As the holiday season approaches, gift cards are often seen as the perfect present for loved ones.   But for local restaurants and hotels, they are much more than just a convenient gift—they are a strategic tool that can significantly boost business.   From...

As someone who has spent years in hospitality, I’ve seen firsthand how events like Christmas markets play a vital role in attracting tourists, boosting local economies, and creating a magical atmosphere that draws people back year after year.   Chester’s Christmas...

Contracts are the backbone of business operations, especially in the hospitality sector, where agreements often span years and involve essential services like energy, maintenance, or technology partnerships.   Recently, I took over a hotel bound by a five-year...

Donald Trump’s victory presents an optimistic outlook for the hospitality sector in America, which stands to benefit from his pro-business stance.  Throughout his campaign and previous presidency, Trump has emphasised economic growth by lowering corporate taxes and...

In today's hospitality world, there's a lot of buzz about technology taking over our jobs, especially with AI on the rise. But let’s face it—no robot can replace the warmth and personal touch that comes from a human interaction. While tech can enhance the guest...

Let’s start this blog off by just pointing out some of the changes that the 2024 Autumn Budget has introduced: National Minimum Wage Increase: A substantial rise will occur, with adult wages (21+) increasing to £12.21 per hour from April 2025. Younger workers and...

There’s a common misconception in our industry—that we’re overly strict, dramatic, or intense. You might have heard the stereotype that if the cutlery isn’t perfectly aligned, it’s as if you’ve personally offended the manager. But the reality is far more nuanced,...

Sally Abé’s "A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen" is more than just a memoir; it’s a bold, inspiring exploration of Sallys journey in a male-dominated industry. Having just finished reading it, I felt compelled to reflect not only on her journey but also on the impact...

Last week’s Art of Hospitality event was nothing short of fantastic. Held at the Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre, it was a refreshing change from our previous events in Liverpool, and the new setting added a burst of fresh energy. This time, thanks to our amazing...

We kicked off the Art of Hospitality event with an enlightening, informative and educational session featuring sleep expert Hannah Shore from Silentnight, who captivated the audience with her knowledge on sleep science and its impact on guest experience and our wider...