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Thoughts & Takeaways

Welcome to the Talking Hospitality blog: a place for practical insight and useful ideas for people working in and leading hospitality.

Some pieces are designed to make you think. Some are here to give you clear actions you can take back to your team. Most do a bit of both.
Jan. 13, 2025

The Future of Hospitality and Events: Hybrid Solutions and Resilience in 2025

In the early 2020s, the hospitality and events sectors faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul Cook, a seasoned events professional, provided insights during that period, emphasising the rapid shift from in-person gathering…
Jan. 6, 2025

Embracing Change in Hospitality: Lessons from Taiwan

Recently I was in Taiwan. Standing in the streets of Taipei, I saw firsthand how cultures meet and mingle – East and West, tradition and modernity. Amidst the blend of bustling markets and serene temples, I was struck by the quiet reminder of how f…
Dec. 30, 2024

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail and How You Can Make Change Stick

As we turn the page to a new year, many of us embrace the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s promising to hit the gym, eat healthier, or achieve ambitious business goals, the start of a new year feels like the perfect time for…
Dec. 16, 2024

Supporting Yourself This Christmas: Resources for When You’re Struggling

The holiday season is a time of joy for many, but for others, it can be a period of immense stress, loneliness, or sadness. In the hospitality industry, where long hours, high-pressure environments, and demanding schedules are the norm, Christmas c…
Dec. 9, 2024

Supporting Hospitality This Christmas: A Spotlight on Hospitality Action

In the height of Christmas and the festive season, it's a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many in the hospitality industry, Christmas can also amplify financial strain, mental health struggles, and the challenges of an already de…
Dec. 2, 2024

Enhancing Safety in Hospitality: Tackling Sexual Offences in UK Licensed Venues

Recent reports have raised concerns about the increase in sexual offences within licensed venues in the UK. High-profile cases and rising police statistics highlight a worrying trend, with offences often linked to environments where alcohol is cons…
Nov. 25, 2024

Alcohol Spiking and Venue Safety: Essential Tips for Hospitality Businesses

Alcohol spiking is an issue that’s been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently. As awareness grows, so do the expectations on hospitality venues, especially those in nightlife. New regulations are ramping up the need for safety protocol…
Nov. 18, 2024

Managing Rising Costs in UK Hospitality: Strategies to Stay Profitable

UK hospitality businesses are grappling with a challenging landscape. The combination of inflation, escalating energy prices, and soaring supply costs has pushed operational expenses to new heights. According to UKHospitality, operating costs in the…
Nov. 12, 2024

The Designated Premises Supervisor: Essential Guide for Licensed Venues

Operating a licensed venue involves more than simply supplying or selling alcohol; it requires a key individual, the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), who ensures that all legal, social, and operational standards are met. For any hospitality est…
Nov. 5, 2024

Key Budget Highlights for Hospitality Businesses 2024 & How It Impacts Your Business

The UK Chancellor’s latest budget has stirred up significant conversation, with changes that could have long-lasting effects on our industry. In particular, tax hikes and rising wage costs stand out, impacting smaller, labour-heavy businesses like o…
Oct. 28, 2024

Tackling Staff Shortages in UK Hospitality: 5 Tips to Boost Recruitment and Retention

In recent years, UK hospitality businesses have faced a storm of challenges affecting their ability to recruit and retain skilled staff. Brexit’s impact on the workforce and the residual effects of Covid-19 have made it more challenging to maintain …
Oct. 22, 2024

Rising Demand for Health-Conscious Dining: Tips for Innovating Your Menu

As dietary mindfulness becomes a societal priority, UK hospitality businesses are meeting a growing demand for health-conscious dining options. Consumers today are increasingly aware of the connections between food, wellness, and quality of …
Oct. 15, 2024

Sustainable Hospitality: Strategies to Reduce Waste and Conserve Resources

Environmental sustainability has moved to the forefront of hospitality in the UK. With an eco-conscious public, hospitality businesses face increasing pressure to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimise environmental impact. Recent data shows…
Oct. 8, 2024

Reducing Food Waste in Hospitality: Practical Steps & Resources

In today’s world, minimising food waste is a critical responsibility for UK hospitality. With food waste costing the sector around £682 million annually, according to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), hospitality businesses are under pres…
Oct. 1, 2024

Emerging Culinary Fusion Trends in the UK: 7 Tips to Embrace the Fusion Wave

The UK culinary landscape is evolving as customers seek new, multicultural flavours. A notable trend on the rise is fusion cuisine, especially the blend of Eastern European and British dishes, creating dynamic new flavours and experiences. As more p…
Sept. 23, 2024

Cybersecurity in Hospitality: 5 Essential Tips to Protect Guest and Business Data

With hospitality’s rapid digitalisation, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Hospitality businesses handle sensitive data daily, from guest information to payment details, making them prime targets for cyber-attacks.…
Sept. 17, 2024

Reflecting on the changes in Hospitality from the podcasts first ever episode in 2020 to now

In the early days of the pandemic, Talking Hospitality—then cheekily called "Timothy Put the Kettel On"—was born out of a need to stay connected, to share insights, and to support the hospitality industry in one of its darkest times. Recorded in the…
Sept. 10, 2024

Hospitality’s Role in Tackling Food Poverty: Lessons from Kemi Akinola’s Journey with Be Enriched

In Season 1, Episode 3 of the Talking Hospitality podcast, titled The Heart of Hospitality: Kemi Akinola’s Fight Against Food Poverty, we had the privilege of exploring how Kemi and her team at Be Enriched swiftly pivoted to support communities duri…
Aug. 13, 2024

Is Gen Z Really Lazy, or Are We Missing the Bigger Picture?

In the bustling world of hospitality, it's easy to label the youngest members of our workforce as "lazy" and "snowflakes" Recent data would seem to back this up: 98% of Gen Z workers report experiencing burnout. 23% face unmanageable stress lev…
Aug. 6, 2024

Managing Seasonal Demand Fluctuations in Hospitality: 5 Tips for Year-Round Stability

Seasonal highs and lows are part of life in hospitality, but balancing them effectively can be challenging. With changing occupancy rates and operational costs, many hospitality businesses are turning to data-driven forecasting to keep things ru…
July 29, 2024

Navigating Mental Health in Hospitality: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Headed

This third and final installment of our Talking Hospitality mental health series of blogs rounds off an essential conversation that began with supporting employee well-being and continued with insights into creating psychologically safe workplaces.…
July 23, 2024

Beyond the Surface: Mental Health in Hospitality

Following the article, "Supporting Employee Mental Health in Hospitality", we delve deeper into how the hospitality industry can tackle mental health issues. Reflecting on Episode 5, Season 1 of the Talking Hospitality podcast, titled "Changi…
July 16, 2024

Supporting Employee Mental Health in Hospitality

As highlighted in many of our episodes, mental health is a critical challenge within hospitality. Season 1, episode 4 despite being recorded in lockdown, brings fresh relevance to supporting employee mental health. The hospitality industry is kn…
July 8, 2024

In 2020 We Predicted The Future of Hospitality. Were We Right?

In our second-ever episode of Talking Hospitality, initially known as Timothy Put the Kettel On, we explored hospitality’s challenges and innovations during lockdown, from local sourcing to new tech solutions. Fast-forward to today, and it’s clear …