cross contamination • Uses up to 90% less water & chemical • Made in Austria • 3 year warranty 020 884 74545

cleanfloors@rotowash.com ROTOWASH LTD

The Wireless Factory | Fleming Way | Isleworth | Middlesex | TW7 6DB

www.rotowash.com

Hygiene and Infection Control

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OptiClean Rapidly Reduces Levels of Virus-sized Airborne Particles Carrier's OptiClean™ air cleaner for hotels, restaurants and pubs is proven to rapidly reduce levels of ultra-fine, virus-sized particles in the air.

OptiClean uses a highly effective High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which operates with an efficiency rating of up to 99.995% at the most penetrating particle size.

Research carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) demonstrated that OptiClean cuts levels of airborne particles in the critical size range (up to 1 m diameter), covering viruses and virus-containing droplets, by around two thirds in just 30 minutes.

To broaden protection, OptiClean comes with optional internal UV-C lamps to target pathogens on surfaces within the unit and activated charcoal filters to reduce odours and absorb Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

The results also show OptiClean is as effective when located in the corner of a room as at the centre.

The unit is easy and quick to deploy, with smooth-running castors enabling it to be moved rapidly to areas requiring treatment.

Matthew Maleki, the company’s air quality specialist, said: "These independent findings demonstrate that OptiClean effectively targets ultrafine virus-sized airborne particles and can be installed in hospitality settings as part of a risk reduction strategy.”

OptiClean is part of Carrier's Healthy Buildings Programme, a suite of advanced solutions to help deliver healthy, safe, efficient and productive indoor environments.

In the US, where OptiClean was introduced first, the device was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Inventions of 2020. In the UK it was selected as Air Conditioning Innovation of the Year in the Cooling Industry Awards.

Matthew Maleki said: “Good air quality is as important as safe drinking water. With people now returning to pubs and restaurants, OptiClean offers owners and managers a practical and visible means of reassuring customers and staff and supporting premises."

For more details: www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk/products/air-treatment/air-scrubber/39uv/ OptiClean can be used in hotels, pubs, restaurants, offices and classrooms to reduce risks from airborne pathogens. Pictured is an OptiClean unit protecting players and staff in the changing rooms of Sale Sharks Rugby Club.

Hospital-Grade Air Purification Made Portable Rensair is a specialist in portable air purification, protecting and enhancing lives

through clean air.

Our patented technology, which combines H13 HEPA filtration with germicidal UVC light, was originally developed to meet the strict standards of Scandinavian hospitals and is now trusted across all sectors. It is independently validated by scientific research laboratories, including Eurofins, Norconsult, and Oslo University Hospital.

Rensair air purification units destroy a minimum of 99.97% of airborne viruses, including coronavirus, and meet all the standards recommended by the UK SAGE committee. A powerful fan ensures effective air circulation, cleaning up to 560m3 of air per hour.

In a test to determine Rensair’s performance in reducing the concentration of MS2 bioaerosols as a proxy for SARS-CoV-2, a particle reduction rate of 99.99% was recorded in 30 minutes (Danish Technological Institute, March 2021).

We collaborate with clients to develop the optimum indoor air quality for meeting

building requirements, as well as government recommendations for mitigating the risks of Covid transmission. We take into account floor plans, existing HVAC systems, occupancy rates and noise tolerance, before recommending a tailor-made solution based on our portable, modular units.

Rensair has been included in Newsweek’s list of Best Infection Prevention Products 2021. To make the list, a selection committee evaluated the product against several criteria: effectiveness; safety; successful real-world implementation; the quality of research studies demonstrating the product's effectiveness; and the stability of the company (to support future implementations).

Rensair’s mission is to provide clean air for every space and to help the hospitality industry get back on its feet after the pandemic. contact@rensair.com +44 (0)20 3973 8927 www.rensair.com

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

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FarUVC Could Really be the Magic Bullet in the Hospitality Industry Far-UV is a new and innovative light technology that kills all viruses, bacteria and moulds in seconds, including Coronavirus. Far-UV actively decontaminates occupied areas while people are present and going about their day, reducing the ongoing viral load. The technology protects against future variants, deactivating all viruses and bacteria.

By Nick Falco, Product and Technical Director at Mechline Developments:

The Far-UVC 222nm wavelength is harmless to humans, but lethal to bacteria and viruses.

FAR-UV comes as a safe alternative to other wavelengths of UV light, as it has now been proven that it can be used in indoor, occupied spaces safely, with no damage to human skin or eyes. Far-UV solutions are proven to be lethal to bacteria and viruses within seconds of the lamp activation.

The technology is by far the most advanced pandemic management technology on the market, and is beginning to be used on a global scale as standard. Far-UVC provides the equivalent of three thousand air changes an hour and is far more effective than air filtration devices and fogging.

Our products have now been used by a wellknown UK coffee chain, dental practices, retail stores, and across various healthcare environments.

Wherever there is demand for a bacteria and

pathogen free environments Far-UVC is the most effective solution.

Rebecca Elliot, Marketing Manager of Scoffs Group said “One of the great features of this technology is that after it’s installed, unlike other covid related precautions such as mask wearing and sanitisation, there's no further action required. It’s just discreetly doing it’s job.”

Systems are quickly deployable, and are installed as light fittings or as portable devices such as a hand held Wand (light saver) or walk through gateway.

Or contact us: 01225 825997 Email: Philip.emsley@uec-energy.co.uk www.far-uvc-systems.com

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Mechline - Covering All Your Clean Air Needs

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In the colder winter months, hospitality operators face the challenge of controlling the spread of Coronavirus, improving indoor air quality and maintaining hygiene standards especially as leaving doors and windows open to facilitate the flow of fresh air is not always feasible or desirable when it comes to customer comfort and sustainability.

The good news for operators is that a recent independent laboratory trial conducted by Campden BRI confirmed that HyGenikx, the wall-mounted air and surface sanitisation system from Mechline is effective at removing airborne Coronaviruses, including SARSCoV-2 which causes Covid-19. The results of the trials proved that HyGenikx removed up to 99.99% of an airborne Covid-19 surrogate. * These results back up the real-life experience of our customers including Cyrus Todiwala OBE DL, owner of Café Spice Namasté who said: “HyGenikx has proven what it can do for us – keeping the air and surfaces clean, pure and fresh and controlling odours. I would not hesitate to recommend HyGenikx to other foodservice or hospitality businesses.”

James Wilson, Managing Director at healthy fast food and casual dining chain, Kauai UK commented: “In our Edinburgh restaurant we have four HyGenikx units front of house, two in the kitchen and one in

each toilet, to help protect all areas, staff and customers, and so far, our staff have reported no viral illnesses. Our air is permanently cleansed, and, without question, HyGenikx has helped us maintain a healthy work environment.”

The HyGenikx range quietly and efficiently eradicates bacteria, viruses and microbes on contact — providing 24/7 hygiene and safety protection.

HyGenikx also neutralises odours and is proven to extend the shelf-life of perishable food on average by 58%, and up to 150% for certain produce. ** There are Hygenikx models to suit every business from restaurants to bars, hotels, care homes and offices - with specialised units available for food preparation areas, cold rooms, washrooms and refuse areas. *For more information on the HyGenikx testing at Campden BRI visit: https://info.mechline.com/hygenikx-testing **For more information on the ALS fresh food shelf life study visit: https://www.mechline.com/wpcontent/uploads/2020/03/HyGenikx-Success-Story_-Testing_-SHELF-LIFE.pdf

For further information visit: www.mechline.com/hgx or see the advert on page 42

Hospitality Technology Run A Leaner, More The Next Generation Hotel Booking Platform Turn Lookers Efficient Finance System into Bookers with Style 44

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Issue 99

Organisations within the hospitality sector, from conference venues to independent restaurant chains, all share the same challenge of consolidating financial data.

With complex revenue streams and often disparate systems, it can be difficult to see where your business is heading.

Travel during the pandemic has changed, with guests now increasingly likely to directly book via a hotel’s website. Consequently, an advanced booking engine that boasts seamless integration with your hotel website is key to boosting direct bookings.

We understand that changing financial systems can often fill teams with fear, but that need not be that case. Xledger is here to streamline, digitise and automate your finances, helping you run a leaner more efficient business.

Xledger is a leading provider of cloud-based finance software, empowering more than 10,000 businesses across 60 countries worldwide. As a true cloud solution, you have access to financial data anywhere on any device – all you need is an internet connection.

With one, live version of your data across all entities, Xledger’s powerful system allows you to drill-down into your finances and cross-check reports, enabling indepth insight and a 360-degree overview at the click of a button.

Effortless configuration allows custom integrations with your existing systems, giving you more time to focus on value-added activity for your business.

Next generation hotel booking engines are more than just the source of direct reservations. They act as a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform that’s tailored to fit hoteliers' needs, helping properties to stand out within a highly competitive market by delivering a brand experience that guests will remember.

Xledger automates more functions than any other provider. With built-in OCR, costly and risky data entry errors are eliminated. Consolidated reports can be created in seconds rather than weeks. Plus, a host of other benefits from on-the-go expenses to GL posting, and fully automated digital workflows and purchase-to-pay process.

If your organisation is facing any of these issues, don’t hesitate to contact Xledger’s Business Development Manager, Phil Chalmers on: phil.chalmers@xledger.co.uk or call 07425 638 718.

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It’s all about results - supercharge your direct bookings and stand out online If you run a premium leisure hotel or resort, you will need a premium booking solution that’s been designed for your unique needs. The right solution will help you know your guests better thanks to powerful, data-driven insights, which enable you to provide the best possible online guest journey.

For guests, it’s all about clear navigation and easy access to relevant information in a minimum number of steps. A powerful booking platform maximises the potential of (up)selling offers, enabling hoteliers to achieve the greatest possible increase in sales per room.

To help defend against third-party online providers, the right booking platform will allow you to offer unique incentives to book directly, such as tailored packages. Advanced database segmentation lets you create personalised communications, tailored offers, newsletters and/or campaigns that are aligned to individual guest’s preferences. By creating specific landing pages that can use sophisticated offers or

upsell ‘experiences’ or even suggest more flexible payment plans, hoteliers can offer a value-added experience to those booking directly, helping to foster long-term relationships.

Premium booking platforms such as Profitroom’s Booking Engine 360 deliver real added value for both hoteliers and their guests by offering vouchers, alternative suggestions for dates in case of no availability and attractive discounts for direct bookers. Ultimately, it’s about tangible results, which is why Profitroom’s award-winning Customer Success team works with our clients every day to use all the data that’s coming in to drive conversions, improve performance and boost revenue.

The Profitroom Booking Engine 360 is a prime example of a solution that offers all these advanced features, having been developed exclusively with leisure hotels and resorts in mind.

For more information visit www.profitroom.com or scan our QR code for a personal consultancy.

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Hospitality Technology

Leading Restaurant Technology Provider See 20% Uplift in Business A leading restaurant technology company has paid tribute to the resilience of the UK hospitality industry as it records a 20% uplift in business.

NFS Technology, suppliers of the popular Aloha and Cloud POS restaurant management systems, say the restaurant sector led the way in innovative thinking and creativity when dealing with the challenges of 2021.

CEO Luis De Souza said: “The restaurant industry has proved itself to be incredibly resourceful, and we were delighted to see many longstanding NFS clients not only weathering the storm, but also opening new branches and expanding their business.

“They include Brewdog, who continue their rapid growth, Dishoom, who were recently ranked the best hospitality company to work for, and Big Easy, which has grown to five restaurants across London. Other existing clients such as Hawksmoor, Gaucho and Tomahawk expanded their operations. Among the new NFS clients is the fast-growing brand Doner Shack, with locations from Leeds to Glasgow.”

“We saw many prestigious new brands coming on board with NFS during this time,” said Luis. “We feel this is a testament to the forwardthinking nature of restaurateurs, who fully grasp the benefits of restaurant management technology and understand how it can help them gain a competitive advantage.”

As restaurant groups and standalone businesses sought all options to make their operations more efficient, NFS Technology saw demand for restaurant management technology grew across all sectors – quick service, casual and fine dining – with quick service growing fastest.

In the competitive conditions of 2022 and beyond, Luis De Souza says operators are strongly focused on providing an enhanced, more convenient customer experience. They are also seeking to provide better working conditions that support staff wellbeing and promote talent retention.

“We’ve seen a step change in consumer behaviour and requirements, and both operators and technology providers are responding well,” he said. “I believe the future is very bright.”

Video https://www.nfs-hospitality.com/videos/ discover-the-restaurant-management-technologytoolkit-you-need-to-succeed/ www.nfs-hospitality.com

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New Labour Scheduling Tool To Juggle Student’s Working Hours Across the country, many towns or cities depend on a level of student labour across a number of sectors, particularly hospitality. As operators gear up to welcome new and returning student employees in September, workforce management specialists Bizimply are launching new features designed to help businesses make the most of these valuable team members.

Most operators recruit students for their flexibility, enabling them to fill the gaps in their staff rotas.

Juggling students’ availability around their lectures can be a challenge for whoever has to create the staff rota. This is why Bizimply’s ‘Unavailability’ and ‘Deactivate/Reactivate’ features are being welcomed by their customers.

Bizimply CEO Conor Shaw said: “So many of our

HOP Software

As experienced hoteliers, we have hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. We understand the daily challenges and the pain points. That's why we created Hop and continue to develop the intuitive tools you require to free yourself of the daily hassles, which allows you to get on with what you do best.

You look after your guests, we’ll do the rest.

Our cloud-based and responsive all-in-one Property Management System and range of contactless tools including a commission free booking engine and range of contactless tools empowers hoteliers to manage their properties, teams, and daily operations more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Our experienced UK-based customer service and technical teams are here to support you 24/7 for total peace of mind.

Our sole mission is to support

hospitality customers rely to some extent on students and it’s a relationship that brings benefits to employer and employees. Managing a team where some members are unavailable for certain shifts and not able to work for months at a time, was clearly making staff rota creation more time-consuming than it needed to be.

The Unavailability feature allows managers – or the team members themselves, via their employee portal – to mark students as unavailable for work around their weekly lectures, eg every Monday and Thursday mornings. A second Deactivate/Reactivate feature makes it easier for operators to manage students’ longer-terms unavailability, eg returning home for the holidays.

Visit Bizimply at www.bizimply.com our clients by developing technology that frees management and staff from daily hassles. All we want is to make your life easier.

We strive to simplify your problems and believe our clients deserve an easier life. We achieve this by delivering a straightforward and affordable all-in-one service that covers all the bases.

With a team full of knowledge and hospitality expertise, we are experienced, skilled and passionate about creating solutions at affordable prices. We are reliable and honest, when we say we'll deliver, we will.

We are proud to say that Hop now operates globally, is trusted by hoteliers around the world and that we are an integral part of our clients' day-to-day business.

Whether you are a B&B, guest house, an independent hotel or a group, if you sell rooms, Hop has a solution to run your property more cost-effectively whilst delivering an enriched guest experience.

Book a free and no-obligation demo at www.hopsoftware.com

Outdoor Spaces

Swinging With The Sausage Man Bavarian style swing grills are really hot right now. A practical way of cooking large quantities of sausage and steak quickly, it’s no wonder that these awesome grills have fast become Christmas Market and event favourites the world over.

SCHWENKER GRILLS It’s rumoured that this distinctive fire pit style grill originated in South America, before being popularised in Southern Germany – where the worder “Schwenker” originates – and then spreading around the world. The person grilling on a Schwenker grill may also be referred to as a Schwenker, or a Schwenkermeister.

COMMERCIAL CHOICE Mark Coles, Key Account Manager with The Sausage Man, spent some time visiting Xmas events across the UK this winter and reports: “Bavarian Swing Grills are fast becoming the weapon of choice for our commercial customers. They’re open sided, so the people get a great look at the products and cooking process. The cooking smell circulates fantastically across the site, so it’s great at attracting people to your stall. The firepit also keeps your cooking team nice and warm in the winter weather,

which is always welcome in temperatures like we’ve been having lately!”

VERSATILE GERMAN SAUSAGE FOR EVERY OCCASION No matter what type of cooking method you use in your outdoor space, The Sausage Man has the products for you. You don’t need a Swinging Schwenker Grill to prepare Sausage Man products, but you can certainly use one.

Jorg Braese, Managing Director of The Sausage Man, had this to say: “Our sausages are extremely versatile.

We’ve cooked them in pans, microwaves, ovens, grills, hot dog machines, hot water, deep fryers, barbeques and steamers. Each preparation adds and highlights different flavours. There’s no wrong answer, as the results are always great!”

Find out more and set up your Commercial account now with The Sausage Man. You can also save 10% on your first order over £125 when you set up your account online at wholesale.sausageman.co.uk. Be sure to enter code CATER10 at checkout to secure your saving before the end of March 2022.

Utilise Your Outdoor Spaces with Indigo Awnings

At Indigo Awnings, the UK’s market leader in external shading, we offer we offer commercial grade shading products and provide expert advice, unrivalled customer and after-sales service.

With today’s trend in alfresco socialising and dining, we can offer you made to measure shading that will enhance the beauty, and accessibility, of your business – with the added bonus of instant leasing options and monthly payments to suit you Custom branded products by Indigo Awnings provide efficient weather protection, create extra outdoor space, and drive revenue by making it easier for customers to find your business.

We have a wide range of commercial grade retractable awnings, giant parasols and fixed roof structures that will enhance any outdoor area and thus the comfort of your guests.

Crafted from the highest-quality materials, all our

products are fully customisable and built to your required specification. Frames can be powder coated in a range of RAL colours, with a huge selection of fabric shades and patterns to choose from, all of which can be printed with your branding.

With the addition of quality infra-red heating and LED lighting you can create a whole new dining experience for customers to enjoy all year round, consequently, a healthy return on investment – simply creating “money from fresh air”, regardless of the weather!

Backed up by a national capability and support network, all installations are completed by our highly experienced fitting teams, ensuring continuity with only one point of contact for our customers to have the best experience possible.

Contact our friendly Indigo Awnings team on 01352 740164 or at www.indigoawnings.co.uk

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Outdoor Spaces

LeisureBench are Expanding Their Range for 2022 LeisureBench Limited, one of the UK’s leading suppliers and installers of commercial quality outdoor furniture has announced exciting new additions that will be available soon to their already extensive range, for 2022.

The Company has built its reputation on outdoor products offering excellent value for money, with many years experience in meeting the needs of the hotel, pub and hospitality sectors and are heavily investing in manufacturing and finishes.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE Wooden round and A Frame picnic tables, in a number of styles and sizes, brings style, comfort and practicality to your outside space, as do their teak and pine range of benches.

The classy collection of Rattan dining sets, chairs and sofas will add a touch of luxury, comfort and elegance.

Teak, Hardwood, metal furniture, table tops and bases, gazebos, outdoor buildings, parasols and planters etc. can all be viewed in a range of styles on the LeisureBench website.

The list is endless. The Company is also able to offer a bespoke service, including planters, to create furniture to match your own specifications.

INDOOR FURNITURE LeisureBench are expanding their range of indoor specific tables and chairs for the commercial sector in 2022. Look out for new ranges that will be available soon.

RECYCLED PLASTIC FURNITURE LeisureBench has put in place a substantial ongoing investment to manufacture their own environmentally friendly furniture in their own factory, using 100% UK recycled plastic materials, that will be available in late Spring 2022.

The range will include benches and a wide variety of picnic tables in both ‘A’ Frame and 8- seat square designs in a choice of colours. They will all be hardwearing, easy to maintain, and a strong powder coated underframe will guarantee them for a minimum of 15 years.

There will also be stylish recycled plastic planters available. Register your interest now.

LeisureBench are also increasing their stockholding of all products for 2022 to enable a fast delivery from their 50,000 sq.ft. of on-site warehousing space. Bulk discounts are available.

Website:www.leisurebench.co.uk E: sales@leisurebench.co.uk Tel: 01949 862920

Café Culture - Pavement Profit

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

We are an independent supplier serving the outdoor restaurant trade with supplies for outdoor seating areas. We have some large clients including Gondola group along with many smaller cafe bars, restaurants and public houses.

We design and manufacturer our own windbreaks and use the best materials available. For anyone looking long term that saves you money as you won’t be replacing cheap internet imports next season. It’s one area where it doesn’t pay to buy budget as the continual bumps and scrapes

outdoor goods receive combined with the harsh British climate really needs something tough enough for the job.

We also supply Markilux awning which are some of the best made in the industry and Uhlmann parasols another top rated German brand.

Bespoke goods are also a speciality with custom made menu holders, waiter stations and planters all to you requirement. If we can help you do drop a line to sales@cafeculture.biz

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Commercial Kitchen Fit-Out See us at

HRC 21 - 2 3 M arch ExCeL Lo nd o n

Space Saving Solutions Without Compromising On Performance

By Tim Charlton, managing director of Euro Catering Equipment, UK distributor for Giorik.

are just 520mm wide and can be stacked two high to What are the latest and greatest get the most capacity from the smallfeatures chefs should look out for est footprint. when it comes to this equipment?

Unique to Giorik, a gas slimline Space is one of the biggest limitamodel is also available in both 6 and tions in any pub kitchen, as operators 10 x 1/1gn format, as well as models try to strike the right balance with an internal boiler. between maximising space for paying customers whilst providing enough Or for complete flexibility, the room back of house to serve them.

Movair MTE523W from Giorik is a Whether it’s a historic building or a 13amp countertop 5 x 2/3gn model new-build, ask any pub chef and universally popular in pub kitchens because it can be they’ll tell you they’d like more space in the kitchen. plugged in anywhere. And still just 637mm wide.

Of course, space constraints don’t just pose logistical The most important thing with any slimline model is challenges for staff, they also impact what equipment can that they don’t compromise on performance or functionbe installed. That’s why slimline ovens are proving ality. All of Giorik’s slimline combi ovens are fitted with increasingly popular and manufacturers are working touchscreen programmable controls, an automatic wash incredibly hard to deliver the same performance from a system, multi-level shelf timers a core probe – for www.

T Tel: el: 01553 765205 Fax:and01553 768464 Ea s t Angli an I n s t a ll a tion S y s t e m smaller footprint. maximum performance from a minimum footprint in smaller kitchen spaces.

Giorik offers a number of slimline models across its Kore and Movair combi oven ranges, including a choice Visit www.euro-catering.co.uk/shop/brands/giorik a leading EAIS is Manufacturer Manufactu r er and Supplier of p products roducts supplied both to the Foodservice of ten countertop Kore ovens (6 or 10 x 1/1gn) which or www.giorik.com/en/home.html

TTHE H E IDEAL SOLUTIO

only meet the customer’s demands, but their expectations as well. Whether you a are re looki this uporwith a huge range of trolleys and transfood sto rage shelving, rracking storage acking systems andFollow trolleys, trolleys, healthcare healthca re shelving and medical t systemSolution. will find all that’s needed to supeven bespo ke design products. bespoke products. EAIS will beportation your Ideal Syou olution.

EAIS - The Ideal Solution EAIS are your one stop solution for all of your storage and handling needs. Our vastly experienced and award winning team are on hand to support our distributors and to help them overcome any challenge that they may face.

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port all types of commercial catering applications. We are proud of our ability to hold vast stocks of racking and trolleys, allowing us to accommodate urgent next day delivery requests if required.

In addition to standard products one of our strengths is our flexibility. Our on-site in-house manufacturing facility allows us to offer bespoke items to our customers. Therefore if our standard product doesn’t quite tick your box our engineers and designers will work closely with a client to ensure the correct bespoke solution is offered.

We offer 16 different As well as supply only we can also offer an efficient types of racking to choose and economical installation service with our highly from including chrome, nylon, stainless steel solid, per- experienced and qualified teams of fitters. forated & wire as well as lift-out systems. All of these For more information visitInstallation our websiteSystems – Ltd Anglian Installation Ltdwill helpEAIS East please Anglian areEast available in wide range ofSystems sizes which to Ltd @EAISUK www.eais.co maximise every area of a busy commercial kitchen.

East Anglian Installation Systems , Oldmedow Road, Ha Hardwick rdwick Industrial Estate, King’s LLynn, ynn, No Norfolk r folk PE30

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FFD - Commercial Refrigeration & Catering Equipment The FFD Group are the UK's premier suppliers of commercial refrigeration, commercial catering equipment and grease management solutions for the hospitality and foodservice industry. Comprising of FFD Commercial Refrigeration, FFD Catering Equipment and FFD Grease Management Solutions we have successfully helped businesses the length and breadth of the country to find the perfect piece of commercial equipment to take their operations forward.

Also offering equipment to educational, health and correctional facilities, the wide product range, competitive prices and excellent customer service guarantees total customer satisfaction.

With comprehensive product knowledge and years of experience in the industry, the team are trained to listen to individual business requirements and pair customers with the most suitable solution. Offering a wide range of equipment from leading commercial manufacturers including Foster, True, Adande, Lincat, Blue Seal and Rational, there are plenty of choices.

New Premises, New Websites…

Fry More For Less with OilChef The foodservice and hospitality industry have suffered greatly since the shutdowns started in 2019.

Since then, there have been gradual re-openings of hotels, bars, restaurants, and takeaways.

However, the cost of food has risen greatly.

One food group – cooking oil – has more than doubled in price and is set to rise even further. Some of the reasons are weather related which has reduced crop yield and other reasons are economic. Supply chains have been hit with rising costs of fuel, distribution, and labour. In addition to this, farmers are being offered a higher price for their crop seeds to make biofuel instead of edible oil and this impacts supply.

How can the food service and hospitality industry protect against these risings costs? One way is to make the cooking oil last longer. In fact, the awardwinning accessory for deep fryers, is doing just that.

The OiLChef device is a catalytic convertor for deep fryers!

The FFD Group have recently relocated to new premises with increased office space and warehousing facilities to ensure that they are well placed to expand in the future. With a trio of new websites having also launched complete with a new design, improved navigation and a 3 in 1 approach, customers can access commercial refrigeration, commercial catering equipment and grease management all from a single place. Providing a fully rounded, one stop shop for the foodservice and hospitality sector, convenience is guaranteed alongside quality products and exceptional customer service.

Whether looking for commercial bottle coolers, catering refrigeration, multidecks, serve overs, prep counters or cold rooms plus much more, FFD Commercial Refrigeration can meet and exceed all demands. For a full range of catering equipment including commercial combination ovens, commercial fryers, oven ranges, sous vide machines, glass washers, commercial dishwashers and all of the essential cooking equipment and utensils, FFD Catering Equipment have also got you covered.

Tel: 01455 815200 or www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk; 01455 815215 or www.247cateringsupplies.co.uk or email: sales@ffdgroup.co.uk

It keeps the cooking oil in a fresher condition, by slowing down oxidation, stopping polymerizations of the oil molecules and by retarding the buildup of free fatty acids, peroxides, total polar materials and most importantly of all the carcinogenic acrylamides in frying oil.

The OiLChef device is not a filter, it is not a chemical, it adds nothing to the oil, it takes nothing out of the oil, it is an inorganic device that helps you keep your oil alive for longer.

A simple 3 second self-installation which is virtually maintenance free, and only needs replacing every 3 years. OiLChef is a dream come true for professional kitchens that operate deep fryers. OiLChef is in thousands of deep fryers around the World and comes with a full 3-year warranty and saves you up to 50% on oil purchases every month. Check them out at www.OiLChef.com Contact their CEO direct: sean.farry@oilchef.com

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Cemco (The Catering Equipment Maintenance Company) Cemco (The Catering Equipment Maintenance Company) first opened for business in 1990, and have been serving Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bath, and the rest of the South and Southwest, ever since.

We offer a full range of services, including servicing and repairs for all commercial catering appliances, ranging from small local projects to major national work, and everything in between. Specialising in commercial Glasswasher and Dishwasher repairs sales and service our reputation is second to none.

We can offer you a no obligation quote now, so contact us for more information.

CEMCO also carry out repairs to commercial catering equipment Dishwashers, Glasswashers, Ovens Grills Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset and The Southwest. We undertake

repairs and servicing to ALL, types, makes and models of commercial catering equipment.

A repair is often far cheaper then a replacement! 30 Years in this Industry gives us the edge over our competitors, with time served Commercial Catering Equipment Engineers our clients have found we save them the cost of purchasing new equipment time after time…why buy new when a guaranteed repair is often all your Catering Equipment requires…

We are based in Bournemouth & Poole, covering the whole of Dorset, as well as Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Call 01202 377205 now, to arrange a site visit www.cemcoltd.co.uk

Temporary Catering Facilities For Events NEW DrainMinor C (Combi Oven Pump) from Pump Technology Ltd. Launched at HRC & Kitchen Refurbishments The standard specification of our smallest Production Kitchen unit includes a six burner oven range, salamander grill, twin basket fryer, upright fridge, hot cupboard, single bowl sink unit with integral

Mobile Kitchens Ltd specialises in the hire or sale 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 economic solution to the caterers’ needs.

Production Kitchens, Preparation Kitchens, Warewashing 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.

hand wash basin, 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

The DrainMinor C Combi oven waste pump can be seen in operation at the Hotel Restaurant Catering, HRC Exhibition 21-23 March 2022 ExCel London on Stand P621 which we are sharing with Combi Oven servicing experts R-Tec Services & Innovation Ltd, (previously known as Rational Technical services UK Ltd.)

Combi Oven cleaning cycles require hot wastewater to be pumped away if gravity drainage is not available.

The New DrainMinor C Combi Oven waste water drainage Pump has been developed specifically for this demanding application and offers users excellent reliability and ease of operation.

The compact wastewater collecting tank with low level inlet height, which can be decided onsite to suit the discharge run from the Combi Oven, is fitted with a Specialist Submersible pump. It features a rigid external float arm with large triangular float. This robust design ensures accurate and reliable automatic stop/start of the pump even when the hot wastewater is greasy. It can also cope with food debris or

turbulence within the collecting tank.

A Silicon Carbide mechanical shaft seal, oil chamber and inboard shaft seal ring protects the motor within the submersible pump. This arrangement is an engineered solution for leak and ingress protection of the motor windings when pumping hot wastewater with diluted cleaning chemicals and food waste debris. It ensures considerably longer product life and operating reliability over submersible pumps fitted with standard diaphragm shaft seals.

Pump Technology Ltd., established 1992, is a specialist wastewater pump and pumping system provider.

The company’s DrainMinor, DrainMajor and DrainKing wastewater pump systems are renowned as robust and reliable commercial kitchen drainage solutions. For all kitchen wastewater pumping requirements call the technical team to discuss an application. They will be able to select a proven wastewater pumping system for you.

Specialists in Servicing, Repairs and Maintenance of all Commercial Catering Equipment

Cemco undertake Service and Repairs to ALL Commercial Dishwasher and Glasswasher Manufacturers Including Hobart, Electrolux, Meiko, Winterhalter to name a few.

CEMCO carry out repairs, servicing and routine maintenance to all makes and models of commercial catering equipment, including dishwashers and glasswashers.

We can also supply you with a new or used dishwasher …simply Contact Us for details of available Used Stock

We are based in Bournemouth & Poole and cover the whole of Dorset, along with the neighbouring counties of Somerset, Devon, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Trust CEMCO for commercial catering dishwasher servicing!

Call us now, on 01202 377205 for a free quote to repair your dishwasher

www.cemcoltd.co.uk

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Commercial Kitchen Design Advice from Alliance Online

Designing a kitchen for your home is stressful enough so scale that up to a commercial size then the task can seem over facing. Between the associated costs and need to get the design and execution of installation right it can appear very daunting, so allow Alliance Online to offer a few tips to help make the process a little easier:

1. Opt for Professional Help: If you a redesigning a commercial kitchen whether it be a restaurant, school, care home or elsewhere always consult a commercial kitchen specialist. A professional will already be aware of common issues that arise and also design with HACCP regulations compliance in mind.

2. Efficiency and Flow: As much as professionals will consider industry standard design, you know how you and your staff occupy your current workspace. In a commercial kitchen you want to minimise the distance your staff have to travel whilst carrying food so ensuring your kitchen is designed with a flow that follows the natural cooking order is best practice.

3. Know Your Regulations: Your designer of choice should be fully aware of all industry rules and regulations but make sure you read up on them yourselves.

The HACCP rules are not the only ones you need to consider, an emergency eye wash station should be in situ along with walk-way widths being wide enough to allow for paramedic access. Also check where all your utility inlets are as these will influence your placement options.

At Alliance Online we have over 20 years of supplying the hospitality, healthcare and public sectors with non-food catering equipment which includes capital equipment and commercial kitchen design. Our capital equipment specialists have superior industry knowledge and understanding and are more than happy to answer your queries.

To discuss your commercial kitchen whether it be a new design, or upgrading your equipment please contact Alliance on 01270 252 333 or email us at hello@allianceonline.co.uk

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A Fresh Take on Grease Filters

In a busy food operation, you probably don’t even think about your grease filters, they’re just there building up dirt, fat, oil and grease; but when was the last time you had your kitchen grease filters cleaned? Not only are they the first part of your extraction system, they are also a legal requirement in the prevention of fire and compliance with health and safety. There are many other benefits to having clean filters, such as improved kitchen cleanliness and reduced levels of carbon dioxide, to ensure top air quality for your staff.

You may not be surprised to hear that 57% of kitchen fires in restaurants result from issues with cooking equip-

ment; that’s why it’s important to identify the exclusions of your insurance policy because many insurers demand regular deep cleaning of filters which, let’s face it, is inconvenient and time-consuming. If you do suffer a kitchen fire and can’t evidence that you’ve been having your filters correctly and thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis, your insurer may reject your claim.

The answer? Our professional cleaning service means your dirty filters are exchanged with clean ones in minutes, as part of our package we provide a free set of standard sized filters for your kitchen, prolonging the life of your own. Our service also evidences due diligence to your insurer and fire safety officer, as we provide an online client portal where you can download full service history and certification.

We do Just Filters, so let us keep your kitchen running and compliant.

01279 420289 | justfilters.co.uk | info@justfilters.co.uk

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Barton Reed & Co Barton Reed & Co is the leading supplier of quality furniture to hotels, restaurants, public houses and leisure facilities in the South West. We can supply beautiful leather sofas, stylish high bar stools, comfy tub seats, elegant restaurant tables and chairs, and relaxing beds.

From laid back, seaside charm to cutting-edge design our extensive product range will suit your style and give your business the look that you want to achieve.

We have a huge choice of colours, fabrics and finishes and all our furniture comes with a two-year warranty.

Barton Reed & Co is a family-run business and we have been involved in the furniture industry since 1945. Over the years we have forged strong relationships with our suppli-

ers to give you the best furniture available with a service that goes above and beyond our customers’ expectations.

Seven reasons why you should choose Barton Reed & Co to supply your contract furniture: • Wide range of styles • Easy ordering and re-ordering • Single point of contact • Short lead times • Direct delivery • After sales service • Two-year warranty on every item Get in touch to discuss your furniture requirements or to order our new brochure – we’re here to help.

Call us on 01409 271189, visit www.bartonreed.co.uk or email info@bartonreed.co.uk

Stylish Luxury Gazebos From White Pavilion Hi, I'm Tim Burdekin, and I've designed and built the White Pavilion Garden Gazebo to be your perfect, all-weather gazebo for all the seasons.

I designed the White Pavilion Garden Gazebo range to be combined with a variety of lighting, heating, coloured canopies and side screen options to help create the perfect gazebo for your outdoor space, garden, patio or hot tub area. They're 100% waterproof and designed to withstand the very worst the British weather can throw at them. And they're guaranteed to survive 100 Mph Winds - see 100 Mph Windproof.

Our stylish hospitality gazebos Generate More Income from your outdoor space. Keeping your customers comfortable outdoors, the more time they will spend with you…. which means more money they will spend with you.

A White Pavilion Gazebo gives 100% Waterproof Protection...100 Mph Windproof Guaranteed...100%

Sun Protection......and comes with a 5 Year Guarantee - Your gazebo choice doesn't get better than this.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to get in touch. Give our team a call - 01653 695 285 or visit www.whitepaviliongazebos.co.uk We're here to help you get the very best from your outdoors.

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Southern Contracts is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of industrial laundry, catering and commercial cleaning equipment.

Working with care homes, hotels, restaurants, holiday parks, cruise lines, marine companies and local authorities, the NHS, the MoD as well as schools and colleges, we are a third generation family run business, founded in 1964.

Today we are proud to boast global clients to whom we deliver and maintain the very latest products and service, being ever mindful of sustainability and keeping our carbon footprints down.

We understand the importance of minimal disruption to our clients and cover all aspects of installation to customer training and ongoing maintenance service and repair.

For more information regarding our services for : • Laundry equipment • Kitchen appliances • Commercial cleaning equipment

Contact us now on 03301 222888 www.southerncontracts.co.uk Follow us on : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

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Caterquip Ventilation – For All Your Commercial Catering Ventilation Needs Caterquip Ventilation Ltd is proud to be celebrating their 22nd Anniversary this year.

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, CHAS and B&ES, 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 design service to help you build your ideal 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

Give Yourself a Fresh New Look with Mayfair Furniture

Mayfair Furniture will be celebrating 10 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.

01733 310115 sales@mayfairfurniture.co.uk www.mayfairfurniture.co.uk

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Just Artificial - Plants • Trees • Flowers Established in 2004, Just Artificial have many years’ experience as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality artificial plants, trees, silk flowers and related accessories, which we offer at competitive prices.

Artificial Plants & Trees for Businesses

At Just Artificial, we work with interior designers, decorators, set dressers, architects and more to set your premises apart from the rest. Our artificial plants, flowers, and trees are highly realistic to look and touch, as well as being durable and attractive.

We have a range of fantastic options which will set your space apart from the rest, allowing you to create an indoor Eden. Our products are highly realistic, durable, and designed with particular care and attention by our master craftsmen, all of whom are experts in their field.

Our range is always growing, supporting current modern trends as well as traditional needs, for indoor and outdoor use, tailored to complement any business.

We offer a complete product range including silk flowers, floral

arrangements, artificial plants, trees (even palm trees), topiary, exotics, plant and tree displays, hedges, fruit, hanging baskets, ivy garlands and other foliage, synthetic lawn grass and astroturf, planters, pot pourri, organza ribbon, decorative butterflies, essential oils, oasis foam, metal wall art, and Christmas supplies.

Whatever your choice, we have the design experience and the tools to make your space stand out.

Whatever the case, we have the perfect solution for your décor – one which will transform your space into something extraordinary.

Contact (01524) 858888, sales@justartificial.co.uk or visit www.justartificial.co.uk

Hybrid Heating For The Modern Property Our master craftsmen construct our hand made bespoke Artifical Trees with painstaking care and attention to detail, to create an exceptionally 'real' Artificial Tree. We can offer bespoke solutions to suit the needs of your space, business and tastes.

UV Outdoor and Fire Retardant ranges available.

(01524) 858888 sales@justartificial.co.uk www.justartificial.co.uk

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EHC offer a comprehensive Range of Electric Products that are all controlled by the well-established DSR Technology Control System.

It enables you to select a Hybrid Heating Solution from the range for the various rooms within your property to suit your design style and budget – the choice is yours.

All DSR Controlled Heaters are manually operated using the “easy to use” Controller located on the Heater. They also have WiFi capability that can be activated when you purchase the optional DSR Smart Gateway which will allow you to control your Heaters Anytime, Anywhere 24/7 up to a maximum of 30 Heaters per gateway using our free bespoke APP. The DSR Control APP has many features designed to enhance your comfort levels and provide essential

information regarding your heating system. There is also an optional Power Meter Clamp available for Load Shedding Control.

The DSR range of heaters are ideal for the likes of Bars, Restaurants or Hotels as the DSR control system allows for each heater to be controlled remotely from a smart phone or controlled centrally from a PC at a hotel reception. This level of control helps keep running costs to a minimum and removes the inconvenience of staff members going from room to room to adjust heating temperature when customers check in or out.

For further information or a free Brochure contact 01698 820533 or visit www.electric-heatingcompany.co.uk

Design and Refit

Saniflo Macerator Pump Gives New Lease of Life to British Treasure

The Saniflo Sanicubic macerator pump is breathing a new lease of life into a highly-acclaimed piece of British heritage – a replica of the famous ship, the Golden Hinde, known for circumventing the globe during the 16th century under the command of British explorer Sir Francis Drake. Sitting in dry dock, the replica ship, which has also sailed the seas worldwide, is now a stunning floating museum and events’ venue near London Bridge.

The owner of the Golden Hinde, Roddy Coleman, who has ensured the ship remains faithful to the original, first installed a Sanicubic a couple of years ago in the dock beneath the ship to take the waste from two WC cubicles used by visitors and staff. It discharges waste up and along the dock walls through 35mm pipes to connect to the sewers above at street level. During this time, it has provided faultless service, so when the team decided to install on-board facilities during the COVID-19 lockdown, he knew that a Sanicubic would fit his brief.

Located underneath the floorboards in the bow of the ship, it is perfectly positioned to take waste from two new WCS cubicles and basins as well as a new kitchen

area in the galley. A dishwasher, sink and icemaker are all plumbed into the Sanicubic thanks to its multiple outlets.

The plumbing work was carried out by Toby Millinder, who is a full-time employee at the Golden Hinde and in charge of all the updates; “The Sanicubic has enabled us to do our own catering on board for events rather than bring food on board. We also have children for overnight stays on board and it means they don’t need to alight to undertake night time ablutions. It was very straightforward to install and I have run it into the same lengths of pipework along the dock walls, which saved a lot of time and work. Since the installation we have had a wedding on board, as well as an overnighter for a group of children. It has made life much easier all round.”

Saniflo Head of Marketing and Product Management, Ann Boardman, says: “It’s wonderful to see pieces of British heritage being lovingly preserved and given a new lease of life ready to welcome back the public after COVID19. Thanks to Saniflo, such national treasures can go on providing wonderful experiences to members of the public. There really is a Saniflo solution to suit all manner of quirky public and private establishments, even in places where there is no mains drainage.”

Visit www.saniflo.co.uk for further information.

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Design and Refit Carbon Savings with Adveco FUSION Hybrid Hot Water Systems Commercial hot water specialist, Adveco, introduces the FUSION FPH-S range of low carbon, all-electric, packaged hybrid hot water systems. Designed to meet the daily needs of restaurants, cafés, public houses and other small to medium sized business, FUSION harnesses Adveco’s FPi32 air source heat pump (ASHP), a high-pressure ATSH calorifier with electric immersion, controls, and metering. Packaged together this provides a reliable, high-temperature, sustainable and cost-effective system for new build and refurbishment projects.

“For organisations with small to medium basin and sink led hot water demands and a desire to embrace a more sustainable business model, the FUSION FPH-S range provides a single, easy to accommodate, highly effective response,” says Bill Sinclair, technical director, Adveco. “By choosing one of these packaged hybrid

water systems you gain optimum efficiencies, lower your carbon emissions and can be assured building regulations are being met for your commercial project.”

FUSION is available in 16 pre-specified variants with 6 or 10 kW preheat and 9 or 12 kW electric top-up which support continuous capacity hot water demands from 257-377 litres/hour. The physical design, dedicated controls, and integrated metering ensure the ASHP preheat, and immersion work seamlessly to deliver the highest operational efficiencies. This enables FUSION’s heat pump to supply 50°C for system preheat and offset much of the electric immersion top-up in the calorifier to deliver up to 53% carbon emission savings when compared to an identical direct electric only system. When compared to an equivalent gasonly system carbon savings of 50% can be demonstrated. www.adveco.co

Upgrade Your Chairs with Trent Furniture’s New Reupholstery Service of the amount needed to buy new chairs, prolonging the life of the chairs you Trent’s team of expert upholsterers, who already own is a more eco-conscious choice work on many of the new chairs we supply, too. What’s more, the process couldn’t be are now able to provide that service for simpler – all you need to do is email a photo older chairs that require a facelift or need to of the chair stating how many you need be recovered to fit in with a new décor reupholstered for a competitive quote. scheme. With a choice of hundreds of conTo find out more about how Trent’s tract-grade fabrics to choose from, you are reupholstery service can give your chairs a sure to find the perfect choice for your new lease of life in 2022, please call us on venue.

0116 2864 911 or fill in our contact form at Not only does reupholstery cost a fraction www.trentfurniture.co.uk

If the metal or wooden chairs in your hospitality setting are looking tatty but the frames are still robust, there’s no need to throw them away. You can easily extend their lifespan and have them looking as good as new again with Trent’s new reupholstery service.

MST Auctioneers MST AUCTIONEERS Ltd specialise in handling & auctioning a wide variety of goods.

We act for Insolvency Practitioners, Receivers, Bailiffs and Solicitors as well as large PLCs. We are members of The National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers (NAVA).

For the past 25 years, we've provided a unique disposal service tailored to suit, liquidators, banks, receivers as

well as private and corporate vendors. We carry out probate valuations and conduct complete house and commercial clearances.

We have the largest Auction venue in the South of England. Our regular monthly Auctions occupy 45,000 sq.ft. of undercover space, selling over 2500 lots from 3 rostrums over two days.

We have storage and removal facilities. In addition we have forklifts for machinery up to 5 tons.

We also hold regular Auctions ”On Site” and "On Line" See the advert on this page for further details.

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Having Successfully Launched the ILF Chairs New Comprehensive Website, ILF Have Now Added Further Stock Product Colours www.ilfchairs.com

email: terry.kirk@ilfchairs.com

Their new online website offers both indoor and outdoor seating and table solutions.

Divided into Contemporary seating, Barstools, Lounge Seating, Period Seating, Outdoor seating and tables plus Indoor Dining & Coffee height tables, offering a great selection of products to view at your leisure. They have also now added a range of stock chairs and barstools.

Most 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.

Also included is a link to priced chairs and table bases plus a selection of priced made to order seating in a selection of Faux Leather upholstery colours and wood frame colours. These products can also be sup-

plied to customer specification, just ask for details.

Enquiries can be sent to them directly from the website and they will reply within 24 hours. They 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.

Craftsigns - Signmakers and Signwriters Craftsigns Ltd has been established for over 40 years and specialise in signage for the brewing industry as well as national food chains and retail in general.

We offer a nationwide survey & installation service alongside design & consultation for any requirement.

All our signage is manufactured in-house by our experienced, skilled workforce who pride themselves on innovation & quality.

We endeavour to bring to our design & manufacture a fresh approach to achieve maximum impact combining modern & traditional methods to enhance and optimise your visual presence.

Craftsigns Ltd offer a range of disciplines from tradi-

tional signwriting direct to brickwork, pictorial swing signs, traditional signwriting & gilding to glass along with the latest CNC technology to produce modern signage. From three dimensional lettering to large totem signs all fitted with various options of LED illumination in material ranging from aluminium to stainless steel and also copper, brass and bronze with a choice of aged and patination finishes.

We also manufacture menu cases to order in freestanding, wall mounted & lectern formats in various finishes to accompany your signage & display installation. We also manufacture, to your bespoke design planters & barrier systems, awnings and point of sale terminals.

Visit www.craftsigns.co.uk

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

Craftsigns Ltd has been established for over 40 years and specialise in signage for the brewing industry as well as national food chains and retail in general.

We offer a nationwide survey & installation service alongside design & consultation for any requirement.

All our signage is manufactured in-house by our experienced, skilled workforce who pride themselves on innovation & quality.

We endeavour to bring to our design & manufacture a fresh approach to achieve maximum impact combining modern & traditional methods to enhance and optimise your visual presence.

WWW.CRAFTSIGNS.CO.UK

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CLH DIGITAL

Property and Professional

Issue 99

What to Consider When Facing Insolvency

By John Bell, Director of licensed Insolvency Practitioners Clarke Bell, which he founded in 1994. (www.clarkebell.com) The food and beverage service sector is going through a turbulent time due to a combination of factors including staff shortages, increasing costs of supplies and the restrictions which were caused by Covid-19 and drastically reduced their customer numbers.

A lot of companies will have been supported by the government schemes, such as furlough and Bounce Back Loans, but with those withdrawn some companies are struggling.

Many businesses are now experiencing cashflow and debt problems to the extent that they are now insolvent – and unable to pay staff wages and other bills. For an owner of a company in that situation, they should now review their options…and doing nothing should not be the option to take.

John Bell is founder and senior partner at licensed insolvency practitioners Clarke Bell and here he considers the options for a company faced with insolvency and spells out the steps to take next.

LIQUIDATING AN INSOLVENT COMPANY A company is insolvent if it is no longer sustainable and can’t cover its daily costs, bills or debts.

There are two tests to determine whether a company in insolvent: • The balance sheet test: this measures whether a company’s liabilities are greater than its assets. If this is the case, the company can be classified as insol-

vent. be sold in order to pay back creditors. The court will • The cash-flow test: this looks at whether a company appoint a licensed Insolvency Practitioner to liquidate the can pay its bills and debts when they are owed. Again, company.

Following a liquidation, an Insolvency Practitioner will if your company cannot, it can be deemed insolvent. conduct an investigation into the company to decide WHAT IS LIQUIDATION? whether directors were guilty of wrongful or fraudulent Liquidating a company refers to the process under trading. which a company is closed. This is a procedure that must WHAT OPTIONS DO YOU HAVE? be carried out by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner.

If you fail to act quickly, the winding-up petition will go There are two paths open to an insolvent company ahead and your company will be forced to close via comgoing into liquidation, compulsory liquidation and pulsory liquidation, the most serious of form of insolvent Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation. liquidation.

COMPULSORY LIQUIDATION If you act quickly there are ways to stop the winding-up One form of insolvent liquidation is compulsory liquida- petition. tion. This is when a company is forced to close by its One of these options is a Creditors’ Voluntary creditors who are unable to recover the debts they are Liquidation (CVL), another type of insolvent liquidation in owed. the UK. In this case, the creditors can issue a statutory payment Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation demand notice, giving a company 21 days to pay back the Although a CVL occurs when a company is insolvent, amount.

Alternatively, creditors can go directly to the courts to unlike compulsory liquidation it is a completely voluntary form of liquidation. issue a winding-up petition by using a pre-winding up So, why choose voluntary liquidation? demand letter (as opposed to a formal statutory demand) to evidence inability to pay, and then proceed There are many benefits for both directors and crediwith the petition if the debt is not disputed. tors using a CVL. WHAT IS A WINDING-UP PETITION? This is a good option for businesses that believe they A winding-up petition asks for a company to be closed, no longer have a sustainable future and the best option meaning its assets will be sold to raise the funds to cover will be to close their doors. This is a way for company debts. directors to take control of the situation and act before Once the winding-up petition has been issued, the com- things get any worse. pany’s bank account may be frozen. Any other creditors By opting for Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation, a busiwill also have the opportunity to join in on the windingness can avoid being forced into compulsory liquidation. up petition.

As it is a voluntary process, directors who want to put It then usually takes about one month after the windtheir company into Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation are ing-up petition has been issued for the court to decide free to choose which Insolvency Practitioner they whether the company should be wound up. appoint.

If it is decided that your company will be forced to With this option, the director can close the company close, it will enter into liquidation, meaning its assets will

and always has the option to open another business in the future if they wish. What’s more, their personal finances won’t be impacted.

In a CVL, the Insolvency Practitioner will still conduct an investigation into the company to ensure that the directors were not guilty of wrongful or fraudulent trading.

Company Voluntary Agreement Another option available to a company which is insolvent is a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA). This is a procedure which enables the company to continue to trade and pay back its creditors through a formal proposal over a period of time - typically five years.

A CVA needs to be approved by 75% (by debt value) of the company’s creditors who cast a vote in the process.

Once agreed, a schedule of payments will be arranged with your insolvency practitioner setting out the timetable and amounts for the debts to be re-paid.

According to the statistics provided by The Insolvency Service, CVAs are entered into far less frequently than CVLs. In 2021 there were 115 CVAs compared to 12,668 CVLs. CVAs tend to be popular with companies who have a lot of leasehold premises – as they can lead to a reduced rent. However, they are often seen as merely delaying the inevitable and just providing some breathing space. This has been demonstrated by the number of companies who have entered into a CVA and then went on to go into administration or liquidation.

PICKING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR COMPANY Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on the economy, but those directors who take steps to face up to their financial difficulties and seek professional advice can avoid sleepless nights and make plans for the future.

The hospitality sector is likely to enjoy a revival as the restrictions caused by Covid eventually get lifted and life returns to normal. However, a lot of companies will be stuck with historic debts that will hold back their recovery.

An Insolvency Practitioner will be able to work with you and your accountant (if applicable) to determine the best option for you to take – including the options for re-starting your business.

We’re Here To Support Your Hospitality Business W! NE

PRICE: £495,000

W! NE

PRICE: £620,000

• Quintessential 17th Century Village Inn in the Heart of Bridford • Substantial Open Plan Character Main Bar/Dining Room, Full Equipped Commercial Kitchen & Extensive Back of House Space • Village Shop, Landscaped Outside Trading Areas & Large Car Park • Attractive Three Bedroom Owners Accommodation • Turnover in the Region of £300,00 ex VAT Per Annum with Strong Net Profit

BRIDFORD, DEVON

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REF: 4156

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• Well Established & Successful Restaurant in the Heart of Dartmouth • Dining Area with Spectacular Panoramic Window with Harbour & Estuary Views • 3/4 Bedroom Apartment – Could be Used for Holiday Letting/Staff/Owners • Highly Profitable Business, Ideal for ‘Owner Operator’ Couple • Must be Seen to be Appreciated – Retirement Sale

DARTMOUTH, DEVON

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W! NE

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TORQUAY, DEVON

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• Beautifully Renovated & Refurbished Seafront Holiday Letting Property • Designed to be used as a Large Holiday Letting House/Airbnb/ Private Guest House • Sea Views and Less than a Minute's Walk to Preston & Paignton Beaches • 10 Superior En-Suite Letting Rooms including Disabled Room with Wet Room • Gross Internal Area 3,401 sq ft (316 sq m)

PAIGNTON, DEVON

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LEASEHOLD

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BOVEY TRACEY, DEVON

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• A Substantial, Completely Refurbished 18th Century Coaching Inn • 2 Spacious, Character Trading Areas (54+ covers) • 5 Superior En-Suite Letting Rooms & Very Well Presented 3 Bed Private Accommodation • Outside Courtyard Trading Area, Car Park & Skittle Alley • Stunning Property and Business, Must be Seen

• Fish & Chip Takeaway in Prominent Location • Within Residential & Commercial Area of Torre • Well Equipped Plus Ancillary Areas • Currently Closed - Huge Potential to Grow & Develop Business • 10 Year Lease From September 2020 with Repairing & Insuring Obligations – Rent £10,000 PA

PRICE: £695,000

W! NE

• Superb Café/Restaurant Located at the ‘Gateway to Dartmoor’ • Benefitting from Spacious Residential Accommodation • Well Maintained Garden Seating Area & Large Customer Car Park • Operated Under Management with Owners Overseeing • Internal Seating for 85, External Seating for 80+

FREEHOLD

REF: 4078

• Stunning Country Inn Situated on the Edge of Dartmoor National Park • Situated in the Affluent & Pretty Village of Chardstock • Main Bar, Locals Bar, Snug and Games Room • Restaurant, Commercial Kitchen, Trade Gardens and Car Park • 4 En-Suite Letting Rooms in Separate Detached Annexe & 3 Bed Owners Accommodation

CHARDSTOCK, DEVON

PRICE: GUIDE RENT OF £35,000 PA (FREE OF TIE) - NIL PREMIUM REF: 2435

W! NE

• Stunning Seafront Property with Views Over the Coastline • Spacious First Floor Glazed Trading Space (up to circa 70 covers) • Lower Ground Floor with Potential to be Reconfigured • Possibility to Add Outside Trading Areas (By way of Separate Negotiation) • Proposals to be Submitted by 2pm, Wednesday 16th March 2022

TEIGNMOUTH, DEVON

PRICE: TO LET BY INFORMAL TENDER

REF: 4163

For almost 15 years, Capify has worked closely with the hospitality sector, providing them with much-needed funding when some of the more traditional routes for financing have been closed to them. Now is no different as we have a £40m fund to help your business recover as the economy opens up again.

A Capify business loan is easy to apply for and can be approved and paid out in as little as 24 hours. Our business loan's flexibility means that you can use it for any business purpose, such as; • managing short-term cash flow issues • purchasing extra food and drink • hiring additional staff • purchasing new catering equipment Capify's lending criteria will consider the challenges of the past year. Our flexibility means we will try and look beyond your credit history when assessing your application and instead, we will consider whether your busi-

ness has the potential to deliver solid and sustained growth.

If you'd like to find out how much finance you qualify for to help you continue your post-Covid recovery, visit www.capify.co.uk/hospitality-fund. You'll be taken to Capify's website, where you can get a no-obligation quote within minutes. You'll also be able to find out more information about the business loan and the unique and straightforward repayments.

To find out more see the advert on page 10, visit www.capify.co.uk/hospitality-fund or call us on 0800 151 0980 to speak to one of our specialist finance sale team.

Are You Struggling to RUN PROFITABLY Your Business?

If so, our bespoke Hospitality Mentoring & Consultancy service can help. Our Managing Consultant, David Hunter, has been a recognised Management Consultant specialising in the Hospitality sector for over 30 years.

David’s mission is to provide practical advice, knowledge and expertise that will help your business to reach its full FINANCIAL POTENTIAL. Our bespoke Mentoring & Consultancy service focuses on the key areas of your business, such as PROFITABILITY, MANAGING PEOPLE, MARKETING and OPERATIONAL STRATEGY. As part of his Mentoring-driven service, David has always provided ‘’free-of-extra-charge’’ key weekly figures, analysis & reporting so that your finger is always on the pulse of your business’s finances and performance.

The GOOD NEWS is that David has now made this service even more accessible, with a lower ‘’entry level’’ ongoing Mentoring arrangement that is ‘’strapped on to’’ our providing those vital weekly figures to you.

So … instead of just getting our own well-established, tried and tested and very popular, weekly figures reporting system, you can now access David’s KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE and EXPERTISE via INCLUSIVE, and AT NO EXTRA COST, four half-day on-site Mentoring & Consultancy visits every year (or two full days, depending on your location).

You get even more than that … David is always available to you at the end of the phone or via Email, and always on-hand when you need advice or guidance.

There is MORE. You would also get access to “tried and tested” experts through our Bowden Group Alliance, where our fully approved colleagues are ALSO at your disposal for advice on areas such as legal advice, saving money on Utility bills, Marketing and more. OUR BOWDEN GROUP ALLIANCE MARKETING COLLEAGUE MATTHEW WILL EVEN GIVE YOU A MARKETING REVIEW … COMPLETELY F.O.C. … to help you to get your business going.

Without cost or obligation, David will also take a look at your figures and discuss what could be ACHIEVED … again COMPLETELY F.O.C. …

If your business is struggling with financial or operational challenges, then get in touch today.

MAXIMISE YOUR FULL POTENTIAL by calling David Hunter confidentially on 07831 407984 or 01628 487613, or message us via our website at: www.bowdengroup.co.uk

Property and Professional

Issue 99

CLH DIGITAL

61

Straight Forward Insolvency Advice from Oury Clark We know that the last couple of years have been tough, especially in the hospitality sector. Not to worry, our Insolvency Practitioners are here to help advise and guide you if your business is struggling.

Oury Clark has been helping people since 1935 and our Insolvency Practitioners have over 20 years of experience in both Personal and Corporate Insolvency. We are a family run professional firm that provides the highest professional standards to all our clients.

If your business is in financial difficulty it is important to take advice well in advance to avoid any wrong doing as a director. At Oury Clark we will hold your hand from

the beginning to the end of the Insolvency process, whether it’s you or your company. We will explain clearly the best insolvency scenario/option that’s applicable to you depending on your circumstances. We will ease your stress and deal with your creditors directly on your behalf. We will not load you with jargon, but will explain matters in plain language.

Insolvency could be the right thing to do if your business is struggling. You can bury your old debts and make a new start.

So, don’t lose sleep over threatening creditors. At Oury Clark we are more than happy to assist and make your life simpler.

If you require advice and support on any sort of formal insolvency procedure we are only a telephone call away. Please ring us on 01753 551111 and ask to speak to Kalani or anyone in the Oury Clark Insolvency team.

Kalani.Gunawardana@ouryclark.com

Help Is At Hand For Businesses Devastated by the Covid–19 Virus

The Government is backing a new lending scheme that is aimed at getting funds out to struggling businesses that have seen profits impacted by coronavirus and whilst hotels, restaurants and public houses along with B&B’s and other hospitality businesses all struggled through the lockdowns we are pleased to let you know help is at hand.

Repayments will be anything up to a 25 year profile, meaning repayments will be low and give the best chance for business recovery.

Loans will normally be secured against the freehold, or long leasehold value, but can be used for any purpose including refinance, debt consolidation, providing additional working capital and even purchasing of another business.

Professional brokers, Global, have 31 years’ experience in introducing business owners to helpful and competitively priced banks, often not on the High St. but based in The City, with regional offices and a fresh modern way of working and providing business loans nationally.

Global will help you with the funding options and chat to the lenders to obtain the best terms before presenting them too you. Once you choose a loan option, Global will work to obtain an approval from the lender prior to any business valuation, so you know the bank is supportive and wants to take the process forward towards a loan pay out.

Email mvhwiddows@aol.com

T H E W E S T C O U N T RY S P E C I A L I S T S

EAST DEVON COAST

DARTMOOR VILLAGE

CORNISH COASTAL TOWN

Desirable 10 Bedroom Guest House

Stunning & Renowned Quintessential Village Inn 5 Letting Bedrooms Stylish Character Bar & Dining Areas (92+) Attractive Beer Gardens (60+) Sought After Idyllic Dartmoor Village

Character Licensed Cafe & Bistro 36 Seats Inside and 48 Seats Outside

FH £1,200,000

LH £135,000

2 Bed Chalet & Owner’s Accom.

Prominent & Visible Trading Position Trading On a Bed & Breakfast Only Basis Impressive Levels of Trade

LH £95,000

6011

4812

Trading 7 Months Of The Year Only Strong Profits With Low Overheads Potential to Increase Trade Levels

2134

SOMERSET VILLAGE

SOMERSET VILLAGE

DEVON COASTAL TOWN

Exceptional High Turnover Free of Tie Inn

Substantial & Deceptively Spacious Inn

Quality Delicatessen & Coffee Shop

Bar & Dining Areas (140)

Main Bar (35+), Restaurants (50)

Equipped To Extremely High Standards

Trade Gardens & Patio Ares (64)

4 Quality Ensuite Letting Bedrooms

Prominent Town Centre Trading Position

6 Double Bed (2 Ensuite) Owners Accom.

3 Bed Owner’s Accom. & Sep. Flat

Unique & Profitable Business

Sought After Free of Tie Leasehold

Strong Trade & Profits

Alfresco Seating For 24 Customers

LH £150,000

4815

FH £597,000

4811

LH £89,950

2131

DARTMOOR DEVON

DEVON VILLAGE

EAST DEVON COAST

Day Time Only Café & Restaurant

Character Detached Village Inn

Award-Winning Tearoom & Restaurant

Excellent Reputation With Potential

Interconnecting Bar & Dining Areas (66+)

38 Covers & Commercial Kitchens

30 Covers & Commercial Kitchen

3 Letting Bedrooms (2 With Hot Tubs)

3 Bed Owner's Accom. & Roof Terrace

2 Bedroom Owner's Accommodation

2/3 Double Bedroom Owner’s Accomm.

Sought After East Devon Coastal Town

Quality Business In Sought After Town

Completely Refurbished

Garage, Parking & Close To Beach

LH £89,950

2133

FH £395,000

PLUS VAT

THINKING OF SELLING? CALL FOR A FREE VALUATION

4816

LH £89,950

2129

01392 201262 www.stonesmith.co.uk