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Celebrating 31 Days of Women in Talking Hospitality for International Women's Day! And who better than to start with our original first lady Sarah Kettel. Here in our first ever episode in 2020 at the height of lockdown. I wonder if she still feels the same? . #talkinghospitality #womeninhospitality #podcast #HospitalityIndustry #InternationalWomensDay #FoodService #CommunitySupport

Our merch is here! Check out the new Talking Hospitality gear. What do you think? Let us know! #talkinghospitality #hospitality #HospitalityJobsUK #MerchDrop #PodcastMerch

The hospitality sector is a massive economic engine, driving employment and influencing costs like inflation and interest rates. Despite industry expertise, current margins make profitability a challenge. #talkinghospitality #hospitality #EconomicImpact #IndustryChallenges #RestaurantBusiness

Fighting for VAT and tax reform in hospitality. @andyjlennox shares his his journey and why a change in VAT doesn't mean a tax cut #talkinghospitality #hospitality #TaxReform #VAT #HospitalityIndustry

What does the data say about leaders and line managers actively engaging in learning and their teams? Is it actually worse? Steve Dineen, founder of learning platform Fuse Universal, in an upcoming episode, shares. #talkinghospitality #hospitality #LearningAndDevelopment #EmployeeEngagement #PerformanceImprovement

Honestly? The hospitality industry is a powerhouse, employing millions and generating billions in taxation. Yet, it often struggles for recognition compared to its European counterparts, where it's viewed as a respected and viable career path. It's time we elevate the perception of hospitality, acknowledging it not just as a job, but as a significant and respected profession with immense economic impact. What more can be done to boost its standing in our communities? #TalkingHospitality #Hospitality #IndustryRecognition #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

Discover how a quick onboarding process leads to happier, more confident employees. Get staff to 'I know how to do my job' faster, significantly boosting retention and benefiting HR. #TalkingHospitality #Hospitality #EmployeeOnboarding #StaffRetention #JobSatisfaction

Will there be a VAT cut for Hospitality in 2026? #talkinghospitality #hospitality #VAT #HospitalityIndustry #BusinessNews

Find out what sparked the jump from frustration to action and a campaign leading to Labour MPs being banned from pubs in the UK. Inspired by a 'wonky table' – a symbol of relatable industry struggles – a campaign for vital support like Eat Out to Help Out, COVID grants, and VAT relief gained momentum. For years, advocating for VAT reduction has been a key focus, with significant personal business impact. When faced with further financial strain, the call to action became undeniable: "We've got to do something." #talkinghospitality #hospitality #VAT #Advocacy #SmallBusiness

Pub's rates skyrocketed by 116%! Proposed COVID relief removal + new valuations led to a hike from £33k to £82k. Transitional relief was useless. @andyjlennox & @wonkytablehospitality fought back but the industry is still paying what it was, there are no new savings. #talkinghospitality #hospitality #BusinessRates #PubLife #HospitalityIndustry

Hospitality is busy. Pubs are full. But margins are collapsing. In this upcoming episode of Talking Hospitality, Andy Lennox explains why operators across the UK are struggling to make money despite strong trade. From soaring business rates and rising utilities to the campaign for VAT reform, this conversation digs into what’s really happening behind the scenes in pubs and restaurants. We also discuss the controversial “no Labour MPs” campaign, global press coverage, and why hospitality may need to be more robust in how it fights for survival. If you work in hospitality — or care about the future of pubs and restaurants — this episode is one to watch. Full episode coming soon. hospitality industry, restaurant management, leadership in hospitality, Thai cuisine, entrepreneurship in restaurants, cost of living impact, inflation and hospitality, employment in hospitality, restaurant success stories, pub management, VAT in hospitality, restaurant marketing strategies, hospitality cha…

In this episode, Timothy R Andrews sits down with operator and campaigner Andy Lennox in the Old Thatch pub in Dorset to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in hospitality right now. Andy shares his journey from building Co-Tai into a multi-site business (and the reality of private equity ownership), to launching Nusara, and growing a pub portfolio in a market that keeps getting tougher. The conversation moves quickly from business story to industry survival. Andy explains why the sector is “busy but broke”: rising utilities, rent pressure, business rates shocks, and margins shrinking to the point where reinvestment becomes impossible. He unpacks the Wonky Table campaign, why the “no Labour MPs” sticker spread, and how press, trade bodies and political pressure combine when an industry finally decides it’s had enough. It’s a practical, blunt, and sometimes controversial discussion about tax reform, VAT, business rates, and why hospitality needs to get better at ex…

Hardly - Service 2026 proved that the industry is still very united and still has great energy, enthusiasm and passionate operators and suppliers. Great event put out by Chris Fletcher from Tech on Toast, his team and the people at Brewdog Waterloo. Real pleasure meeting faces old & new - we even picked up a new sponsor! (Watch this space) #service2026 #hospitality #talkinghospitality #podcast

If someone says No to being an Apprentice #shorts #business #hospitality #podcast If someone says "No" to the offer of an Apprenticeship - how should we respond? What should you do if someone says “No” to being an apprentice”? This video dives deep into the reasons why many young people turn down apprenticeship opportunities and how that decision can shape their future. Apprenticeships offer hands-on training, real-world experience, and a pathway into skilled careers. However, not everyone feels ready or confident to accept this opportunity. Some people worry about low pay, lack of awareness, family pressure, or fear of failure. In this video, we break down these challenges and explain how saying no to an apprenticeship does not mean the end of personal or professional growth. You will learn: ✔ The most common reasons people refuse apprenticeships ✔ The impact of saying no on long-term career development ✔ What alternatives exist after rejecting an apprenticeship ✔ How to build ski…

How to attract Older Workers | Hospitality Podcast It's Apprenticeship Week! But it's not only young people that can do them but what does Hospitality have to do to attract older workers? Executive Chair of Hit Training , Jill Whittaker OBE shares her thoughts in this throwback from season Many industries are facing serious skills shortages — but one powerful solution is often overlooked: older workers. In this video, we explore how businesses can successfully attract, engage, and retain experienced professionals aged 50+ and why they are one of the most valuable talent pools in today’s workforce. Older workers bring experience, reliability, strong work ethic, and deep industry knowledge, yet many employers struggle to connect with them due to outdated recruitment practices and unconscious age bias. This video breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help organizations become more age-inclusive and future-ready. Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, manager, or busin…

A lot of workplace learning doesn’t fail because people don’t care. It fails because it doesn’t work in the moment people actually need help. In this upcoming episode of Talking Hospitality, we’re joined by Steve Dineen, Founder of Fuse Universal, to explore how learning really happens on the job — especially in fast-paced, frontline environments like hospitality. Steve shares why traditional “click next” training misses the mark, how bite-sized learning at the point of need changes performance, and why confidence — not certificates — is what actually improves retention. We also talk about leadership involvement, culture, inclusivity, and how technology should support people rather than overwhelm them. This episode is for hospitality leaders, operators, HR and L&D teams who want learning to feel useful, relevant, and genuinely supportive — not just something to tick off a list. 🎧 Full episode coming soon on Talking Hospitality Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss it. http://www.…

Apprenticeships aren't what they used to be! Investing in someone is investing in your business, adding value with a dedicated project. It’s more than ticking boxes; it’s a game-changer for hospitality's future. #talkinghospitality #hospitality #Apprenticeships #HospitalityIndustry #EmployeeTraining

Many hospitality managers lack formal leadership training. How can they effectively lead their teams? Talking Hospitality addresses this critical gap with insightful conversations. #talkinghospitality #hospitality #LeadershipSkills #ManagementTraining #HospitalityIndustry

Apprenticeships aren’t failing because of the levy or the standards. They fail when employers disengage. In our latest episode, we explore what actually makes apprenticeships work in practice — leadership support, realistic expectations, and learning that’s embedded into the business, not bolted on. If retention, progression and developing future leaders matter to you, this conversation is worth your time. 🎥 Episode now live on YouTube https://youtu.be/DM1OB8zGba0

Why do so many apprenticeships in hospitality fail — even when funding is available and intentions are good? In this episode of Talking Hospitality, we explore what really makes apprenticeships successful, and why employer commitment matters more than frameworks, levy funding, or training standards alone. Timothy R Andrews and Joe McDonnell are joined by Neil Gander and Lucy Grant-Evans from Electric Mayonnaise. Together, they unpack the reality of apprenticeships in hospitality — what works, what fails, and why. This conversation challenges the idea that apprenticeships are “free training” or a quick fix for retention. Instead, it looks at apprenticeships as part of a wider learning and development strategy that requires time, leadership and genuine buy-in from employers. The discussion covers why hospitality often promotes people faster than it trains them, how over-promotion creates leadership gaps, and why many managers are expected to lead teams without ever being taught how.…

Shape the future of Talking Hospitality! Season 6 is coming. Your opinions matter—comment, DM, or email your ideas and get a shout-out! #TalkingHospitality #Hospitality #Season6 #PodcastIdeas #FutureOfHospitality

World Cancer Day always lands heavily for me. Like many of you, I’ve lost family and friends to cancer. It stays with you. About ten years ago, I first heard the phrase “living with cancer” — and it stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that this isn’t only about loss. It’s about people getting up every day, carrying on, working, caring, showing up, while living alongside something unimaginably hard. Today feels like a moment to pause and acknowledge them. Not just those we’ve lost, but those who are still here, still navigating treatment, recovery, uncertainty, and everything in between. If you or someone close to you needs support, these services are there — free, confidential, and human. UK support Macmillan Cancer Support – 0808 808 00 00 Cancer Research UK (Nurses) – 0808 800 4040 Maggie’s Centres – 0300 123 1801 US support American Cancer Society – 1-800-227-2345 CancerCare – 1-800-813-4673 If this post reaches even one person who needs to hear that support exists, it’…

A video about hospitality apprenticeships sparked a huge TikTok debate. It's clear that there are many passionate people still in Hospitality Thank you to everyone who contributed! Let's continue the conversation about improving the industry. Talking Hospitality values your opinions. #talkinghospitality #hospitality #TikTokDebate #Apprenticeships #IndustryImprovement

Employers must recognize their role in apprenticeships. Investing in a person and then failing damages your brand. A failed apprenticeship will always be associated with you. #talkinghospitality #Hospitality #Apprenticeship #EmployerResponsibility #BrandReputation