25 members’ NEWS CONTD.
Italian Grill showcases a brand-new chef & front of house team! With an exceptional food offering, mixing traditional Italian food with Scottish execution, The Italian Grill in City Square is gearing up for the festive rush with a new team on board. The 150-cover bar and grill also has a new menu to offer diners, showcasing dishes such as basil gnocchi with minestrone and pesto, together with mouth-watering steaks, and pizzas cooked in its wood fire oven. Diners keen to soak up the atmosphere of a busy service can book the two-seater Chef’s Table where they can observe new Head Chef, David Tough, at work with his brigade. Manager Jonnie Armitage explained the new set up: “The lead up to Christmas is always a very hectic time for us, and this year more than ever we expect Dundonians to be out in force celebrating, along with visitors from other cities coming to see the V&A and other attractions of the City. There is definitely a real buzz. We are very excited to have our new team, led by David, our fantastic new Head Chef, and a native Dundonian. Corey our Bar Manager, responsible for creating our amazing cocktails and inventing some of his own, leads up front
Sleeperz Dundee welcomes two new additions to the senior team
of house, along with myself. We are ready and waiting to show off our delicious festive fayre, and professional service.” A tasting menu, and a cocktail masterclass with either snacks or a meal, are also available at The Italian Grill, and make ideal Christmas gift experiences. Chamber members can enjoy a 10% discount from their total bill, Monday to Thursday, with a free bottle of house red or white wine per three diners. For bookings on Fridays and Saturdays, they can take advantage of the 10% discount off the total bill, or the free bottle of wine per three diners. Bookings are subject to availability and must be booked by 31st December to redeem the offer.
“a tasting menu and a cocktail masterclass...”
MacRoberts moves forward with plans to increase Dundee presence MacRoberts is increasing its presence in Dundee to take advantage of vibrant opportunities in the city. The firm intends to do this by doubling employee numbers and increasing office size after six years in Tayside. “Client demand means we want to have a strong presence on the East coast,” Managing Partner Neil Kennedy told The Herald.
“... they want to be part of dundee’s changing landscape and the future of this amazing city.” Joel Ghodke from Edinburgh joins as the new Deputy General Manager bringing with him a wealth of experience from a highvolume branded background. Gemma Herd from Pittenweem joins Sleeperz Dundee as the new Front Office Manager from the Hotel Du Vin in St Andrews. Joel and Gemma are both highly enthusiastic and extremely committed to take the hotel further and build on its success. General Manager, Manny Baber, commented: “I am extremely excited to work with Joel and Gemma who bring with them real passion for the industry and a hunger to develop their careers and more importantly, they want to be part of Dundee’s changing landscape and the future of this amazing city. We have been open for just over a year and have quickly become known for our customer focus and service delivery, Gemma and Joel are perfect for making this even more successful.”
Expansion plans follow a successful financial year, and MacRoberts has enjoyed a 4% increase in revenues to £18.8m and a 12% rise in profits to £5.9m. This success is reflected in the firm’s recently overhauled remuneration system. “During the last financial year we more than doubled our bonus to non-partners, paying out 120% of what we paid out in the previous year,” Neil said. “It’s based on individual achievement, the achievement of teams and there’s an all-firm bonus.” In addition to getting paid well for the work they undertake, teams can work in a way that suits them, whether at home or in any of the firm’s locations. This practice is championed by Mr Kennedy who himself is not tied to one particular desk. His strategy of spending time in each of the firm’s offices each week is designed not only to show leadership when it comes to working flexibly but to ensure he is accessible to all. “In business, people talk about doing simple things well; in a people business if you’re not visible and speaking to people then you’re doing it wrong.” DACC • CONNECTED | WINTER 2019
