The COVID-19 lockdowns are certainly not a period to dwell on. For many, it was a tumultuous time for their personal lives and businesses, none more so than within the hospitality industry. The restrictions imposed on businesses within this sector were debilitating. Whilst I would never minimise the impact, I am an eternal optimist. So, as the fifth anniversary of …
One of the UK’s most prolific talent managers, Prof Jonathan Shalit OBE, was a fantastic Season 3 guest on my Events That Made Me podcast. And, one of the most memorable things he said to me was: “Working harder and thinking broader than your competitors gets you more lovers and more haters.” This sentiment couldn’t resonate more with me. After …
It’s been another year of highs and lows for the hospitality industry. As always, some establishments have continued to stand the test of time. Others have basked in the warm glow of ‘their moment’. While a handful has sadly closed their doors, stumbled upon hard times, or fallen into disrepute. Here’s my take on all the hospitality highs and lows …
Can a Michelin key award help a hotel to generate more business or improve service? We’re all accustomed to the Michelin Star for restaurants, a beacon of excellence, bestowed upon establishments and used to denote quality, innovation, style, and that extra sprinkle of magic. Gaining a Michelin Star can be transformational for a chef and a restaurant. International recognition and …
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, otherwise known as Martyn’s Law, has made headlines again in recent weeks. After years of campaigning from Figen Murray, the mother of one of the Manchester bombing victims (and one of the most tenacious and inspirational people I have met), the bill was introduced to Parliament this September. A collective sigh of relief from …
In the business world, ambition is a desirable characteristic that encompasses self-belief, drive, and persistence to succeed. Yet, for many women, being ambitious can feel like a mixed blessing. Dogged, strong-willed, relentless, stubborn, wilful, and my personal favourite, high maintenance. These are all words that have been used to describe me in the world of work. None of them are …
It’s not often you’ll find me quoting Will Smith from his golden days in the nineties, but his Men in Black one-liner sums up perfectly the topic I’d like to explore in this blog. “You know what the difference is between you and me? I make this look good” – Will Smith, Men in Black In the film, his character …
Having agonised along with the rest of the country as England’s lacklustre performance against Slovakia was spectacularly turned around in the dying minutes, my mind wandered not for the first time to how football can be a metaphor for business. In particular on how hard it can be to decide when to hold your nerve when faced with adversity, AND …
“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” Walt Disney Competition is often viewed negatively in life. In business, it is positioned as something to be wary of. To fear, even. No matter which industry we operate within, when a competitor emerges our first reaction can be suspicion, quickly …
I’ve never been one to submit to the conventional. Not in any area of my business. From my approach to networking to the way we put together our show-stopping events, we always strive for the extraordinary. Within my consultancy, my clients revel in the new perspective I can bring to their business. A new way to use a venue. Pushing …
