“Rock Star Chef” and cookery school entrepreneur, Sarah Muir, has prepared meals for the likes of Elton John, Whitney Houston, Oasis, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, George Michael and Robbie Williams. Now, in a series of short seminars to be given in conjunction with music licensing company PPL at this year’s Restaurant Show, Muir will advise those working in the hospitality and restaurant industry on the positive impact that playing recorded music in businesses can have.
Music to overcome challenges
Taking place on the PPL stand (K18), Muir’s seminars will reflect on how, through the use of recorded music, she overcame some of her toughest challenges while touring on the road with Radiohead, Lionel Richie, Madness, The Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Van Morrison and more; constantly providing a fast-paced five-star quality catering service for up to 500 people including, cast, crew, entourage, and the artists, with very limited resources.
Music in the hospitality and restaurant sector
Muir will use her entrepreneurial expertise as business owner of The Arches Cookery School, and 25 year history cooking for the some of the most famous names in music, to talk about the role of recorded music in the hospitality and restaurant sector and the power it can have to influence and improve a business’s, productivity, profitability and popularity.
Sarah Muir’s exclusive 20 minute seminars will offer attendees the opportunity to meet the “Rock Star Chef” in person and take part in a live Q&A. The free seminars will take place across three days: Monday 6 – Wednesday 8 October, at 11am, 3pm, and 4:30pm, at the PPL stand (K18)
Value music brings to business environment
For a number of years, PPL has been committed to understanding the true value that music can bring to the business environment, licensing the use of music played in public (shops, bars, restaurants and many other business types), and broadcast to ensure that all those who invest their time and talent in making recorded music are paid fairly for their work. PPL’s 90,000 members include small independent artists, backing vocalists and session musicians such as percussionists or orchestral players and also major record labels and globally successful performers.
Bar and restaurant managers agree music increases sales
Through its joint research initiative with PRS for Music, MusicWorks, PPL has found that 73% of bar and restaurant managers agreed that playing music increases sales or results, and that 80% believe customers and staff would complain if the music was switched off.
Sarah Muirexplained: “Businesses reap the rewards of playing recorded music on their premises in many ways, both behind the scenes and on the shop floor. I have been lucky enough to tour with some of the greatest rock bands in the world and have seen first-hand how music can ease a hectic business environment. Now that I have my own small business in the countryside, I still use music in the day-to-day running of my business.”
Music and the customer experience
Sarah Mitchell, Head of Public Performance, PPL added: “We recognise that people want to hear good music wherever they go, and across the UK more and more businesses are investing in their customer experience. Music is a key part of that, and we believe that it can be a key differentiator for any hospitality business operating in an incredibly competitive market place. We look forward to meeting all those working in the hospitality industry during the course of The Restaurant Show to talk to them about their music licensing needs.”
The Restaurant Show takes place 6-8 October, Earls Court 2, London, and is free to attend. To print off your free visitors pass click here
Sarah Muir’s seminars will be take place at the PPL stand, K18, at 11am, 3pm, and 4:30pm, each day.