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Ask the Experts

Do you have a problem you'd like solving? Our panel of industry experts are on hand to give you the help you need. Email your problem to news@bighospitality.co.uk with Ask the Experts in the subject line and we'll endeavour to get it answered.

ASK THE EXPERTS

How to best measure customer service

21-Mar-2011 - Jules Murray, of sales and customer service consultants Spider on the Wall tells BigHospitality how restaurants, pubs and hotels can measure customer service in the most cost-effective and beneficial way.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Health & safety tips for kitchen refurbishment

07-Mar-2011 - BigHospitality shares top tips from Mark Harrington, CEO at health and safety consultants Check Safety First, on what you should keep in mind when refurbishing your kitchen so you tick all health and safety boxes.

Ask the Experts: Preparing for the 2012 Games Part II

21-Feb-2011 - In the second part of this series on how the hospitality sector can prepare for the 2012 Games, Vince Fihosy, Director of London 2012 City Operations, tells BigHospitality readers about transport changes, engaging staff and preparing for special events.

Ask the Experts: Preparing for the 2012 Games Part I

14-Feb-2011 - The eyes of the world will be on the capital as London hosts global events in 2012 and in the run-up to the 2012 Games. Vince Fihosy, Director of London 2012 City Operations, tells BigHospitality readers how the hospitality sector should prepare for the opportunity ahead.

Ask the Experts: What’s the best way to launch a social media campaign?

31-Jan-2011 - Simon Beck, business development director at PR consultancy Hills Balfour, answers one reader's question on launching a social media campaign.

Ask the Experts: How can small businesses overcome online marketing barriers?

17-Jan-2011 - Paul West, managing director of marketing experts Ignite Hospitality, answers one readers question on how a small business can develop an online marketing presence.

Ask The Experts: What accommodation rights do employees have?

04-Jan-2011 - Christopher Ainsworth, partner in hospitality sector law firm Kimbells, helps one reader understand the legal rights of staff and employers when accommodation is offered with the job.

Ask the Experts: How can I save money on my business rates?

13-Dec-2010 - Chris Barker, Senior Rating Consultant at business rates specialists CVS, explains what hospitality businesses can do to reduce the amount they pay in business rates.

Ask the Experts: How can I recruit a good Sous Chef on a limited budget

29-Nov-2010 - John Wood, director of hospitality recruitment firm John Wood Consultancy, advises one reader how to go about finding and retaining a qualified sous chef without forking out huge advertising fees.

Ask The Experts: How can I get more tax relief?

15-Nov-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about how to minimise the tax effects of recent legislation affecting the hotel industry to Shirley Smith, Partner at business, tax and wealth advisors Reeves

Ask the Experts: How can I protect my business from the spending cuts?

01-Nov-2010 - Robert Barnard, partner for Hotel Consultancy Services at PKF Accountants & business advisers, tells one reader what he can do to protect his business as the impacts of the spending cuts start to be felt

Ask the Experts: How can I get the best rate on my pension?

18-Oct-2010 - Laith Khalaf, pensions analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, advises one reader on how to get the most of his pension plan as a self-employed, single operator

Ask the Experts: How should my business handle the rise in wheat prices?

04-Oct-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about how their business can handle the rising price of wheat to Sharon Glancy, managing director of Stonebow, the training division of People 1st

Ask the Experts: How can I recruit quality staff on a limited budget?

20-Sep-2010 - Krishnan Doyle, founder and director of COREcruitment, answers one restaurateur’s query about how to hire quality staff while sticking to a low budget

Ask the Experts: Where can I find and recruit a master pastry chef?

06-Sep-2010 - Sally Brand of talent management specialists Learn Purple, advises Yvonne Compton from Newcastle-upon-Tyne how to find a highly skilled master pastry chef for her new business

Ask the Experts: How can I motivate my staff on the cheap?

23-Aug-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about how to motivate their staff without monetary reward to Alan Cutler of Hospitality Leadership, in our bi-monthly advice feature Ask the Experts.

Ask the Experts: How do I choose the right suppliers?

09-Aug-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader’s question about choosing suppliers to David Read, chief executive of Prestige Purchasing

Ask the Experts: What should I consider when buying a property?

26-Jul-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about what to look out for when acquiring a new restaurant, pub or hotel property to Simon Chaplin, director at property agent Christie & Co

Ask the Experts: How should my business handle the next VAT rise?

12-Jul-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about how his business can handle the expected rise in VAT next year to 20 per cent to Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive of the British Hospitality Association

Ask the Experts: How do I build a brand

28-Jun-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader’s question about creating a business brand to Neil Giles, creative director at design consultancy Circle Brands

Ask the Experts: How can I market my business effectively

14-Jun-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader’s question about how best to market their business to restaurant consultant Victoria Searl

Ask the Experts: How can I profit from my World Cup food sales?

01-Jun-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about making a good return from food sales during the World Cup to Sharon Glancy, managing director of Stonebow, the training arm of People 1st

Ask the Experts: Where can I learn about industry trends?

17-May-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about restaurant and hotel trends to Renato Fantoni and David Battersby of the Best Practice Forum, in our new bi-monthly advice feature Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts: Should I boast about my green credentials?

04-May-2010 - BigHospitality puts one reader's question about the benefits of environmental awards to John Firrell, director of the Considerate Hoteliers Association

Ask the Experts: What's the best way to train staff on a budget?

19-Apr-2010 - A reader asks our expert Jane Sunley of Learn Purple how to train staff effectively on a budget

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