With an estimated 236,000 extra jobs expected to be created in hospitality by 2015 there has never been a greater need to find the right people to fill them. Recruiting the right staff, developing their skills and retaining them is essential for a successful business, so it is important to know how to do it. Read about the latest trends in recruitment, top tips from experts and more here.
People on the Move in Hospitality: February 2012
BigHospitality rounds up the latest appointments in the hospitality industry. This month sees key appointments at hotels, restaurants and pubs including The Doyle Collection, Eighty-Six and Fuller's.
Three top chefs to educate and inspire delegates at 2012 PACE Conference & Exhibition
The Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) has enlisted the help of three top chefs – Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Gareth Johns and John Feeney – to inspire and educate delegates at the 2012 PACE Conference and Exhibition.
National Apprenticeship Week: How to get your hospitality business involved
With the fifth annual National Apprenticeship Week kicking off today, businesses from across the UK have told BigHospitality what they’re doing to take on more apprentices and increase the number of vocational opportunities in the industry.
The hospitality industry is under immense pressure from the Government to provide calorie information on its menus for the sake of the nation's expanding waistline, but doing so could mean even greater costs for the industry that is already feeling the burden of regulations and tax.
Compass cuts salt sachet contents by 25%
Contract caterer Compass has reduced the contents of its salt sachets by 25 per cent, as part of a government drive to improve the food on offer to the nation.
How to introduce calorie labelling in your restaurant: Top tips from John Dyson of the BHA
John Dyson, food and technical affairs adviser at the British Hospitality Association (BHA), gives his top tips to chefs thinking of introducing calorie details on menus.
Customer survey reignites calorie labelling debate
Two-thirds of pub and restaurant goers want to see more nutritional information - including calorie content - on food menus before placing their orders, new research has found.
In January 2011 the Government introduced an increased VAT rate of 20 per cent, rocking the hospitality industry which was already struggling to cope with the effects of the recession. Now the industry is fighting back and calling for a reduced rate for restaurants, pubs and hotels of 5 per cent to bring it more into line with its EU neighbours.
Family Brewers joins Jacques Borel's 5% VAT club
The Independent Family Brewers of Britain has pledged £240k of funding to support Jacques Borel’s campaign to reduce the VAT charged in pubs on drink, food and accommodation to five per cent.
Two Edinburgh restaurateurs detained by HMRC in tax raids
Two restaurateurs from Edinburgh have been detained by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of failing to pay tax, as part of the on-going taskforce operation targeting restaurants across Scotland.
VAT, slow visa applications and red tape are main obstacles to industry growth
The UK's high level of VAT, the slow processing of visa applications and Government red tape are the three major obstacles to growth in the hospitality industry, according to the British Hospitality Association's (BHA) chairman Christopher Davy.
Britain was ranked 14th in the world for its hospitality welcome recently, prompting the industry to take a hard look at its service standards, and whether it's doing enough to attract talent into front of house careers.
Wadworth opens cookery school to improve pub food quality
Family brewers Wadworth has opened the Wadworth Brewery Cookery School, providing training to members of its managed houses and tenanted pubs, in a bid to raise the food standards across its entire estate.
Service staff lack professionalism of the kitchen, Zagat founder claims
Britain’s front of house staff lack the professionalism and respect found in the kitchen because ‘there are little to no service training schools’, Tim Zagat, co-founder of the eponymous restaurant guide has said.
Encourage all hospitality staff to improve wine knowledge, industry told
Restaurant and bar operators should encourage their British staff to take up sommelier as a career to balance the level of foreign sommeliers in the hospitality industry.
The Restaurant Show, the trade show designed exclusively for the UK’s restaurant industry, returns once more to Earls Court 2 on 10-12 October 2011. Visitors will be able to source new products and suppliers, gain valuable business advice, observe leading industry competitions and share tips and recipes with leading chefs and restaurateurs.
Bruno Loubet talks of his plans for new restaurant and the Michelin Guide
Chef Bruno Loubet talks through his plans for a second London restaurant and gives his views on French restaurants in the UK and Michelin in this exclusive interview with BigHospitality.
Modernist Cuisine: BigHospitality talks to Nathan Mhyrvold and Maxime Bilet
It has been endorsed by Heston Blumenthal, Ferran Adria, Thomas Keller and David Chang, so it's no wonder that Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking is one of the most talked-about books in the culinary world.
National media blamed for 'talking down' jobs in hospitality
The national media should stop 'talking down' jobs in hospitality and start promoting the industry as a worthwhile career choice for job seekers to enable restaurants, hotels and pubs to fill vacant positions and retain staff.
The UK’s hospitality, leisure, tourism and travel industry could stand to generate £2bn from visitors around the 2012 Olympic Games. But much still needs to be done to make sure the sector achieves its potential during the games and benefits from the Olympics legacy afterwards. In this section, you can read all about the latest Olympics-related hospitality developments.
London Olympics: Hotel rooms released but lessons learnt from Royal Wedding
In January the announcement the London 2012 organising committee (LOCOG) was releasing rooms sparked fears hotels might not be as full as hoped, so a week later BigHospitality spoke to those in the industry to see if hotels were reassessing expectations and how they were preparing for the Olympics.
Arena to hold London 2012 Olympics lecture
Jan Matthews, head of catering, cleaning and waste services for the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG), is set to present the Arena Savoy Lecture on 20 March.
London 2012: Help available but businesses need to help themselves, says TfL
The director of London 2012 games transport at Transport for London, Mark Evers, has told BigHospitality transport help and advice is available for restaurants, hotels and bars and pubs but hospitality businesses also need to help themselves.
In August 2010, Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to make Britain one of the top five tourist destinations in the world. But can the hospitality industry realise this goal in the face of budget cuts, growing international competition and burdensome regulations?
Record-breaking 2011 for tourism, could 2012 be even bigger for hospitality businesses?
Britain’s tourism and hospitality businesses are surfing on the wave of a record-breaking 2011 for overseas visitors and spending, making perfect preparation for a bumper 2012, packed full of iconic, once-in-a-lifetime events.
Businesses warned off “unscrupulous” corporate hospitality suppliers
‘Unscrupulous’ corporate hospitality suppliers are seeking to cash in the UK’s ‘Golden Decade of Sport’ by mis-selling packages to unsuspecting businesses, a corporate hospitality company has warned.
Hotel brands join UK tourism delegation to China
The hotel industry is honing in on an opportunity to tap into the lucrative Chinese tourism market, as representatives from four UK hotel brands join VisitBritain on a key trip to China.
Riots across England have caused major damage to homes and businesses, with many restaurants and pubs getting caught in the crossfire. As the clean up continues, you can find all our news related to the riots here.
Malcolm John launches Phoenix apprenticeship to support youth following riots
Chef and restaurant owner Malcolm John is launching an apprenticeship scheme which will see four teenagers gain first-hand kitchen experience at each of his South London restaurants, in a bid to give them a “sense of respect” following the August riots.
London hotels bounce back after riots
Following the negative financial effects of the riots in August, London hotels have bounced back in September and are on track for a record-breaking year.
British tourism has ‘mixed’ August, report finds
A report from the Office for National Statistics has revealed ‘mixed’ tourism figures for the month of August, following the riots which hit many parts of London and other major cities.
Wonder what 2011 has in store for hospitality? From dining trends to hotel occupancy forecasts, you can find all the industry predictions and essential information you need about the year ahead right here.
Business Outlook 2012: What’s in store for hospitality?
Restaurants, hotels and pubs had mixed fortunes in 2011, with all three hospitality sectors suffering a decline in property prices. But there is hope on the horizon, with the potential for an increase in opportunities and transactions in 2012.
Hospitality industry suffers ‘worrying’ increase in insolvencies
The hospitality industry has felt the strain of the tough economic climate over the past year, with a significant increase in the number of restaurants, bars and hotels becoming insolvent.
BHA annual report reveals challenging year for hotels - could 2012 be the turning point?
The perfect storm of the financial crisis, high rates of VAT and planning delays took its toll on the hotel sector in 2011, with 36 per cent fewer hotel rooms opening than predicted at the start of the year.
The temporary or 'pop-up' restaurant is an emerging trend among restaurateurs and chefs looking to extend their brand or serve diners in a new location without having to endure the huge costs of setting up a permanent venue.
Zafferano to open festive pop-up restaurant at Natural History Museum Ice Rink
London-based caterer Zafferano has been awarded a contract to operate the catering offering at the Natural History Museum Ice Rink over the Christmas period.
Simon Rogan: Roganic’s first year is critical to London success
The success of temporary Marylebone restaurant Roganic in its first year will determine Simon Rogan’s future in the capital, the chef has said.
Wagamama combines food, art and music in new festival format
The fast casual noodle chain Wagamama is exploring what it hopes to be a successful new format for its brand: an interactive festival restaurant.
On 18 April 2011 the eyes of the world will once more fall on London as the S.Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants take place. Organised by Restaurant Magazine, the awards aim to get people talking about restaurants, and to shine a bright light on excellence and innovation in an exciting industry.
Pearls of Wisdom: Elena Arzak
Elena Arzak is the third generation of chefs to work at Arzak in San Sebastian in Spain. She currently runs the restaurant, number eight on the S.Pellegrino World's 50 Restaurants list, with her father Juan Mari.
Date announced for 2012 World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards
The next S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards will take place on 30 April 2012, it has been announced.
Richard Vines on being UK chair of World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Earlier this year BigHospitality announced that Jay Rayner, UK chair of the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards would be stepping down from his position of three years.
Keep up to date with all trends impacting the UK hotel market, including the latest data and statistics on hotel occupancy rates, RevPAR and performance forecasts. You’ll also find key insight on hotel trends to attract guests and grow business.
February hotel prices plummet, London continues to buck the trend
Hotel prices have dropped across every city in the UK apart from London, which is one of only seven major cities in Europe to have seen an increase in room rates for February.
Business Outlook 2012: What’s in store for hospitality?
Restaurants, hotels and pubs had mixed fortunes in 2011, with all three hospitality sectors suffering a decline in property prices. But there is hope on the horizon, with the potential for an increase in opportunities and transactions in 2012.
Premier Inn launches free Wi-Fi service across all hotels
Premier Inn, the UK’s largest budget hotel chain, has today launched a free Wi-fi service across all of its properties, offering customers up to half an hour of unlimited connectivity.
In this section you’ll find all the latest news and data on the UK restaurant market, including dining trends, food and beverage trends, eating-out spend, and restaurant marketing and technology trends.
Business Outlook 2012: What’s in store for hospitality?
Restaurants, hotels and pubs had mixed fortunes in 2011, with all three hospitality sectors suffering a decline in property prices. But there is hope on the horizon, with the potential for an increase in opportunities and transactions in 2012.
Pubs and restaurants see major sales boost after snowless December
Britain’s pubs and restaurants saw a major sales boost over the Christmas and New Year period, with like-for-like sales for December up 9.9 per cent from 2010.
Restaurant magazine’s 2012 predictions
With a year packed full of national and restaurant-related events, BigHospitality’s sister publication Restaurant magazine has published its own series of sage predictions for 2012. The crystal ball goes into overdrive: High-quality German sausage, grimy noodle bars, mid-market tasting menus and Polpetto's Florence Knight...
We bring you all the latest pub trade trends and developments, from food and drink spend and alcohol prices through to business growth strategies in pubs and bars.
Last orders: Pub industry urges Government to cut beer tax ahead of budget 2012
As hospitality businesses are gearing up for next month’s announcement on the 2012 budget, the British beer and pub industry is unanimously demanding a freeze in the Government’s controversial beer tax escalator.
Business Outlook 2012: What’s in store for hospitality?
Restaurants, hotels and pubs had mixed fortunes in 2011, with all three hospitality sectors suffering a decline in property prices. But there is hope on the horizon, with the potential for an increase in opportunities and transactions in 2012.
Pubs and restaurants see major sales boost after snowless December
Britain’s pubs and restaurants saw a major sales boost over the Christmas and New Year period, with like-for-like sales for December up 9.9 per cent from 2010.
