Clubhouse Europe - issue 28

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Welcome

Birthday celebrations at last!

As we move forward into 2023 I hope you and your Clubs have had a good start to the year and that we can all look ahead with positivity to the rest 2023.

Much of our current business is Members catching up on occasions that they were not able to celebrate during the last few years, and CMAE is also one of those playing catch up Back in April 2001 the then Club Managers Association of Europe was officially formed by a group of forward thinking Club Managers and with the help of the Club Management Association of America. Twenty two years will have passed since this inception and the strides the association has taken over this period of time, and the figures listed below are quite staggering, credit must go to everyone involved with CMAE over the years for making the vision in 2001 a reality And now we can celebrate!

On the 28th of April we are expecting over 70 people who have been associated with the CMAE, whether it be as a Member, staff, presenter or partner to gather at The Caledonian Club to celebrate these achievements with a dinner and reflections on the past and positivity for our future, this is open to all Members and limited places are still available It certainly will be an occasion to remember and an article will feature in our next edition.

At our last Board meeting there was a great deal of discussion regarding our European Conference and it has been decided that this will now be held every two years with the next to be in London in late 2024. We have already put together a working group for this event and we will be approaching top class speakers over the coming months as well arranging experiences which will give everyone a taste of the world famous London Club-land.

This does not mean that we will not be looking at an opportunity for Members to meet in 2023, our CEO Toby has been looking at running a BMI, along the likes of which we have hosted for CMAA, and although currently in the early stages we hope to visit Washington DC in early Autumn Watch out for further details.

Craig Cotterill, our Commercial Director, has also been making great strides with our Corporate Partners. Relationships have been strengthened at a recent Corporate Partner Lunch in London where views were shared on how we can move forward together, on what we do well and on where we can perhaps do better from both sides. It was invigorating to sit around the table with people who support CMAE – some who have been supporting us for the full 20 years and some who have just joined us (and a warm welcome to Club Benchmarking!)

I look forward to seeing a number of you on April 28th, and at all our other events throughout the year.

David Balden CCM President, Club Managment Association of Europe (CMAE)

Contr ibutors

CMAE Board of Directors

David Balden CCM david balden@cmaeurope org

Michael Braidwood CCM CEO@bruntsfieldlinks co uk

Niall Carroll CCM niall@cducestates com

Cristian Fiora CCM fiora@tee-time it

Debbie Goddard debbie goddard@cmaeurope org

Alber to Iglesias CCM aiglesias@fdlgolf es

Torbjörn Johansson Torbjorn johansson@cmaeurope org

Michael Newland CCM michael@theberkshire co uk

Debbie Pern CCM admin@deesidegolfclub com

Silvia Serrano CCM serrano silvia@yahoo es

Michael McCormack CMDip michael mccormack@cmaeurope org

Craig Cotterill craig cotterill@cmaeurope org

Editor Caroline Scoular caroline@alchemymedia co uk

Design David Foster

Editorial Nick Sellens

Adver tising: Sean Ferris sean@alchemymedia co uk

Circulation Jonathan Hardy

Association Manager Debbie Goddard Debbie Goddard@cmaeurope org

Publisher Clubhouse Europe is published by Alchemy Contract Publishing e info@alchemycontractpublishing co uk

t +44) (0) 1753 272022

ACP

Gainsborough House, 59/60 Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1TX

United Kingdom

t +44 (0)1753 272022

e info@alchemycontractpublishing co uk

www alchemycontractpublishing co uk

CMAE

The Club Management Association of Europe

1b Bagshaw Close Ryton on Dunsmore War wickshire CV8 3EX

United Kingdom

t +44 (0) 247 669 2359

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers or the

CMAE Clubhouse Europe does not verify the claims made by adver tisers regarding their products

David Balden CCM Craig Cotterill Sean Ferris David Foster

Debbie Goddard Cindy Hedmann Torbjörn Johansson Michael McCormack

Caroline Scoular Hamish MacLean Jill Slingsby Nick Sellens

Cont ents

5 News round-up

News, views and new alliances

6

Management Development Programmes

Latest news on MDPs Plus diary dates and why you should sign up and join in

9 CMAE launches Par tners Lunch

On the February 16 the CMAE held it first Commercial Partners Lunch, inviting all current partners to contribute to the strategy and direction of the group over the next 12 months.

12 World Conference

The 2023 World Conference and Club Business Expo 2023 saw all records being broken, with over 3,500 heading to Orlando for the events And an impressive 536 of these were newbies, attending the event for their very first time

14 Reflections on Orlando

Back at his desk one week after returning from his first CMAA World Conference in Orlando, Paul Mills, recipient of the CMAE’s Joe Perdue Bursary, shares his thoughts on an amazing experience.

16 Golf industr y – challenges and oppor tunities

As 2023 advances, the golfing industry will grapple with some ongoing problems Yet, these challenges also offer significant opportunities for growth, reports US digital agency Linchpin SEO Here are highlights of their key findings

19 Club Awards call for entries

It’s time to shine in the 2022 Club Awards Deadline for entries: 9 September, 2022

25 Spotlight on ser vice

Running a golf club in Abu Dhabi, one of the most luxurious destinations in the world, means excellent customer service is at a premium – something that 59Club customer Rhian Lobo, General Manager of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, knows only too well.

27 Industr y Inter view

Clubhouse Europe takes time out to chat with CEO Torbjorn “Toby” Johansson about his role, education, conferences and all things CMAE

31 Free Reader Ser vice

HQ Building the Business is a free reader service designed to help UK clubs with purchasing requirements, from latest launches to energy comparison sites

32 Food & beverage insights

Will clubs have to accept that paying higher prices for food and drink may be the only sustainable way to secure supplies of the freshest and seasonal produce? Lynx Purchasing reports.

32 Sustainability – is golf under threat?

Syngenta examines how golf can play a leading role in sustainability while under increased pressure to demonstrate their environmental and community value

34 Energy consumption and invisible waste

With many clubs facing an unprecedented rise in the cost of goods and energy prices shooting up, it’s not surprising to learn that 92% of hospitality decision makers are worried

35 Club Finance Summit

Recognising that financial uncertainty remains a big issue for clubs across the globe, the CMAE is hosting an online Finance Summit on 25 May.

37 Career-building oppor tunities

The CMAE is committed to supporting clubs and individuals in their search for excellence Enjoy this selection of prestigious posts available as we go to press

32

For more information on any of these ar ticles or to contribute to our next issue, cont act Editor Caroline Scoular

e car oline@alchemymedia co uk

t +4 4 (0)1753 272022

For more infor mation on the CMAE, its events and/or courses cont act Debbie Goddar d

e debbie goddar d@cmaeur ope or g

t +4 4 (0) 247 669 2359

News fr om t he fr ontline

Club Finance Summit – 25 May, 2023

We are in exceptional times where f inancial uncer t ainty has af fected us all In this topical and engaging Finance Summit, CMAE and attendees will discuss f inancial planning, current trends and best practice as well as f inding out what it is exactly that the Treasurer needs you to know by breaking down key terms and clarifying meanings

This is also a great oppor tunity to bring along your Treasurer or CFO and enjoy a day of education together

The Summit will be recorded and circulated to all who have signed up for the day Places are limited to 45 delegates, so book early • Turn to page 35 in this issue for more details andhow to book

Club Awards 2023 have now launched

The 2023 Club Awards are now open for entries The Awards recognise the commitment of clubs, committees and individuals who work to ensure a healthy future for their clubs and members, celebrating clubs of all types and sizes See pages 19-23 for a snapshot of the 2022 Awards

• Deadline for entries – August16, 2023 Visit www clubawards co uk

Club

The CMAE is delighted to announce a new Premier Par tnership with dat a analysis company Club Benchmarking EMEA, a provider of power ful business intelligence sof tware and ser vices for clubs of all types

Craig Cotterill, CMAE Commercial Director, said: “Access to fact-based insight and industr y specific data is something that ever y business needs to make informed decisions

Ethnically Diverse Managers in Golf 2023 Bursary

The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF), the education bursar y arm of CMAE, and The R&A are continuing to award f ive bursaries for aspiring and existing golf club managers from ethnically diverse backgrounds for the second year running

The CMAE is delighted to suppor t our member clubs through our latest Premier Par tner agreement with Club Benchmarking EMEA ” Key financial drivers, the impor tance of capital planning, and data-driven measurement of member satisfaction, loyalty and attachment are a key areas addressed by the company

James Burns, Managing Director of Club Benchmarking EMEA, said: “ This key par tnership provides us with the oppor tunity to be at the leading edge of club management education in Europe We believe that private clubs in Europe will benefit greatly from factbased insight just as they have in Nor th America and Australia ”

• Click here for more details on Club Benchmarking

Belfast-based sof tware company Obbi Golf has celebrated its f irst bir thday by raising a £1 25m investment, leading to the creation of 14 jobs The award-winning sof tware product is helping to change the way golf clubs manage their compliance, safety and training, and the company

The tech st ar t-up secured investment from TechSt ar t Ventures and a small number of individuals, led by entrepreneur Patrick McAliskey, who has also joined Obbi Golf as its new Chairman

• For more information on Obbi Golf click here

The bursaries are funded by The R&A as par t of its commitment to increase the ethnic diversity of those working in the golf industr y Research conducted by The R&A among those from ethnically diverse communities has suggested that role models are key to demonstrating that golf is open to all, not only as a par ticipant in the spor t but as a professional career oppor tunity

The recipients of the bursaries will each have place on the CMAE’s Management Development Education Programme (MDP)

The bursar ies s t ar t wit h a place on MDP 1, which covers t he remit of oper ational skills required to r un a Club, wit h t he hope t hat par ticipants will t hen progress t hrough t he MDP pat hway to gain t he Club Management Diploma (CMDip), seen as t he club indus tr y’s benchmar k management qualif ication Awards will be made by 26th May for recipients to choose the most appropriate location in Europe or the Middle East to t ake MDP1 The f ive places awarded in 2023 will be allocated, if possible, to two from GB&I; two from Europe and one from Africa/Middle East

Potential applicants should apply online at this link.

• Closingdate for applications is 28 April, 2023

Benchmarking EMEA announces Premier Par tnership with CMAE

Obbi Golf – £1.25m investment

CMAE’s Clive Co tt er ill (lef t) and Torbjör n Johansson (r ight) with Club Benchmar king EMEA’s James Bur ns

Management Development Programmes

The CMAE MDP is a series of courses focused on the core competencies of club management designed not only for those working as club general managers, club

secretaries and in other senior positions at sports, city and business clubs today, but also for those who aspire to these roles in the future

MDPs COMING UP – MAY - DECEMBER, 2023

Watch out for new MDPs coming up. (Information correct at time of going to press) Full details available on CMAE’s website. (See ‘Get Involved’ for links and contact details.)

MAY

MDP 1 – Club Operations (in Spanish)

8-12 May, Anoreta, Spain

This week long course is targeted in particular towards those managers who are either new to a post, recently appointed or simply want to enhance their knowledge so that they may better serve their club committee, owners and members At the end of the week, those taking the course will have an excellent grasp of the basics in every area of club business, and will have established a valuable network of support for their career in this industry.

JUNE

MDP – Parts 1,2&3

12-16 June, Dubai

This course is aimed at those starting on the MDP journey, as well as for those continuing on the path

Hosted at the five star Park Hyatt Hotel and the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the course includes:

• MDP 1 – Club Operations

• MDP 2 – Building and Managing the Club Team

• MDP 3 – Strategy & Leadership in association with Club Benchmarking

• Full details on opposite page

MDP – Golf Spanish

19-23 June, Sotogrande

Hosted in Spanish, the course focuses on managing golf operations, diving deep into subjects such as course rating and handicapping, working with greenkeeping departments, fleet management, retail and customer service, academies, sustainability and golf architecture amongst other topics

AUGUST

MDP – Sport & Recreation Management

7-11 August, London

This course is aimed at Managers who wants to have a wider view of sports, fitness,recreation and wellness operations By attending this course, delegates will experience all parts of the club world when it comes to these elements.

The course will cover many areas within racket sports, aquatics and junior programming as well as

recreational sports but also listen to the trends within wellness and fitness.

Delegates will have a thorough understanding of the history, evolution and future trends of the wellness in clubs, to make better decision for the future for their clubs and their committees

MDP 1 – Club Operations

21-25 August, London

Part 1 is a week long course targeted in particular towards those managers who are either new to a post, recently appointed or simply want to enhance their knowledge so that they may better serve their club committee, owners and members. At the end of the week, those taking the course will have an excellent grasp of the basics in every area of club business, and will have established a valuable network of support for their career in this industry

NOVEMBER

MDP 1 – Club Operations

6-10 November, Edinburgh

Details as per 21-25 August, London

MDP 2 - Building & Managing the Club Team

13-17 November, Manchester

The Part 2 course builds on the foundations of Part 1 to focus on strategic and business planning, performance and service standards, and the professional and communicative skills to develop every aspect of both the individual’s performance and that of their club. At the end of Part 2 there is an optional

examination to attain the CMAE Diploma in Club Management.

MDP - Golf Management

27 November – 1 December, St Andrews

This course is aimed at Managers with particular responsibility for successful golf operations By attending this course, delegates will learn to maximize their working relationship with the key personnel employed in this area of the business, including the Course Manager, Professional and Club Manager

The course will cover in detail areas such as agronomy, golf shop operations, merchandising, fleet management, tournament operations and business planning to fit with the club’s overall aims and traditions. Delegates will have a thorough understanding of the history, evolution and future trends of the golf industry, to better serve their clubs and committees

DECEMBER

MDP 1 – Club Operations

4-8 December, Dublin

Details as per 21-25 August, London

The CMAE’s Management Development Programme (MDP) is the leading education programme for club industr y professionals and provides the pathway to the european Club Management Diploma (CMDip) and the global Cer tified Club Manager (CCM) cer tifications. GET INVOLVED

To register your interest or for any queries, contact Debbie Goddard on debbie goddard@cmaeurope org Full details are available at cmaeurope org/ mdp-courses/or use this QR Code

Three MDPs set to take place in Dubai. See you there?

Three MDPs are set to take place in Dubai on 12-16 June at the five star Park Hyatt Hotel and the spectacular Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

The CMAE is promising a week that you won’t forget, including MDP 1 (Club Operations), MDP 2 (Building and Managing the Club Team) and MDP 3 (Strategy & Leadership).

The MDPs all take place on Monday to Friday and will feature Darshan Singh, Bill Sanderson, Jeffrey Kreafle, CEO/GM of Congressional Country Club as well as Ray Cronin, Founder and Chief Innovator at Club Benchmarking

On Wednesday evening, 14 June, delegates are invited to an event featuring Jeffrey and Ray for a great evening of Education and Networking

This is the perfect week for those starting on the MDP journey, as well as for those continuing on the

F&B course, Switzerland

March saw CMAE members head out to the stunning Swiss location of Montreux for a fascinating five day CMAE’s Food & Beverage Management course.

path, meeting people from across the global Club industry

To read more and to enrol, use the following links:

Scottish Club Manager wins ECEF bursary

The European Club Education Foundation (ECEF) has awarded the annual Joe Perdue Bursary to Iain Russell, Club Manager at East Renfrewshire Golf Club The Bursary covers the costs of attending the MDP Part 3 Strategy & Leadership course run by Club Management Association of Europe (CMAE)

The Joe Perdue Bursary was established in 2015 in memory of CMAA’s Joe Perdue, the pioneer of club management education in Europe

Iain said: “I am extremely grateful and privileged to be the Joe Perdue Bursary award winner The positive impact CMAE has had on my career is immeasurable and the continued educational programmes offer a wonderful pathway to becoming a CCM

Marc Newey CCM CCE from ECEF said: “ Iain’s application stood out from the rest and the Board were unanimous that he deserved to receive the award. We know he will make the very most of it.

• For more information on the ECEF click here

WHIRLWIND TOUR OF MDPs TO DATE

Edinburgh – 6-10 February, MDP 2

Dublin – 6-10 March, MDP 1

Manchester – 23-27 January, MDP 1

CMAE launches Partners Lunch

The inaugural Commercial Partners Lunch was held at The Travellers Club on Pall Mall, London, and was well supported by the current 16 businesses who partner with the association

The event, created by CMAE Commercial Director Craig Cotterill, provided a forum for part-

ners to share their insight into what it means to be a partner of the association

Craig said: “The idea for the lunch was for the team and CMAE board members to meet and listen to the partners and get a better understanding of how we can improve the partnerships still further This was the first time that our partners have

had the opportunity to meet as a collective, and the forum enabled them to share opinions on where we can improve, as well as agree on the areas that we do well, helping us to continue to leverage these to add value for members and partners alike ”

Attending partners included those who have worked with the CMAE for many years including Toro and Jonas Software as well as commercial partners such as Club Benchmarking and Obbi Golf who have joined the CMAE in recent months

“The group is developing all the time, and this enabled a very well-rounded discussion about the future direction of the group, ” said Craig. “Ideas and opinions varied, and it was great to see the group discuss between themselves how they could collaborate more for the greater good of the group

THE TRAVELLERS CLUB

The Travellers Club was founded in 1819, ‘for gentlemen who had travelled out of the British Isles to a distance of at least five hundred miles from London in a direct line’ Membership was extended to foreign visitors and diplomats posted to London

The original concept of The Club dates from the return to peace in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars The founders envisaged a club where gentlemen who travelled abroad might meet and of fer hospitality to distinguished foreign visitors Arrangements for the establishment of The Club were finalised at a meeting in the spring of 1819, attended by distinguished diplomats, travellers and two future Prime Ministers (the Earl of Aberdeen and Viscount Palmerston)

The Club was first housed at 12 Waterloo Place but soon outgrew the space and so moved to 49 Pall Mall

In 1826 money was raised to lease par t of the grounds of Carlton House and Sir Charles Barry, who later designed the Houses of Parliament and

around the table and the members in terms of adding value for them ”

The group will now meet on a regular basis to share ideas, best practice, and continue contributing and supporting the CMAE commercial partnerships strategy

Craig said: “It’s an exciting time at the CMAE as we continue to develop and grow as an association and I know from spending time with the partners as a group and individually, that they are all committed to supporting CMAE members throughout their educational journey and beyond ”

UP CL OSE

the Reform Club next door, was appointed as architect Sir Charles Barry’s inspiration for the building was his Grand Tour around the Mediterranean and Middle East from June 1817 to August 1820 The

Renaissance architecture of Italy in par ticular influenced him and he based the Clubhouse on Raphael’s Palazzo Pandolfini in Florence Barry also remodelled Highclere Castle and the Palace of Westminster

INTERES TED IN BECOMING A PARTNER?

The benefits of par tnering with the CMAE include:

• Logos on website and digital communications

• Complimentar y adver t in Clubhouse Europe magazine

• Oppor tunity to submit insights and opinion ar ticles in Clubhouse Europe magazine and the Clubnetworker Newsletter

• Associate CMAE membership for at least 1 member of staf f

• Presentation oppor tunities at CMAE events

To enquire about becoming a partner of CMAE please send your initial enquiry to office@cmaeurope org

Records broken as Club Managers come t ogether

The 2023 World Conference and Club Business Expo 2023 saw all records being broken, repor ts CMAE CEO Torbjörn Johanssen, with over 3,500 heading to Orlando for the events. And an impressive 536 of these were newbies, attending the event for their ver y first time.

The venue for this year ’ s World Conferencethe Gaylord Palms Resort- was outstanding. It was huge yet easily accessible with good meeting rooms and plenty of space to host receptions by partners of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) throughout the Conference

Fifty people from the CMAE attended the eventand if you haven’t seen the video with testimonials, make your way to CMAE LinkedIn and watch it!

Besides all keynotes and education sessions with memorable content, the Business Expo had a new record of companies attending – an impressive 286

Of the Keynote speakers, the first was Erik Qualman. A Digital leader, author of Socialnomics, professor, speaker, and entrepreneur, he did a great job getting all attendees to engage and fully network during his session

Another speaker worthy of mention was the ever

popular Dethra Giles, a four-time TEDx speaker, ranked as a Top 100 HR Influencer by Engagedly Inc and selected as HR Gazette’s HRchat Pod Top 22 most influential experts in HR She is a host of the Happily Ever Employed podcast, and did a superb job with HR content to make people love the subject

The Education Session had everything to offer from Leadership and Marketing to Yachting, Golf, Tennis and Hospitality - a great mix of professional speakers as well as managers active in the industry

On the International Symposium (where all delegates from outside of the US are invited) we had an amazing presentation from Carmen Mauceri, GM/COO at Mediterra. He spoke about, for example, how they use quotes from employees and put them up on the club wall Very team-motivating

Carmen also explained ‘Onboarding’, where managers collect new employees from the airport, take them to their new home and help them settle in Finally, an important quote from Carmen for us all to remember: “Treat your employees like they make a difference

and they will ”

Car men Maucer i, GM/COO at Medit er ra

At the CMAE recep tion, we were delight ed t o see Les Dur no and P aul Boo th receive their CCM cer tif icat es.

Ref lections on Or lando

I’d like to start off by thanking my Club and our team for allowing me the time to attend CMAA World Conference And thanks also to my fellow managers who have welcomed me into the community of Club Managers and given of their time, experience, advice and support. I am very grateful.

I was lucky enough to spend time with one of them, through the whole of what was a special week for both of us. Les Durno received his CCM at the Conference, and it was very nice to witness that and to understand the sacrifices that he has made to reach this achievement Others that were not in attendance but who’ve always been at the end of a WhatsApp or an e-mail are Debbie Pern CCM and Gordon Simpson of the wonderful Gullane Golf Club

The SGCMA have also been an incredibly welcoming and embracing support network to a Brummie who is a long way from home! And lastly, but certainly not least, are all of the people involved at the CMAE. My engagement with this organisation has been the best learning experience of my lifetime; content, delivery and execution have been first class.

The education is demanding, inspiring and motivating, and I send colleagues away on MDPs with the certainty that they will return fulfilled and better equipped for the careers that lie ahead of them Keep up the good work guys, you are doing us proud I think that Joe Perdue would be very proud of the progress of the area to which he was so clearly committed, and I am sure that I am one of many that are thankful to Joe Perdue for his foresight and leadership

So, my first World Conference had a lot to live up to. I’m not one to wax lyrical, conservative by nature, not too excitable, some might say a touch boring and careful. So that hopefully sets the context for the tributes I am about to uncharacteristically, lavish upon my experience! I am not embarrassed to say that I found the whole thing fascinating, inspiring, exciting, motivating, challenging and rewarding It was a privilege to attend and I am proud to be a part of the tribe The sense of community is overwhelming

It is a major personal objective to go on and achieve CCM accreditation in the not too distant future

CMAA struck me as an incredibly professional organisation, providing great leadership to its members and the huge number of US managers in attendance seemed very happy campers. There were so many things to admire, it would be impossible to list them all.

The venue, scheduling, staging, speakers and

hospitality were all of the highest order from my experience in the Club industry, and that spans quarter of a century now They do it brilliantly in the US; such is the aspiration

I will do my utmost to attend annually I have promised myself that If that means sacrificing salary, that will be a worthwhile investment in myself. I really hope to be able to share the experience with team members and having Board Members attend would be a major benefit. I’ve not had chance to review my notes which extend to 30

sides of A4 yet My head is still spinning with ideas and my enthusiasm is overflowing It is impossible to take it all in, but the secret to education is to keep accessing it Every time I have engaged with learning I am reminded of its importance That is one of the best lessons I’ve learnt.

Thanks to all at CMAE, CMAA and thanks to all of my colleagues in this wonderful industry.

A very grateful Paul Mills, General Manager, Nairn Golf Club, Highlands, Scotland

Back at his desk one week after returning from his first CMAA World Conference in Orlando, recipient of the CMAE’s Joe Perdue Bursar y Paul Mills, shares his thoughts on an amazing experience.

II will do my utmos t t o att end annuall y.

I have pr omised myself t hat. If t hat means sacr if icing salar y, t hat will be a wor t hwhile inves tment in myself.

Golf industr y – challenges and oppor tunities for 2023

Despite challenges, businesses engaging in the golfing industry in the United States enjoy an excellent opportunity to expand and prosper this year

Resolving the Covid-19 crisis may fuel renewed public interest in this historical, recreational pursuit

In addition, most facilities and courses contended successfully with public health restrictions during the pandemic bodes well for a very successful 2023!

Changing membership fees

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the accompanying recession, many everyday golfers’ disposable income has decreased. This has caused many clubs to rethink their membership fees and lower their prices for playing a round. While demand has experienced a sharp increase, there is no way to predict how the market will look months from now. If the recession is prolonged, some country clubs may see a substantial decrease in revenue, forcing them to consider shutting down

Quicker events and courses

One of the more noticeable trends in golf is a more significant push to move to short events, playing only nine holes instead of a full round More people are drawn to shorter courses and the opportunity to play fewer holes because of work and family requirements. This allows golfers to get onto the system quicker, and shorter periods are increasing in popularity. Golfers can expect more six and 9-hole approaches to complement the traditional golf courses.

Golfing legend, Gary Player, said in an HSBC report that golfing community would have to come up with ways to play that do not take as long as a complete round for golf to grow He thinks this will make it more accessible to the everyday golfer and allow designers to build courses that appeal to broader population segments

Younger and female golfers

Around a third of all golfers in the U S are now millennials, which could be a shock to the golfing community given its clear appeal to middle-aged and older crowds. However, younger golfers like Rory Mcllroy are proving the stereotype that golf is a sport for the older segments of the population wrong. In 2019, over 14 million millennials indicated they

would be interested in playing a game of golf this year

However, this noteworthy trend will impact other aspects of golf and trends around eating and the use of technology in the game As will be discussed in

further detail in this article, millennials and generation z are starting to influence the food and beverages offered at the local course and have been the biggest fans of technology to improve the golfing experience

As 2023 advances, the golfing industr y will grapple with some ongoing problems. Yet, these challenges also offer significant oppor tunities for growth, repor ts US digit al agency Linchpin SEO. Here are highlights of their key findings*.

Additionally, the younger population’s increased presence has influenced the menus of local clubs, guiding them towards healthier alternatives. In combination with the fact that the older population has also grown more health-conscious, clubs can expect higher demand for healthier options

Another noteworthy demographic shift is the increasing interest in golf from women In 2019, women were about a quarter of all golfers, and surveys found that their presence in the essential beginners and juniors segments of golfers has also grown They are especially interested in off-course golf experiences, including golfing ranges, comprising up to 40% of all off-course golfers

This bodes well for the future of golf and the vision to become a more inclusive sport enjoyed by all. It will also provide more business opportunities as chances to appeal to the female demographics in golfing equipment and fashion can be expected to increase in 2023.

More Technology in Golf

Like many other sports, technology is reshaping golf and offering opportunities for golfers to improve their game The effects of technology on golf can be seen in the design of golf clubs, the use of global positioning system devices for measuring the distance to the hole, and swing analysis, which can correct errors in the swing

Robogolfpro is a training system that allows golfers to correct their swing and work on their ideal swing. This appeals especially to younger segments of the population who are more acquainted with data analytics and swing technology. It records impact, distance, direction, curvature, and clubhead speed measurements

Depending on the golfer’s flexibility, it will direct them on how to achieve the perfect swing and allow the user to compare it to their current swing Every subsequent swing will be analyzed against the perfect swing so that the golfer’s muscle memory is built toward achieving the best possible swing

Self-driving push carts carrying bags and clubs have become more popular, improving the experi-

ence ’ s social aspect Club Car’s Tempo Walk has become more popular since its release in 2019, and golfers expect to see more in 2023. Its sensor attaches to the golfer’s belt buckle, allowing the bag to track and follow its movements. While it has only been leased to clubs more recently, we can expect more individuals to possess them in the coming year.

Healthier food options at resorts and clubs

Society has experienced changes in food preferences towards healthier choices and away from traditional options Clubs and resorts have adapted vegan options, cocktail options, and craft beers to adapt to changing tastes These changes have helped attract younger millennials, generation z, and others seeking to adopt healthier diets

Changes in fashion trends

New fashion trends will provide aesthetic and functional appeal for golfers in 2023 Because stance and alignment are critical elements of golf, specialized clothing is being developed to help improve the spine and neck alignment to maximize their game

More media coverage and social media outreach

Social media and media coverage are essential parts of golf’s strategy to reach more segments of the population, especially the younger crowd Given that over 60% of millennials are active Instagram users, the sport of golf will be looking to reach this crowd by providing more coverage of tournaments and more highlights of amazing shots.

Whether it is Instagram, Tik Tok, or Facebook, the PGA seeks to cultivate the younger members of the population into the next generation of golfers

Increasing attention to environmental impact

HSBC’s report has highlighted that the golfing community wants to become a model in water management, conservation, and biodiversity Additionally, the concept of carbon-positive courses is expected to gain more traction

Given that the younger population is more conscious of the dangers of climate change and many are already starting to see its impacts, there will be pressure on clubs and the PGA to manage their properties in ways that minimize environmental impact.

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Time t o shine!

It’s the 2023 Club Awards

Calling all clubs! It’s time to enter the 2023 Club Awards, the only Awards dedicated to recognising the commitment of clubs, committees and individuals who work to ensure a healthy future for their clubs, their members and their communities. Could that be you? Time to find out!

Will your club be joining us at this year ’ s prestigious Club Awards in Leciester?

Have you got what it takes to take your place alongside the best clubs in the country?

The Club Awards celebrate clubs of all types and sizes from across the UK and beyond, from commmunity clubs and social clubs to high profile sports clubs, providing the perfect opportunity to meet up with fellow clubs to share ideas and initiatives while having a lot of fun along the way

As well as recognising the hard work and sparkling initiatives of clubs themselves, where would clubs be without the individuals that are at the heart of all that clubs do? In recognition of this, the Club Awards also applaud individuals, community heroes, long-serving officials and young ambassadors We will also welcome on stage officers from clubs that are proudly marking their 100th birthday this year (Turn to page 34 for full details)

JOIN THE JOURNEY – WHY ENTER?

In addition to a great night out with two free tickets for finalists and after dinner entertainment, clubs use their success to raise the club’s profile, gain coverage in the local media, encourage new members and to gain even greater standing with suppliers

HOW T O ENTER

Turn the page to nominate yourself, your colleagues and/or your club. You can enter via this magazine or enter online at clubawards.co.uk. Good luck!

THE VENUE

Originally designed in 1936 as an Odeon Cinema, Athena is recognised as one of the most extravagant buildings in Leicester, restored to its original art deco splendour and enjoying a reputation for being the leading venue within the region

GETTING THERE

Athena is centrally located within easy reach of all major road and rail neworks. Bus and train stations are within walking distance, and there are parking facilities include an NCP next to the venue

ACCOMMODATION

There is a large selection of accommodation nearby to suit all budgets, searchable at booking com and www tripadvisor co uk amongst many others

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Visit clubawards.co.uk for further details or scan this QR code.

Club Awards 2023 – how t o ent er

So, do you think you could be a finalist? Could you and your club be joining the impressive Club Awards Hall of Fame? Time to find out! Yes, it’s time to enter the 2023 Club Awards!

How to enter Just look at the categories on these pages and decide which you’d like to enter Then either:

1 Enter online at clubmirror com OR

2. Use the entry form below and post it to Club Mirror/Club Awards, 59-60 Thames St, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1TX OR

3. Ask for a judge to undertake a telephone interview.

We look forward to your entry!

Your name:

Your role in club:

Club Name: Address:

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 16 August, 2023

Entering by pos t?

Tick which categories you would like to enter and/or choose ‘Let judges decide’. The judges will then enter you into the categories they feel you are most suited for.

THEN: Using the questions opposite and in as many words as possible share just how special your club and your people are, using extra sheets of paper as needed, along with any supporting materials

GOOD LUCK!

PEOPLE NOMINATIONS

1 If you are nominating an individual or individuals, please state their name, role and contact details

3 ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNIT Y

Post code: Contact tel nos: Email: Website: Facebook/Twitter etc:

2 What are you entering them for and why? (See categories)

4 CONSIDERATIONS

Please include all/any fur ther details you would like the judges to consider

ABOUT THE CLUB

1 BIGGEST SUCCESS/ GREATEST MOMENT SINCE MAY 2022?

1 Year founded: 2 Number of Members: 3 Club Turnover:

2 BEST BUSINESS INITIATIVE/INNOVATION?

THE C ATEGORIES

n LET THE JUDGES DECIDE

RECOGNITION CATEGORIES

n 100 Club – recognising clubs over 100 years old (R)

n Volunteer Recognition (BC)

n Community Heroes (AD)

n International Club (AK)

n Young Ambassadors - under 30s (BE)

n Long Ser vice Recognition (AO)

PEOPLE CATEGORIES

n Bar Manager/Bar Steward of the Year (S)

n Manager/Secretar y of the Year (AP)

n Committee of the Year (AB)

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

n Business Initiative of the Year (U)

n Enter tainment Club of the Year (AI)

n Innovative Club of the Year (AJ)

n Marketing Club of the Year (AQ)

n Refurbishment Club of the Year (AS)

n Social Media Club of the Year (AU)

n Turnaround Club of the Year (BB)

n Website of the Year (BD)

SPORTS CATEGORIES

n Bowls Club of the Year (T)

n Cricket Club of the Year (AE)

n Dar ts Club of the Year (AF)

n Football Club of the Year (AL)

n Golf Club of the Year (AM)

n Racing Club of the Year (AR)

n Rugby Club of the Year (AT)

n Spor ts & Social Club of the Year (AV)

n Spor ts Club of the Year - Group/Chain (AW)

n Spor ts Club of the Year - Multiple Spor ts (AX)

n Tennis Club of the Year (BA)

CATERING AND BAR CATEGORIES

n CAMRA Club of the Year (V)

n Cocktail Club of the Year (AA)

n Catering Club of the Year (W)

n Chef of the Year (Y)

IN THE COMMUNIT Y

n Charity Club of the Year (X)

n CIU Traditional Club of the Year (Z)

n Community Club of the Year (AC)

n Diversity & Inclusion Club of the Year (AG)

n Family Club of the Year (AH)

GREEN & ENVIRONMENTAL

n Green Club of the Year (AN)

n Sustainability Project Award (AY)

n Grounds Team of the Year (AZ)

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTRY!

DEADLINE – 16 AUGUST, 2023

TO ENTER ONLINE: www clubawards com (A downloadable entr y form is also available )

TO ENTER BY POST: Club Awards, Club Mirror, Gainsborough House, 59-60 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1TX

TO ENTER VIA TELEPHONE INTERVIEW: Ask for a judge to under take a telephone inter view – email info@clubmirror co uk

ANY QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE TEAM Email - info@clubmirror com Call - 01753 272022

Welcome t o the Club Awards

Couldn’t join us in 2022? Then take a look at last year’s welcome drinks reception for Awards finalists, club guests, club associations, dignitaries and sponsors as Leicester lit up for a night of celebration.

A bu Dhabi City Golf Club’s General Manager, Rhian Lobo

Manager of A bu

Golf

Abu Dhabi attracts a diverse range of visitors from all around the globe, from business executives to leisure travellers, all of whom expect a high level of service and experience and are accustomed to top-notch treatment wherever they go So for Abu Dhabi City Golf Club’s GM, Rhian Lobo, investing in customer service operations is crucial to meet the expectations of both local and international guests

“As a premier golf destination in the region, we understand the importance of delivering a worldclass experience for our members and guests,” said Lobo “By investing in our customer service operations, we can ensure that we meet and exceed the expectations of our customers, and maintain our position as a leader in the industry.”

Lobo has invested in partnering with 59club to work on many aspects of their customer-facing operations

“We strive to provide our members and guests with the best possible experience, and 59club has been instrumental in identifying not only areas of improvement, but also how to capitalize on things we already do well They’ve been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals,” he said

Identifying needs and opportunities are one thing Collecting and implementing actionable data is another Using data collected through 59club’s survey tools, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club was able to identify that their customers wanted improvements to the driving range, while also using data to create a pitch to the governing board. The club now has ball

tracking technology on all 48 bays, something much prized by members and guests alike

In addition to mystery shopping audits and survey data, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club has also undertaken on-site training sessions with 59club in order to bring the team together and provide them with the tools they need to excel in their roles

“Investing in our team is crucial to maintaining our high standards of customer service,” said Lobo “The F&B, golf operations, membership sales and retention training sessions have helped us identify our team’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling us to provide targeted training that has ultimately

improved the customer experience ”

This investment and commitment has already paid dividends According to 59club’s data comparisons over the course of the last three years, the club’s customer service satisfaction scores have shown double digit increases in eight different categories, spanning – among others – staff sales and upselling aptitude, customer engagement, facility management, on-course service standards, and the food and beverage operation.

“It can be easy to implement a new programme as a manager and simply forget about it. When you forget about it, so do your staff,” said Lobo. “With regular mystery shopper reports from 59club, we make sure we ’ re always focused on what matters to our customers, and we are able to reward our staff for achieving measurable success ”

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club has come a long way in their customer service journey Starting from a Bronze Flag Designation, they have now progressed to the 59club Gold Flag standard, a testament to their commitment to excellence

Running a golf club in A bu Dhabi, one of t he mos t luxur ious des tinations in t he wor ld, means excellent cus t omer ser vice is at a pr emium – some t hing t hat 59Club cus t omer Rhian Lobo, Gener al

Dhabi City

Club, knows onl y t oo well.

Torbjörn “Toby” Johansson

Caroline Scoular takes time out to chat with CEO Torbjörn

conferences and all things CMAE.

CS: Toby, you’ve moved from being the CMAE’s Director of Education to CEO. How has this changed your role, and the direction of the association?

TJ: When I first began with the CMAE back in 2017, we didn’t have a CEO. That - usefully!means that I’ve already undertaken many CEO duties. My focus until this time has been fully focused on education.

I really like the fact that we didn’t employ a CEO at that stage, but rather a Director of Education Now, with added growth, we have more responsibility to more employees and people attached to the association, so the role of CEO was created

It made a lot of sense for me personally to want to step into the new role I could see myself in this new challenging position and with a new focus (even though I love being a facilitator on MDP weeks, which can be anywhere in the world!).

One of the big steps related to this was the launch of a new Strategic Plan which sees us an association focus on even more than our excel-

Johansson about his role,

of our delegates, members and partners

As a slight aside - but I mean it! - I’m very thankful to the CMAE Board for believing in me and the team, allowing us to grow and develop

CS: On this topic of development, have you seen the Alliance Par tnerships grow?

TJ: I am delighted that we have seen an uptake in our Alliance Partnerships with GAF Norway, HCMA Hungary and ASGM Switzerland, all becoming a part of the CMAE Family in the last couple of years

Now ,we are excited about France as well, as ADGF is back with us and we are planning MDPs hosted in French in the near future (We are already up and running with our Spanish programmes )

Besides all of this, we are seeing great developments in the Middle East and one of our key targets here is to deliver MDPs in Arabic

lent Management Development Programmes [MDPs]. It is my responsibility to make sure that this all happens, in line with the wants and needs

Back to Europe, and I was in Italy on the AITG conference a few weeks ago and was delighted that they are keen for us to go back to Italy to deliver MDPs again (in English ).

The Alliance Partnership is something we value

“Toby”

education,

Torbjör n “ Toby” Johansson, CMAE CEO

Pictured: Enjoying the camarader ie at Last year ’s Eur opean Conference The CMAE is looking for war d t o 2024’s event, being held in London

very highly. It’s all about us supporting our Alliance Partners and making them grow in Membership.

CS: So what can we expect from the 2024 European Conference?

TJ: We’re very excited about the next European Conference It’s taking place in London in 2024 where we will have a great couple of days of education and networking!

Also - and closer in the calendar - is our big news of a trip over to Washington It’s our first ever International programme The Congressional Country Club, The Cosmos Club, Chevy Chase Club and Bretton Woods are all confirmed venues for this exclusive and exciting trip in September this year.

CS: On a back-to-basics level, the Core Competencies are as fascinating as they are wide-ranging. How do the uninitiated know which MDP is right for them?

TJ: What’s really interesting is that the Core Competencies are used by Club Managers across the globe Which specific competencies prove most important will vary from club to club, but they are all used

Our MDP training programme is globally recognised (it’s also called BMI in other parts of the world) It’s amazing to think that if you start your journey in Australia, South America or South Africa, you can continue that pathway with us.

This is why we encourage people to start with any MDP of their choice, since the most important thing is that it fits into work schedules We always recom-

mend, though, start with MDP 1 since it sets the base for the programme. MDP Golf or Food & Beverage or Sport & Recreation are also great programmes to start with, since they are more hands on, while 1-2-3 are more classroom based

CS: So for anyone who’d like to share the MPD Pathway concept with a colleague or Board perhaps, where should they start?

TJ: We have a full brochure on our website that can be shared as well as individual brochures for each programme (We have had over 2,500 delegates on our programmes.)

I, along with Michael McCormack, our Director of Education, are very happy to talk to anyone interested. We can do emails, zoom or phone – or a coffee for those nearby.

We’ve lso done MDP Tasters, where we do training for a day and the people can join to see and feel what we do Last time this was in Estonia together with the Estonian Golf Federation

CS: Can you explain a little more about CCM accreditation?

TJ: In order to become a CCM – Certified Club Manager – you need six years ’ experience as a manager within the industry You’ll need to go through four of our six programmes (1-2-3 and one out of Golf/F&B/S&R).

Then you’ll need a certain number of credits to be eligible to sit the CCM Exam. (This includes extra training undertaken, for example ) Once you pass

the exam you become a CCM.

The CCM badge is highly valued since it is not easy to get, and once you have it, you have to renew it every five years, showing that you have undertaken training during that time

Becoming a CCM definitely opens doors across the world, and many recruitment companies value you more highly if you are on the MDP pathway It shows commitment and determination to become the best you can be within the industry Our first Diploma – CMDip – has seen over 500 people achieve the accreditation It has certainly given them excellent opportunities

CS: Are there more bite-sized online courses being planned alongside ‘in the classroom’?

TJ: We do two to three Summits every year. Next planned is the “Club Finance Summit” on May 25th which is a full day online where we bring in speakers to talk about – and discuss – the financial uncertainty we are entering into (and already are in) [Editor’s note: see page 35 for details.]We’re doing a Leadership Summit in October and we also have Colour Accounting as a workshop which we offer a couple of times every year Of all the Core Competencies, finance is usually the one where people struggle

“In addition to this, we hold a Friday Forum every other week , an hour online (for free) on various topics. It’s a great place for people to meet with us.

Sep t ember sees the CMAE hosting a study t our t o Washingt on On the agenda is a visit t o the Congressional Countr y Club (pictured)

Swe dish Sweetsp ot is p ar t of a glob al e or t to change golf

Swedish tech company Sweetspot has been chosen by The R&A, golf ’s governing body, to provide business systems at Golf It!, its new community-focused golf and entertainment venue. The first facility will open in Glasgow in the summer of 2023 and will, among other things, include a nine-hole course, adventure golf and golf simulators

With the concept Golf It!, The R&A – which has160 a liated organisations, including national federations – aims to change the sport fundamentally The concept’s first facility will be located on the banks of Hogganfield Loch in the North East of Glasgow with the purpose of making golf more accessible and inclusive To achieve their goal, The R&A has carefully selected partners they consider the best in each area

Golf It! is a significant investment that will make golf a more inclusive and accessible sport – for everyone The venue has been specifically designed to attract a new audience to the game Therefore working with a system that provides a clear understanding of behavior and how people interact with their activities is of paramount importance This is where the Swedish company, Sweetspot, comes into the picture The deal between the two parties extends over five years, where Sweetspot will develop and establish business systems on behalf of Golf It!

After a thorough and robust scoping process, the Sweetspot platform was the only system we found to have the capability to achieve our business goals Our aim is to provide customers with the right product, at the right time and at the right price, which will ultimately make the game more accessible and a ordable With Sweetspot we believe we can achieve this goal, says Russell Smith, General Manager of Golf It!

Sweetspot will create an overall solution for the whole concept that includes a checkout system where The R&A can follow di erent types of consumer behavior The focus will be on revenue management and increasing the accessibility for more golfers by applying dynamic pricing

– We are delighted to get the opportunity to work with the largest golf organization in the world It ’ s a great recognition of our company and product. They share our vision to modernize golf to get more people to experience the sport we love, says Henrik Ahlin, CEO at Sweetspot.

The R&A is investing £200 million over ten years in developing golf and supports the growth of the sport internationally

HQ

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• Lower your club’s carbon footprint and improve your green credentials

• Free or low-cost EV charging is an extremely affordable perk to offer as part of an attractive benefits package for staff

• Run your club’s vehicles in the most cost-effective and environmental way

• Clearly and obviously demonstrate your commitment to climate change

• Create an additional revenue stream by charging for your EV charging services.

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HQ Building the Business

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Tips for Savings

There’s no denying that clubs are expensive to run The Carbon Trust estimates that the annual energy costs for the small businesses exceeded £1 3 billion as of 2018 So if you ’ re one of these feeling the pinch

Here are a few ways that you can reduce your costs

“David and the HQ team have been ver y successful in reducing costs for our members. They specialise in the f ield of energy management, however, within the company they also are able to reduce costs in other key areas as well. Find the time to have a conversation with David. It will pay dividends!”

Dave Edmundson, Chair, Spring North

Our

Lower your heating cos ts

Try to avoid overheating your corridors and offices You should be aiming for a temperature between 19-21°C Any higher and it can become uncomfortable for your staff and members

Grants and funding schemes are still available subject to survey, credit and application process, please contact us for more details

Get Smarter with lighting

Cut the cost of lighting by installing occupancy and

daylight sensors. Smarter lighting will ensure that your lights are only on when they are required. Take this tip to the next level by replacing your lights with energy-saving equivalents – such as T5 tubes or compact fluorescent or LED lamps. Doing so could reduce your electricity consumption by up to 80% as well as lower wasted heat

How to contact Us

For cost saving reviews for your business, please contact us via +44 (0)1753 272022 or email info@clubmirror com www hqbuildingthebusiness com

HQ Building the Business is a free reader ser vice in the UK, designed to help clubs with all their purchasing requirements, from latest launches to energy comparison sites.

Are higher pr ices the trade-off for a sust ainable food supply?

Hospit ality oper at ors may have t o accep t t hat paying higher pr ices for food and dr ink is t he onl y sus t ainable way t o secur e supplies of t he fr eshes t and seasonal pr oduce fr om UK far mers, says hospit ality buying specialis t Lynx Pur chasing.

Lynx Purchasing publishes the Spring/Summer 2023 edition of its regular Market Forecast, it is warning that the problems caused by fresh produce shortages and price increases are unlikely to go away any time soon

Rachel Dobson, Lynx Purchasing managing director, said: “The immediate issues with salad produce are now well understood, in terms of the impact of bad weather in southern Europe, and the unwillingness of UK growers to pay to heat glasshouses without support on energy costs.

“The current availability issue is hopefully a relatively short-term challenge, but new crops can’t be grown overnight, so it is likely to be a significant issue for the next few months Our advice is that hospitali-

ty operators should plan for both potential shortages of supplies of the produce affected, as well for further cost increases

“In the longer term, we believe the trade-off for a more secure supply chain may have to include operators paying farmers and food producers a sustainable price that not only covers the true cost of production, but also enables them to continue to invest in their business ”

Dobson acknowledges that paying more for food will be a far from welcome prospect to operators who are already paying dramatically more for core food and drink products after two years of high inflation.

She added: “As bodies such as the National

Farmers Union [UK] have said, we need to become less reliant on food imports, and focus more on home-grown, seasonal produce That should include a sensible debate on how famers and food producers can be paid at a sustainable price

“The race to the bottom in terms of food prices has been driven by the demands of retailers, but when meat, dairy and fresh producers suppliers are exiting the market because their business has become unsustainable, hospitality also suffers ”

The Lynx Purchasing Market Forecast combines official inflation data with exclusive insight from the range of specialist hospitality suppliers Lynx works with, providing detailed information on pricing trends over the crucial coming months

Along with the fresh produce shortage, product areas highlighted in the latest edition include:

Potatoes

The cold weather has had an impact on potatoes, both in the UK and in Europe, where many processed and frozen potato products are produced. This is likely to affect availability and price of new potatoes this spring, as well as frozen chips and other potato products as current supplies run out

Beef and Lamb

Current prices are well above average, as higher energy and feed costs have combined with the labour shortage to reduce production of both beef and lamb here in the UK With seasonal increases in demand for lamb around Easter, and for beef as the barbecue season starts, demand for the most popular cuts will be high

Pork

Higher production costs have made it more of a challenge for pork producers to make a profit, prompting a number to cut back or exit the market at the start of the year This has seen upward price pressure on bacon initially, and is likely to make prime pork cuts more expensive as demand increases in the spring

Salmon

An expected price increase in both fresh and smoked salmon has proven to be much sharper than suppliers were expecting, due to the impact of factors such as fish quality, high demand and the impact of bad weather on production Consider alternative species as menu options wherever possible.

Dobson urges: “Discuss options and availability with suppliers, and be prepared for a wider range of specification in terms of size and colour when buying fresh produce It’s also worth looking at accompaniments and garnishes across the menu, and deciding which genuinely add value for customers

“Overall, by working closely with suppliers, focusing on seasonality and availability, and applying basic buying discipline, operators can manage food and drink costs more effectively, and avoid unexpected bills Best practice includes planning menus well in advance, and consolidating orders to meet free delivery and minimum value thresholds ”

Lynx Purchasing’s Spring/Summer 2023 Market

Forecast can be downloaded from the website at www lynxpurchasing co uk or by clicking this link

MENU WATCH

Healthier food trends are helping hospitality operators to manage high food costs by enabling them to focus more on meat-free dishes, according to the latest Menu & Food Trends Repor t from Lumina Intelligence Both the propor tion of meat- based dishes on menus and the average calorie count per dish are now lower than pre-pandemic

Nose-to-tail cooking is a key trend in hospitality as chefs work harder than ever to use every possible par t of the produce they buy, according to the Fresh Trends 2023 repor t While this is seen most clearly in fresh meat dishes, the trend is also in fish and fresh produce, as operators see the benefits of reducing food waste and suppor ting sustainability, as well as making the most of budgets

Egg supply has been significantly affected by avian flu, with restrictions on producers affecting both supplies and price Measures to control the outbreak are likely to have a continued impact on availability Chefs should adjust recipes to use fewer eggs where possible

The ongoing labour shor tage has meant that many farmers were unable to plant the full crop of root vegetables they would have liked Combined with the effect of the very cold weather at the star t of the year, this is likely to see shor tages and higher prices for both fresh and frozen veg

Ener gy consump tion and in visible was t e

With UK clubs facing an unprecedented rise in the cost of goods and energy prices shooting up, it’s not surprising to learn that 92% of hospitality decision makers are worried. New research from BRITA UK delved deeper into their concerns and offers up advice on saving money.

To help operators combat the energy crisis, and learn simple, energy-efficient steps to reduce their energy consumption by identifying sources of invisible waste, BRITA has partnered with sustainability experts as part of its new Invisible Waste insights report

The hospitality sector’s energy concerns and desire to operate more sustainably add to the many plates businesses are already spinning, with existing challenges including recruitment and retention issues, the rising cost and availability of raw materials and ingredients, and some areas of the UK continuing to see a reduced footfall.

Nearly three-quarters of decision makers (72%) say they have goals and targets in place to decrease their energy usage and overall environmental impact, yet 86% believe their business could be doing more to achieve this

David Hall, Managing Director of BRITA UK, says: “With hospitality operators feeling the pressure to improve their sustainability in an authentic way that avoids ‘greenwashing’ their processes, they cannot ignore the impact of the waste they produce on the environment

“We’re all too aware of food and plastic waste, but what about the invisible waste that we cannot see, such as the volume of energy businesses consume each day and night unnecessarily? It’s vital that we collaborate with companies to tackle the sources of invisible waste together, and there are simple, energy-efficient steps that can be taken to contribute to real change ”

One of the major sources of invisible waste in hospitality is equipment being left on needlessly overnight, which is something 45% of decision makers admit to, despite 65% of them not knowing how much energy the equipment uses during this time Enter online – visit clubmirror com and click on the Awards Entry Form tab

Though some venues such as hotels operate 24/7, equipment including ovens, commercial washers, microwaves, and hobs are all examples given by decision makers of equipment left on unnecessarily overnight, with 25% letting these appliances go into standby mode. And 18% say it is easier to just leave equipment on and, for one in 10 businesses, equipment remains on simply because there is no one

responsible for turning it off

To help operators combat the energy crisis, and learn simple, energy-efficient steps to reduce their energy consumption by identifying sources of invisible waste, BRITA has partnered with sustainability experts as part of its new Invisible Waste insights report.

As well as identifying which pieces of equipment can be safely turned off overnight to improve over-

all energy efficiency, BRITA’s report includes actionable tips and hints that can help streamline the process to better sustainability across the board

Join May’s online Club Finance Summit

In acknowledgement t hat f inancial uncer t ainty r emains a big issue for clubs acr oss t he globe, t he CMAE is hos ting an online Finance Summit on 25 May.

The Club Finance Summit is set to discuss financial planning, current trends and best practice as well as finding out what exactly the clubTreasurer needs you to know by breaking down and clarifying key terms

Attendees: Who is it for?

For Club Managers You may want to involve your Treasurer and/or Chief Financial Officer to enjoy a day of education together Places are limited to 45 delegates on the day

The Summit will be recorded and circulated to all who have signed up for the day

HOW TO BOOK

Click here to register.

What do we see happening right now with regards to spending trends, prices, salaries and other things that affect the club industry

Johansson & David Balden, CCM

Debra Adams, Arena4Finance

10.45

12.00

12.00 – 13.00

13 00 – 14 00

Adam Wilkinson, Wealthvox Breaking down key terms and clarifying real meanings

The language of finance : what the treasurer needs you to know

John McCormack, CCM FCCA Learnings from 20 years as GM, now gathered financial data from clubs 14 00

14 15

15 45

Financial Club trends and key financial data from a GM perspective

15.45 – 16.00

Club Financials During Challenging Times

During this session we will discuss options for managing clubs during challenging times, while maintaining the levels of service and quality that memberships deserve Dealing with financial uncertainty can bring on challenges and stress, but it can also help foster new ideas

Closing Remarks and Q&A

Rick Leitman, CFO The Club at Mediterra, US

Torbjorn “Toby” Johansson

A dam W ilkinson Debra A dams

John McCor mack CCM Rick Leitman

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The ultimate fun experience

Drans elds SPOTLIGHT is a state-of-the-art audio visual platform delivering the best entertainment to your venue and giving your customers lots of fun with the ultimate entertainment experience.

Spotlight is modular system that enables a club to tailor it to their needs, whilst allowing instant upgrades to bring in additional features on a pay-as-you-use basis

Best deals, best service, best choice

Drans elds is the UK’s largest independent supplier of gaming and amusement machines to private members clubs, pubs and the licensed trade. With over 75 years’ club and pub industry experience, we have unrivalled expertise and are able to provide the very highest levels of service and support to help you maximise pro ts for your venue.