By Denis Sheehan MIH: The Arena Savoy Lecture 2023.
The Arena Savoy Lecture has been the centrepiece of Arena’s event calendar for over 20 years showcasing both UK and global senior industry leaders as its speakers.
This year a panel of industry leaders including Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO, UKHospitality and Wendy Bartlett MBE, Founder, BM Caterers will discuss the health of the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, the current challenges being faced, opportunities arising and how businesses within the sector can continue to survive and grow.
What’s on the Agenda?
The panel discussion will be hosted by hospitality strategist Ann Elliott and topics for discussion include:
The Effects of Inflation: Hospitality is a huge part of Britain’s everyday economy and can be key in tackling inflation and generating economic growth. The rate of inflation decreasing is promising but price rises continue to hinder hospitality businesses. Our panel will discuss what is the current effect of inflation on the sector and how will it affect the market going forward.
Government Support: On the 15 March 2023 the Chancellor will reveal his Spring Budget. UKHospitality states that the decisions taken will be critical to the health of hospitality. Our panel will share their views on how the UK government currently views the sector and what do they need to do in order to support hospitality.
Green Shoots of Recovery: The new edition of the Coffer CGA Business Tracker revealed that some of Britain’s leading hospitality operating groups achieved like-for-like sales growth of 10.9% in January 2023 and the Tracker has now recorded year-on-year growth (14.7%) for four months in a row. Our panel will share their experiences of what they are seeing – what sectors are doing well and why, what sectors are still experiencing several challenges and how can the industry work together moving forward.
The Future: The foodservice and hospitality sector is constantly changing but so are its customers. Given today’s current economic challenges, our panel will share their predictions and vision for the next 12 – 18 months from both a hospitality business perspective and consumer perspective.
Why Attend?
Over 200 senior industry professionals will be in attendance at this year’s Savoy Lecture. Guests will learn and be inspired by some of the sector’s most knowledgeable and experienced leaders and the knowledge gained can be shared with their wider team and business colleagues. Given the calibre of attendees, the event will also enable guests the opportunity to catch up with industry friends and colleagues, build lucrative business relationships whilst at the same time enjoying a superb drinks and canapé reception, a three-course dinner with wine, and the Savoy’s five-star hospitality.
Arena’s Savoy Lecture – Monday 24 April 2023
5.00pm – 9.45pm: The Savoy
Click here for further information or to book tickets online – Arena Savoy Lecture – Event – Arena. Alternatively you can also book tickets or find out more by contacting Arena Director, Lorraine Wood on lorraine@arena.org.uk or 07803 853618.