The most influential woman in the United States 1978 *Ann Landers, once said: “Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognise them.”
The quote is particularly noteworthy, as it provokes thought, countless essays could be written on interpretations, which may in part explain its popularity.
Words that come to mind alongside the quote would include tenacity and persistence, as well as vision and initiative.
The petition to request the Prime Minister to appoint a Minister for Hospitality was created by Claire Bosi, Editor, Chef & Restaurant Magazine, in October 2020.
The petition required 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament.
After a good start, the petition seemed to stall at the 30-40,000 signature level, and it was at that point that Bosi rallied others to get involved. Harry Murray MBE, Catherine McKinnell, MP, Angela Hartnett, James Martin, Robin Hutson, Kate Nicholls OBE, Paul Heathcote MBE and many more did just that.
With much hard work, tenacity, and persistence applied the target was reached and the debate was held in January.
Claire Bosi has now been invited by Boris Johnson to meet with The Minister for Small Business, Consumers, and Labour Markets, Paul Scully to discuss her petition.
Claire Bosi, Editor, Chef & Restaurant MagazineWe spoke with Bosi to gauge her reaction: “2020 was the first year, in the history of the hospitality industry, that we collectively raised our voices to ask for representation at government level. It is a credit to every signature, every voice and every business that supported the petition to have come this far.
“Though the effects of the pandemic on hospitality have been devastating, the pandemic has also highlighted just how critical hospitality is to the UK. Socially and economically we are the backbone of all four nations, leading the way to employment for millions, while supporting a lengthy supply and logistics chain.
“Moving forward from the pandemic, the hospitality industry is placed to become the key driver back to sound economic activity. But this must not end there. Forging on from Covid, with a Minister for Hospitality in place, the government can support the growth of our hospitality industry, attract investment to our shores, suggest and work through economic incentives that encourage growth within the industry and reinforce hospitality as a viable, aspirational and rewarding career choice.
“Our hospitality industry needs to be more co-ordinated within government, with one sole minister responsible for pulling us all together, and driving forwards clear visions for the future. We need to strengthen our representation. Without question, we are an asset to the UK that previous Governments and Prime Ministers have overlooked.
“I welcome the opportunity to put forward the case to Government. The whole hospitality industry, and its critical supply chain of farmers, fishermen, producers, manufacturers is placing its faith in Boris Johnson and Paul Scully to recognise the benefits of such an appointment and how, together, we can face a successful future and “Build Back Better.”
It has taken initiative, vision and leadership from Bosi to get to this point, as well as no lack of tenacity and perseverance. Doubtless Ann Landers would have been pleased with Bosi’s recognition of what motivated her penning the timeless quote.
*Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer (née Friedman; July 4, 1918 – June 22, 2002), better known by the pen name Ann Landers, was an American advice columnist and eventually a nationwide media celebrity. She began writing the “Ask Ann Landers” column in 1955 and continued for 47 years, by which time its readership was 90 million people. A 1978 World Almanac survey named her the most influential woman in the United States.
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Hospitality & Catering News: Minister for Hospitality delivers a ministerial meeting – 9 February 2021 – Minister for Hospitality delivers a ministerial meeting.
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