Businesses need to retain the flexibility to invest in their teams and recognise great service in any review of the rules on tips. Those rules need updating and strengthening, with the emphasis on clarity and transparency, but new legislation is not necessary to deliver best and fair practice. That's the conclusions from an ALMR survey of members on tipping practice and … [Read more...]
Insight: 6 step guide to help hospitality get on board with Pensions Auto Enrolment
Managers working across hospitality and catering will have heard of the new laws requiring employers – including hospitality employers – to enrol eligible job holders into a workplace pension scheme that meets the requirements of the legislation. Unfortunately, not all employers have started to take the necessary steps to comply with this legislation. Here, H&C News is … [Read more...]
Springboard’s Awards for Excellence shortlist revealed
The Springboard Awards for Excellence celebrate and reward inspiring people, organisations and initiatives – those that work hard to elevate the profile of the industry as an employer and, attract and retain talent. The special night of celebration will enable guests to meet the stars of the industry as the time has come to find out who will take the accolades at the 2015 … [Read more...]
UK hotel investment this year to beat 2006 peak at £8.5 billion
International real estate advisor Savills has forecast that total transaction volumes in the UK hotels market could reach £8.5 billion by year end. This marks a 39% increase on 2014’s post recession peak of £6.1 billion and marginally exceeds the record total of £8.3 billion in 2006. £5.7 billion so far The firm reports that £5.7 billion worth of UK hotels have changed … [Read more...]
Rugby World Cup props up consumer spending in September
Consumer spending growth regained some of the ground it lost over the summer in September, growing 3.7 per cent year-on-year, helped by the start of the Rugby World Cup. After slipping to its lowest level in 14 months in August following a wet summer, annual spending growth picked up in September on the back of an increase in spending in pubs, off licences, sports shops and … [Read more...]
Menu report: eating out gets cheaper but side dishes boost consumer spend
Competition in the eating out sector is pushing the price of some dishes down in many high street pubs, restaurants and hotels, although operators are compensating by introducing a wider variety of side dishes, extra toppings and special sauces to sell to consumers, according to Horizons’ Menu Trends report. “Our menu survey picked up a big increase in the number of new side … [Read more...]
ALMR urges incentives not levy for Apprenticeships
Following the Government’s consultation on the implementation of an apprenticeship levy, the ALMR has warned that the proposals risk disrupting investment and could increase the burdens on businesses. The ALMR has made a submission to the consultation arguing for the use of incentives, rather than a levy, to encourage investment and benefit business of all sizes. Quantity … [Read more...]
Greggs reports continued strong sales performance for Q3
Greggs has reported good trading in the third quarter, delivering increased sales while controlling costs. In the 13 weeks to 3 October 2015 like-for-like sales in shops grew by 4.9 per cent against strong comparatives, slightly ahead of expectations. In the year to date like-for-like sales have increased by 5.6 per cent. Total sales grew by 5.0 per cent in the 13 weeks and … [Read more...]
Vision – highlighting the world class quality of the contract sector
The Vision Report was launched last week at AVEQIA London. This comprehensive insight into foodservice and hospitality management has been a year in the making and highlights the great work that goes on in the UK in this world class industry sector. Vision includes an overview of the sector, case studies of venues, talent profiles, and analysis of CSR initiatives, … [Read more...]
Business rates devolution may cost high street businesses
Responding to George Osborne’s announcement of the Government’s proposed devolution of business rates powers to local authorities, the ALMR has warned that this could be unhelpful unless there are careful checks and balances in place. Unwelcome consequences ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Government’s decision to devolve power over business rates to local … [Read more...]
National Minimum Wage goes up for apprentices and adults
The National Minimum Wage goes up today by 57 pence to £3.30 for apprentices and rises by 20 pence to £6.70 per hour for adult workers. over 1 million working people will receive a pay rise today when the National Minimum Wage goes up apprentices get biggest ever rise over £1,000 increase in yearly pay packet for full time apprentices From Thursday 1 October 2015, … [Read more...]
BHA welcomes TFL mini-cab consultation, seeks fair competitive environment
The British Hospitality Association, the private sector forum for the hospitality and tourism industry in the UK, has commended Transport for London (TFL) for issuing a second consultation to modernise private hire regulations, which could result in tighter regulations on so called sharing economy businesses like Uber. Repercussions for the hospitality industry The TFL … [Read more...]
CESA unveils 2015 Conference Programme
CESA has unveiled the programme for its 2015 Conference, which runs on 13th November at the Hilton London Wembley. The event is organised in association with FCSI, BHA, CEDABOND and ENSE and is open to all those working in the foodservice industry. A dynamic speaker platform boasts broadcaster Evan Davis (above), who is this year’s Conference Chair. His insights into the … [Read more...]
Costa pay increases ahead of national living wage
Costa, part of Whitbread Plc, will increase the pay of its 12,500 baristas from 1st October. Costa baristas will earn a minimum of £7.40 an hour, once they have completed their initial training (baristas who are in training will start on £7.20 an hour). Baristas in London will earn a minimum of £8.20 an hour rising to over £9. These new rates will apply to all Costa team … [Read more...]
Lunch offers a great opportunity for food operators
There is a real opportunity for foodservice operators to grow their lunchtime trade as the definition of lunch broadens and consumers become more adventurous in their choices. Speaking at the lunch! trade show in London, Emma Read, Horizons’ director of marketing and business development, told the audience that there was huge opportunity for the lunch market as it begins to … [Read more...]