Hotelier & Hospitality Design - July 2022 by jetdigitalmedia

July 2022: Industry News, Hotel Openings, Outdoor Furniture, Technology, Lighting...

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Hospitality

Taking control of costs through sales forecasting and scheduling You’ll find out: The do’s and don’ts of sales forecasting 4 tips for effective scheduling How to monitor labour KPIs

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hospitality@theaccessgroup.com

Hospitality

Access People for Hospitality The complete employee lifecycle solution, your whole workforce will enjoy using!

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Wash Series

Connect to your on-premise laundry dosing system like never before SEKO’s Wash Series multi-machine laundry dosing systems allow operators to manage their equipment wherever they are in the world courtesy of IoTenabled remote access.

SekoWeb

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Contents July 2022

Publication Manager 01843 570940 dan@hotelierandhospitality.com

Jodie Little

www.hotelierandhospitality.com

YOU TUR N O N

SO BRI L L IA

REFLECTS W IT E 3895 Hotelier and Hospitality AW.indd 1

T N

Anthony Field

Editor anthony@hotelierandhoteldesign.com 01843 570940

ISTAN FOR R B C

ME RO H

Hotelier & Hotel Design Magazine is the leading publication and established web resource in the business. Providing comprehensive reporting on hotel industry news and exclusive coverage of the latest ecological-friendly green hotels and bar designs, HHD Magazine keeps you updated on the latest hotel trends in technology and innovative ideas.

Publishing Director 01843 595818 jodie@jetdigitalmedia.co.uk

The perfect finish to any bathroom To make life easier, we give many of our taps and showers a flawless contemporary chrome finish. No need for chemicals. Just a quick wipe with a wet cloth and you’re done. Brilliant. www.bristan.com

13/09/2019 15:45

Experimental Group acquires two French hotels Located in the coastal town of Biarritz,France, The Regina and Le Garage have been purchased by Experimental Group.

Both hotels will continue to run as usual. Within time, Experimental will refurbish the properties and relaunch them as part of the collection.

The acquisitions follow a €350 million investment from Brookfield Asset Management to support Experimental Group’s expansion.

The Regina Hotel & Spa features 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a spa and outdoor swimming. Next door is Le Garage, a former car garage which converted to a boutique hotel in 2020. The 27 key property includes suites with private terraces and a swimming pool.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

The Retreat at Elcot Park

The Signet Collection has officially opened its second hotel, The Retreat at Elcot Park in West Berkshire.

looking for a staycation, located just 40 minutes from London by train and 10 minutes by car from both Hungerford and Newbury.

The hotel, the collection’s second property following The Mitre in Hampton Court, comprises 55 guest bedrooms situated within a Grade II-listed 18th-century building.

Within the hotel’s grounds is The Courtyard, a mixed-use retail space consisting of a bakery and coffee house, hair and nail Salon, a Lay & Wheeler wine store, and a monthly farmers’ market.

The Retreat at Elcot Park hopes to attract Londoners

The Signet Spa boasts an indoor vitality pool, mud

Oliver Bon, co-founder of Experimental Group, said: “We are thrilled to have found not one, but two iconic properties in Biarritz to become part of our collection. We have been looking to open in the area for years and were waiting for the right address, where we feel we can create our signature style of hospitality and welcome our regular Experimental guests, many of whom are frequent visitors to the town. The Regina and Le Garage are such incredible properties, we are so excited to give them a new lease of life and bring the Experimental brand to Biarritz.” The group recently purchased Cowley Manor, its first UK hotel outside of London.

rasul, salt flotation room, steam and sauna, as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium and three treatment rooms with treatments by ILA. There is also an outdoor infinity pool. The Retreat offers three restaurants and multiple private dining spaces: a Pan-Asian restaurant called Yü, an all-day dining Brasserie called 1772, an Orangery and a Whisky Library. The hotel offers various experiences to guests, including croquet and trout fishing. Its wide range of facilities include tennis courts, a children’s zone, a croquet lawn, and landscaped gardens. Hector Ross, Founder of The Signet Collection, commented: “We are thrilled to fully open the doors of The Retreat at

Elcot Park. As with The Mitre, our aim for The Retreat is to start a new chapter for an age-old story. “Our biggest inspiration has been Elcot’s storied past but expect the unexpected with quirky British design details, pops of colour and contrasting prints throughout. Our hope is that The Retreat will become a much-loved addition to the area with a range of local pursuits to be enjoyed on and offsite at the property and a destination in itself with the addition of our own retail space, The Courtyard. We look forward to welcoming you this summer!” Rooms at The Retreat at Elcot Park are available from £180 per night based on two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis

Shepherd Neame site reopens as boutique hotel and bar Shepherd Neame’s The White Horse, in Boughton-Under-Blean near Faversham, has reopened after an eight-month project that turned the property into a premium cocktail bar and restaurant, featuring 13 guest rooms and a treatment room. The transformation of The White Horse was said to be “a labour of love” for licensee, Natalie Hennessy, and her husband, Andrew, who already run The East Kent in Whitstable, also owned by Shepherd Neame. The historic 15th Century village pub, which is referred to in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, has undergone a “massive” refurbishment both externally and internally. The property now has a “stylish” reception area to “welcome guests who may be drinking, dining, or staying

overnight”, as well as a separate cocktail bar and separate restaurant. The property also has 13 ensuite rooms, which includes the Nightingale Suite on the top floor, and a fully-accessible room on the ground floor for visitors who want to bring dogs. It is reported that all of the rooms come with bedding from The White Company, while all the accessories and coffee are supplied by locally-based company, Garden Coffee. There is also an ‘honesty pantry’ upstairs for overnight guests to “enjoy snacks and drinks at any time”. Externally, the site has been fully landscaped and redecorated, with new furniture in the garden and a pergola where dogs are welcome. There is also an ample car park with 40 spaces. The brand new kitchen at The White Horse is led by Natalie Hennessy as head chef and serves a contemporary fine-dining menu, along with “delicious light bites” and Kentish cream teas.

Natalie Hennessy said: “When I visited the pub as it was before, I could see it in my mind just as it is now. But being eight months pregnant at the time, I couldn’t get on with it as quickly as I wanted to! “When I was a teenager I said to my mum and dad “I will have a pub”,” she said. “I achieved that with The East Kent, but I always wanted something with rooms. I wanted to provide the best possible guest experience. There was also such a connection to this place, this was always meant to be. Reopening the White Horse as it is now is actually achieving a long-time goal.” Nigel Bunting, Shepherd Neame’s director of pub operations, said: “We are delighted with the finished results of this major project to transform The White Horse and take it in an exciting new direction. Natalie and Andrew have done an amazing job at The East Kent and we are confident that they will go from strength to strength with this new venture.”

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

The historic pub now has 13 en-suite rooms, which includes the Nightingale Suite on the top floor, and a fully-accessible room on the ground floor for visitors who want to bring dogs.

Rosewood to operate Hotel Bauer Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been selected to manage the Hotel Bauer in Venice.

wned by real estate developer SIGNA Prime Selection, the hotel is situated in the city’s historic San Marco district, between the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco. Originally built in 1880, Hotel Bauer is set to undergo a multi-year renovation in November 2022, at which time the hotel will close as it prepares to reopen as Rosewood Hotel Bauer in 2025. Led by Venicebased architect Alberto Torsello, and interior design group, BAR Studio, the restoration will see much of the hotel’s historic framework repaired and integrated into the new design, including the original façade, grand winding staircase and many interior elements that are a part of the property’s rich past.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Throughout the restoration there will be an emphasis on sustainability, which will play a highly significant role in the plans for the hotel as the property aims to obtain three sustainability certificates: the Green Pass, Casa Klima and LEED Gold.

“We are thrilled to be growing Rosewood’s presence in Europe with this pivotal addition in such a magnificent and beloved city like Venice,” said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and co-chief development officer. “Across our portfolio we have been honored with opportunities to restore and reimagine many historic spaces across the globe, and we are incredibly thankful that Rosewood has been to be chosen to help breathe new life into Hotel Bauer.” Rosewood Hotel Bauer will feature in the region of 110 rooms, with over half of the accommodations being suites, including several signature suites and a presidential suite. The property’s F&B offerings will include a casual restaurant and wine bar on the ground floor and “a refined Venetian restaurant and rooftop bar with a traditional Venetian Altana”. The property will also be home to an Italian rooftop garden with views of the city, a wellness facility, and an

outdoor pool with a bar located on the eighth floor. A retail space spanning around more than 32,200 square feet will be integrated in the property, located at the rear of the building directly on the Campo San Moisé square, close to Piazza San Marco. “Rosewood is considered one of the world’s most reputable hotel operators and the new Rosewood Hotel Bauer, directly on the Grand Canal, represents an extraordinary project that is to be completed over the coming three years,” said Heinz Peter Hager, president of SIGNA Italia. “This modern ultra-luxury hotel – in combination with first-class restaurants and an impressive rooftop garden – is set to become Venice’s new centre of attraction.” The hotel adds to the Rosewood properties currently in the development pipeline and is the third new addition announced this year, joining The Raleigh Miami Beach and Rosewood Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the hotel joins the brand’s growing Italian portfolio, including Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany and the Rosewood Rome, which is set to open in 2024. It further marks the seventh property within Rosewood’s European collection which includes Rosewood London; Paris’ Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel; the recently opened Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid; and the Rosewood Vienna, opening in Summer 2022.

Tom Sellers to launch restaurant at 1 Hotel Mayfair Michelin Star chef Tom Sellers is partnering with 1 Hotel Mayfair to launch a brand-new restaurant concept, slated to open alongside the property in 2023. Situated in the heart of London’s Mayfair and overlooking Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair will be 1 Hotels’ debut European venue, bringing eco-conscious luxury to the UK capital. The celebrated chef-restaurateur, whose first concept Restaurant Story was awarded a Michelin Star five months after opening, learnt his craft from the likes of Tom Aikens, Thomas Keller and René Redzepi. Known for merging fine dining with progressive ideas, Sellers’ restaurant at 1 Hotel Mayfair will focus on seasonal, organic and locally sourced ingredients. “I look forward to bringing this new project to Mayfair,” says Sellers. “1 Hotels’ unrivalled focus on sustainability and their innovative approach to hospitality is a natural fit with my own food ethos – by partnering with them, together we can push the boundaries of zero waste, conscious creativity. I have always loved classical

cooking and I feel now is the time to present worldclass produce sourced sustainably and celebrated in the season we find it. The philosophy will be underpinned by knowledge and executed with creative thought and detail.” Alongside the restaurant, the nine-story hotel will house 181 guest rooms, a signature destination bar, an in-house café and a bespoke fitness and wellness centre. 1 Hotels has a global portfolio of properties including flagships in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, with projects under development in London, Hanalei Bay, Nashville, San Francisco, Crete, Paris, Copenhagen and Melbourne.

Helping foodservice meaningfully reduce carbon emissions ‘Cutting Carbon in the Commercial Kitchen’ is a guide to help foodservice operators meaningfully reduce carbon emissions. The report has been launched by Meiko UK working with foodservice intelligence specialist FOOTPRINT. Paul Anderson FIH, M.C.G.C Managing Director, Meiko UK “Waste is not inevitable and it can be managed,” says Paul Anderson, Managing Director, Meiko UK.

The guide covers all areas of the kitchen including dishwash and food waste handling areas. It identifies creative ways that foodservice operators can meaningfully tackle carbon to support the rapid reductions needed to meet our climate goals. Based on exclusive insights from industry experts, and with practical tips from farm to fork, Cutting Carbon in The Commercial Kitchen explores how foodservice operators can meaningfully tackle the greenhouse gas emissions that exist in their ‘back of house’ operations to support the rapid reductions needed to meet the climate crisis head on.

Click here to download the report

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

“The business case is utterly clear. We must cut carbon to remain viable and to protect the future of our planet.”

ALL YEAR ROUND

SUMMER SEASON By Indigo Awnings Ltd 01352 740 164 www.indigoawnings.co.uk enquiries@indigoawnings.co.uk

The COVID pandemic was disruptive for all of us and heart breaking for thousands of people, but we have now seen the light at the end of the tunnel. With tight restrictions during the first and second lock down’s, we saw many leisure sector outlets offering take away services which clearly demonstrated just how innovative this industry is. When these finished, every establishment with even the smallest outdoor area made use of the space in order to accommodate customers outside in the fresh air which was deemed to be safer in order to help stop the disease spreading. This move highlighted the fact that previously unused areas could increase footfall and thus profits, and the vast majority of outlets seized this opportunity. However, with six months of lockdown, cash flow was the biggest issue and one that had been predicted by Indigo awnings Ltd who introduced a no deposit lease option. This meant that the very best quality products such as awnings, giant heated parasol and even retractable roof fixed structures could be installed with monthly payment starting one month after completion. Payments can be spread over 12 – 60 months and in fact, the daily takings and thus profits far exceeds the monthly payments and this helped many outlets to get back on their feet. Outdoor areas were turned into attractive spaces which provided weather protection, heaters, lighting and planters. This in turn has created a new trend in terms of business expansion which does attract new customers all year round and not just for the Summer months.

Indigo has installed products at pubs, restaurants, hotels and the casual dining sector throughout the country for over 20 years and it is this which made them the number one choice for post lock down outdoor cover. Trevor Ruddle, Indigo’s Managing Director is proud of the number of outlets they have helped. In fact, he reports that one restaurant on the East coast seafront increased trade by 40% during the holiday season due to the installation of two very large storm proof parasols which created an appealing outdoor space, that didn’t previously exist. The owner told indigo that these actually drew people to his establishment versus others that didn’t offer covered seating. Another example is a high profile hotel sited on London’s Hyde Park Corner. The chain wanted to create a highly visible outdoor covered space that not only looked stunning but was also practical for all year round use. Indigo was chosen to supply four giant heated parasols which were surrounded by high glass screen with planters. Fixed seating and tables were installed and Number One Park Lane was born from what was previously just bare pavement. Ruddle rightly says that he is particularly proud of this installation but moreover, that it demonstrated what can be achieved with a bit of lateral thinking. With an extensive range of high quality products, he states that Indigo has helped hundreds of outlets increase trade with purchasing made easier with the use of their no deposit lease option, it’s a win win he says and we all like that concept.

Stay ahead of the game this summer! Whether it’s organising sweepstakes, setting up the big screen, or stocking up on extra drinks for the bar, preparing your venue for a summer of sport is no doubt well underway. From writing up your specials boards to working out your rotas, you have probably already thought about most things, but have you also thought about making sure you are correctly licensed to show each event – including the music used as part of the broadcasts? It can be a little confusing, which is why we have put together a quick guide to help you stay ahead of the game this summer. Please visit pplprs. co.uk/seasonal-music/summer-sports/ for more information. If you are going to introduce music, or if you are already using music in your business, you’ll usually need a music licence. By purchasing TheMusicLicence you are supporting the future of music by helping to ensure its creators are fairly rewarded for their work. TheMusicLicence covers virtually all commercially released music available – millions of songs & recordings, including the most popular & well-loved music, not just from the UK, but globally, allowing you to choose the music that reflects the atmosphere you want to create in your hospitality based business.

Scan me to read the full article

0808 134 8364 8am – 6pm, Monday – Friday

pplprs.co.uk/seasonal-music/summer-sports/

The Principal York Hotel uses Brintons Axminster carpets and rugs

Brintons commercial: Combining heritage and luxury carpet design

Innovative carpet design Brintons offers a variety of product specifications to meet a wide range of commercial applications. From its Axminster carpet where each tuft of yarn is woven and locked into place by shots of backing yarn to create a strong, integrated threedimensional structure, to the Wilton carpets that are made on face-to-face looms where two carpets are woven at the same time, achieving textures from hard twists to super-plush velvets, Brintons can create bespoke carpet designs that incorporate multiple colours and yarn combinations. Heritage projects In January 1999, Brintons was given special permission to use the Grand Staircase in the derelict former Midland Grand Hotel building (now the St Pancras Renaissance) as the backdrop for the photographs that were used in its ground-breaking ‘some things in life wear better than others’ advertising campaign. The campaign was built around a series of elegant costumes that were designed by Vivienne We s t w o o d b u t made from Brintons St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London Axminster carpet.

After this campaign, Brintons was asked to create a dramatic feature inside the luxurious hotel – this time as a stunning permanent floorcovering. Installing 15,000 m2 of its premium-quality Axminster carpet, Brintons designed suitable contemporary carpets that have been installed in the main public areas, guest rooms, corridors, business and function suites and private apartments at the hotel. An archive steeped in history The Brintons Archive Collection is one of the world’s most comprehensive and extensive commercial design archives, amassed since its beginnings in 1783. This industry-leading design resource has been collected and referenced over more than two centuries of carpet manufacturing. Restored and preserved by Brintons’ dedicated archivist, the collection includes many hand-painted designs, artworks and sketches from 1790 to the present day, some from noted designers – Brintons are proud to have original designs from the company of William Morris (Morris & Co), hand painted designs from Voysey and Lewis F Day and work from Matisse, Robin Day and Christopher Dresser. The archive library is a facility unique to Brintons and is an invaluable resource to designers, conservators, decorators, and contractors worldwide. International design With a strong focus on heritage landmarks in the UK, Brintons also works with leading companies in international markets to create bespoke designs for a variety of sectors. Projects include Singapore’s Changi Airport Group supplying 75,000 sqm carpets to the airport’s buildings, Celebrity Edge Cruise Animae San Diego Ships and the luxury hotel W Philadelphia.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Heritage carpet company Brintons has been at the forefront of the global woven carpet industry for more than 230 years. Brintons has expert designers, sales teams, project managers and agents in all major markets around the world, as well as manufacturing capabilities in UK, Poland, Portugal and India. From palaces to hotels, restaurants to public buildings, convention centres, airports and cruise ships, Brintons has a long history of contributing to the world’s most stunning & beautiful interiors.

Emory Conference Center Hotel Wows Atlanta with $20 Million Renovation combined with $1 million in technology upgrades and beautiful cosmetic enhancements, all of these updates have set the conference center apart from others in the southeast – both in location and amenities.

he Emory Conference Center Hotel, located just 6 miles from downtown Atlanta and nestled within a 26-acre forest preserve, has recently undergone a $20 million reimagining that not only leans into its idyllic natural setting but also emphasizes new state-of-the-art conference technology. This reimagining of the 27-year-old facility came on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to modernize and enhance the facility in time for a reopening surge of business conferences and events including weddings and reunions. The renovation included completely redesigned conference space, amphitheaters, lobby, communal space, bar and hotel rooms.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Despite being just a few miles from Downtown Atlanta, the facility has an unparalleled natural setting and capitalizes on the biophilic design trend allowing people to commune with nature – even while working. Nearly every meeting room in the conference center has floor to ceiling windows, which allow guests to experience the outdoors no matter the weather conditions or time of year. Multiple outdoor event spaces allow for fresh air and relaxation, and nearby trails provide an easy connection to nature.

Unlike other conference centers, Emory Conference Center Hotel offers all-inclusive packages that minimize decisions and help guests and groups escape to an environment specifically designed for relaxation, gathering and enjoyment. It also includes unique features - like its 6-lane Wisteria Lanes bowling alley - that provide an opportunity for unique social gatherings on property. Along with complete interior design updates, the Emory Conference Center Hotel’s advanced AV and technology upgrades provide guests with the modern amenities they demand for both in-person and hybrid events. Upgrades include: • 10K Panasonic projection systems with 189” drop down screens in the ballroom with wireless presentation capabilities • Vaddio Video Conferencing systems with built-in cameras for the amphitheaters and meeting rooms • The ability to send and receive presentations from any meeting room and stream it to any other meeting room in the North Tower • Improved high-speed internet with complimentary WiFi throughout the facility and hotel rooms and hardwire capabilities in the meeting spaces • New lighting, video and audio systems in the facility’s 6-lane bowling alley

Emory Conference Center Hotel placed further emphasis on green initiatives when it created its LEED Silver certified South Wing. Renovations also sourced materials from local businesses and providers from across Georgia, leading to a reduced carbon footprint along with an increase in the speed of renovation. Other eco-friendly updates included LED lighting throughout the facility.

Apart from the conference spaces, high tech touches have been spread throughout the entire facility, from portals and connectivity in communal break spaces to a new house sound system throughout the North and South Towers. In addition, the facility is in the process of updating its website to reflect the change from its original Missionstyle design to its fresh and modern new look, further showcasing its state-of-the-art technology to meet every guest’s needs.

The Emory Conference Center Hotel took advantage of the past two years’ pause of in-person meetings and conferences to study what changes would be most popular when people were ready to return to physical versus virtual events. From increasing collaborative spaces, to providing comfortable seating, to brightening its bar and lounge area from its old country club feel,

Emory Conference Center Hotel has definitely made lemonade out of lemons - making the most of the pandemic that suddenly and dramatically impacted the entire hospitality industry. The facility plans to have an official ribbon-cutting in August of 2022 and is already seeing an increase in bookings based on the new design and offerings.

Elis Provides Sustainable Alternative For Workwear, Linen And Laundry With businesses looking for ways to improve their sustainability, catering workwear, linen and laundry services provider, Elis UK, explains how its circular economy approach can help.

lis was the first company in its sector to announce its target of net zero emissions by 2045 and is one of only twelve companies selected to join the NHS Net Zero International Leadership Group. It uses a circular economy model to provide its customers with a more sustainable solution. Elis supplies workwear and linen on a rental basis, collecting used items and delivering laundered garments and linen on a schedule to meet the needs of the customer. In its circular economy approach, customers’ items are maintained, repaired, reused and redeployed in order to optimise their lifespan. Elis’s expertise and processes in its highly efficient industrial laundries help to minimize water, energy and cleaning product consumption to reduce the impact on the environment.

The use of workwear maintained by Elis, rather than at home or using a traditional laundry, reduces CO2 emissions by up to 37% and water consumption by 48% (Source: EY). Based on the circular economy, Elis’s services increasingly enable customers to reduce their emissions. Comments Elis UK marketing and customer experience manager, Paul Swift: “The circular economy is specifically designed to eliminate waste and pollution, circulating and sharing products and materials and regenerating nature. The Elis circular economy model, primarily through reducing the consumption of natural resources and keeping products in use, is a sustainable solution that addresses environmental issues. In 2021, the Group’s CO2 emissions per kg of delivered, laundered textiles were 19% lower than in 2010, which

As part of its commitment to net zero carbon emissions, Elis is undertaking a number of major initiatives, which will help to ensure that its customers receive services that leave an ever-smaller environmental footprint. These include continuing to improve the energy efficiency in its operations; constantly improving the vehicle fleet and delivery routes; optimising the product lifespan, optimising the choice of materials and expanding reuse and recycling of textiles. In three years, Elis UK has already reduced its CO2 emissions by 33% and its consumption of water per kilo of laundered linen by 23%. Elis UK has been certified over many years by the Carbon Trust for reductions in CO2 emissions and water usage.” For further information see uk.Elis.com or call free on 0808 1698265.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

is testament to the efforts made over many years. Our mission is to make our customers’ lives easier and contribute to their success through a sustainable, responsible process.”

Five tips to take advantage of restaurant localism post-pandemic, tech-savvy consumers now expect to book online with ease and order food digitally from their table or even home. Investing in modern reservation software isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must for speedy, efficient and accurate busy restaurants. To meet localised demands and opportunities, consider the following:

Jaipal Yadav, managing director of restaurant software business, Favouritetable.

Before the pandemic, globalisation’s popularity was already waning as restaurant owners and customers alike began to better understand the impacts of international trade on the environment and the sometimes bland result of an overabundance of sameness no matter where you chose to eat. Cue an outpouring of love for ‘localism’ – the very opposite of its globalised competitor and a significantly different way in which consumers have developed buying and restaurantbooking habits.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Indeed a 2021 Barclaycard report found almost two-thirds of UK consumers chose to buy closer to home than in the previous year, with more than nine in ten saying they would continue to do so post-pandemic. Similar research from the Farm Retail Association found that 89% of farm shops reported an increase in sales since 2019, and 64% expect sales to increase further through 2022.

1. Party booking software allows restaurants to develop bespoke, themed customer experiences, ranging from a gathering of the village history society, through to special celebrations championing local food. 2. Online marketing can be tailored to encourage customer preferences and demands for highly individual occasions, rather than simply mirroring the same tired and formulaic promotions used by big chains. 3. Automated marketing allows restaurateurs to engage with guests and do much more than just confirm bookings. For example, create locally-focussed events such as barn dances, wine tasting or patriotic celebrations, then showcase them via SMS, email and social media.

4. Improving online inventory management is crucial and ensures kitchen staff can instantly monitor stock and manage supply chains for locally-sourced meat, vegetables and other materials to keep menus fresh and fully up-to-date. 5. Table-planning software avoids the sometimes flavourless feel put out by chain restaurants. Maximising floor plans and shaking-up table layouts while keeping an automated eye on maximising occupancy might mean dedicating half a restaurant’s floor-space to a ‘mums and tots’ group in the morning, then resetting for conventional dining in the afternoon and evening – a great way to charm local communities. All of this attention to detail based on the needs of nearby towns and villages can pay huge dividends to revitalising your hospitality strategy, making localism a crucial point of difference as the restaurant sector continues to rebuild. People tend to be travelling shorter distances for leisure activities and dining-out and this is key to anticipating long-term viability plans for restaurant operators who rely on repeat business, customer loyalty and recommendations.

In short consumers are cutting back on ‘hyper-consumption’ as part of a conscious effort to help communities and niche brands that are building success on their local credentials as multinationals adjust product ranges to appeal to more local tastes. So, how can software technology help restaurateurs take advantage of this growing trend for all things local? For starters it’s important to recognise that,

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Kopa launches new self-contained fireplace cooking station with modular design for ultimate flexibility

KOPA

Grilling Solutions, the specialists in charcoal ovens, has launched the KOPA FirePlace, a self-contained modular cooking platform that gives foodservice consultants and end users the ability to design a bespoke cooking station that can be adapted to accommodate multiple cooking styles on a daily basis.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Fully customizable, KOPA FirePlace enables customers to create the perfect cooking station from a range of cooking equipment, from flat grills to rotisseries, pizza ovens to smokers, and swap in/ out different equipment as needed to adapt to changing menus.

Customers can choose from a complete suite of KOPA products, from the Japanese-style Robata multi-level/multi zone charcoal grills, to its popular Argentine-style Parilla grills with its impressive chain and wheel structure. Each station can also accommodate different fuel types, including charcoal and wood, and ancillary equipment including heated or refrigeration drawers and storage cabinets. First previewed at Horeca in 2020 and now formally available, KOPA FirePlace cooking stations can be built in all shapes and sizes depending on customer need. It allows users and foodservice consultants to design into new spaces, or to be retrofitted into an existing kitchen.

The platform is also designed such that its back and side walls have built in fire bricks, so that no expensive building or installation works are required to ensure global fire safety compliance. Miran Stirn, Managing Director of KOPA Grilling Solutions, says that flexibility is key: “Our mission is to create memorable dining experiences, but it is also to create memorable cooking experiences for those who use our equipment. “By being modular, chefs can set up the cooking station quickly and easily to accommodate different menus on different days and move with the trends. And while we have typical sizes, and use standard materials, principally stainless steel to ensure product quality, our key differentiator is that everything we build can be bespoke. “It is anchored to a core belief that a consultant should be able to imagine a kitchen and we design our equipment around them, and not the other way around.” www.Kopaoven.com

KITCHEN BLENDER N° 37 A silent and powerful blender

Adapted to intensive use thanks to its powerful and silent commercial motor, it mixes all kinds of hot and cold preparations. Its highly resistant blades crush quickly hard ingredients (ice cubes, lobster carcass...). Its new accessory, the Chefstick, allows you to stir the most compact mixtures while breaking the air pockets that form around the knives, so you can get through the most difficult preparations! Its speed variation will allow you to obtain an optimal result while remaining silent. Built to last, it has received the Longtime attesting its robustness and durability. This appliance is intended for restaurants, hospitals, childcare centers, hotels and ice cream shops.

Simplicity and Efficiency • Santos’s exclusive patent: Santosafe® safety system locking the bowl and lid, which allows a hands-free use. The motor stops when the safety device is opened. • 4 Bowls available: 2L and 4L, stainless steel or transparent. • Filler cap: add ingredients while blending.

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• Variation speed: from 0 to 18 000 rpm/min

Fabrics that will look as good as new for years to come Never underestimate the power of fabrics, they set the ambience and tone for any environment. Panaz have over 6000 designs available in woven, faux leather, velvet and sheers, suitable for upholstery, drapery and soft furnishings. More than that, as well as great design, Panaz fabrics offer great performance, the fabrics are rigorously tested for flame retardancy, abrasion, stain resistance and easy cleaning, meaning that your fabrics maintain their good looks for longer.

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Hidden payment fees are costing the sector millions, but there’s a solution. It’s no secret that the past couple of years have been turbulent for the hospitality sector, with inflation, rising operational costs, and ongoing staff shortages all taking their toll. Customer expectations are also changing, and the way we pay for food and drink has seen a particularly seismic shift in consumer behaviour - if you’d have told me 3 years ago that my Mum would be paying for dinner via a QR code I’d have laughed. But if you told me 10 years ago that in 2022 I would hardly ever use cash, I’d have had the same reaction. So it’s clear that the world of payments will keep on evolving, and we need to be prepared to adapt. Just as we’ve all seen the benefit of not scrabbling around at the bottom of your bag for change, of tapping your phone rather than writing a cheque, or scanning a QR code rather than asking for the bill, it’s likely that further changes to our everyday payment habits lie in store. But while everyone is talking about crypto and NFTs, there’s another (relatively) new kid on the block which I think will make more of an immediate impact on our industry. Paying for an NFT donut via Bitcoin may get you some press attention, but a payment method that could save venues thousands each year is far more exciting in my opinion.

This could build upon some of the learnings the hospitality sector is already taking from sectors such as grocery and retail. The last few years have seen a big shift towards using granular data about customer behaviour, and operators can now easily learn when their most popular times are, what customers order at these times, which dishes are ordered with which drinks, which type of customer tips the most, and even which type of advertising brings in the biggest spenders. Even before the potential rise of Open Banking, this emergence of tech in hospitality, and recent changes to the way we pay have already helped the hospitality industry deal with rising costs and meet customer expectations - QR code payments come with much lower fees than most card terminals, and some venues have found that customers are 10x more likely to tip when paying digitally. That’s all before you throw in the time saved not spent flagging a waiter, waiting for the bill and looking for a card reader. And despite concerns about taking away that personal touch, digital ordering and payments have actually helped staff be more efficient - instead of chasing the card reader they can turn tables faster and spend more time with the next set of guests.

However customers pay, payment fees remain shrouded in mystery. In fact, around 80% of the business owners I’ve spoken to are paying far more in fees than they realised. If you’ve ever seen the symbols ++ after the rate you’ve been quoted, you may be in the same boat. This refers to interchange and scheme fees, an additional 0.36% on top of the quoted number, as well as ad-hoc costs such a PCI acceptance fees which can quickly add up. This leads to misleading rates and a substantially higher monthly invoice than expected. So hopefully the next technological advance in payments can not only demystify the murky world of excessive fees, but reduce costs even further and have a significant impact on our sector. Which is where Open Banking comes in. There’s huge potential to build upon the tech that customers are now used to, but reduce the cost to the venue by changing the payment process behind the scenes. It may take some time for operators and customers to understand the benefits of Open Banking. But as attitudes change and adoption rates rise, it could revolutionise our industry. In fact, if the UK hospitality sector turned to Open Banking it could save hundreds of millions a year in fees. I’m open to that.

It also opens up possibilities to use banking data to improve the customer experience. Understandably, the words ‘open ‘,’ ‘banking’ and ‘data’ in the same sentence may concern some people, but the reality is far less scary - online services that calculate your credit score are a great example of using Open Banking data to provide useful information and give users control of their data. Now imagine the kind of personalised promotions we could serve our customers if we were able to conduct similar analysis.

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You might not know much about Open Banking, but if you’ve made a payment on a charity donation website you may well have used it. Put simply, if a customer connects their bank directly to a digital payment service, they’ll cut out all sorts of middle men in the payment flow, in turn cutting out hefty and often hidden fees for the venue.

It’s all in the design detail Leading hotel and spa textiles supplier, BC SoftWear, has been working closely with a series of new partners to ensure its bespoke robe and towel designs artfully complement the hotel’s overall scheme.

he new partnerships, all with brand new UK hotel developments, include Haycock Manor in East Anglia and Cashel Palace in County Tipperary, Ireland. “What’s significant is that each of these hotels have all opted for something uniquely different, something above and beyond,” explains BC SoftWear CEO and founder, Barbara Cooke. “Take Cashel Palace for example. We worked closely with the project’s interior designer who wanted all the towels, robes and spa linen to match the interior colour scheme exactly. We were able to ensure all our products matched precisely, down to a specific pantone number.

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“This is the level of detailed thought nd planning hotels are now putting into design – everything down to the towels and robes must complement the scheme. White towels and robes have been the standard in high-end hotels for the 20 years that BC SoftWear has been in business. Now properties are being much bolder and, in particular, choosing colour. Even 10 years ago, anything other than white was unheard of.

“Each of our new partner hotels have made a shift towards uniqueness, some with colour, some with the exceptional quality of the robe they’ve select, some with intricately stitched motifs and bespoke embroidered labels. This move towards creating something entirely distinctive for a property is also fuelling retail, as the shift up in quality means guests are increasingly tempted to purchase their robe as a memento.” BC SoftWear has also created a bespoke forest green colour and neck label for the Gleneagles Townhouse to match the hotel’s colour scheme and The Retreat at Elcot Park has selected BC SoftWear’s towels and robes for both the hotel

and spa, using an unusual slate grey robe in the bedrooms. Barbara continues: “We’re delighted to be working with the very best in the business to provide hotel guests with the luxury experience they deserve at each of these new facilities. We’re committed to playing our part in making sure every customers’ experience is the very best it can be.” BC SoftWear is already the towelling company of choice for many of the UK’s most prestigious hotels including Chewton Glen, Pennyhill Park, Champneys, Cliveden Hotel and Spa, and Fairmont St. Andrews Hotel & Spa.

Our master craftsmen construct each bespoke order with painstaking care and attention, to create an exceptionally ‘real’ artificial showpiece, and we offer bespoke solutions to suit the needs of your space, business and tastes. Whether you need simple plants and trees that don’t need tending to or you’re going for a full artificial landscape with turf, hedges and more, we have existing products and the capacity to create custom designs for any need and budget. We’ll offer a no obligation quote to help you plan your projects and we can tailor our service to ‘fir’ your needs.

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We’ve also sold to house builders, zoos, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, theme parks, colleges and schools, cruise ships, theatres… the list goes on! We have tens of thousands of satisfied customers in the UK, in Europe, and across the World. We can provide offers for procurement managers and corporate buyers on bulk orders and for trade, to help you finalise your design. Our quotes are no obligation - so call us today. We look forward to working with you!

Sales forecasting – the neglected technique in controlling costs In February 2020 hospitality operators regularly used historical trading patterns to forecast the sales volume they could expect. With that came the tools to manage stock accurately and cost-efficiently and to predict what staffing levels were needed.

ast forward a couple of years and the tried and tested format may feel redundant as many hospitality venues simply don’t think they have the quantity of consistent trading data needed to build meaningful projections. But to ignore sales forecasting is to neglect a key business technique and it’s time to establish a new baseline from which to work. With utility, staffing and product costs all rising, every area of expenditure must be reviewed and the beauty of forecasting is that nothing is set in stone. It’s an estimate that should be regularly tweaked and modified to create an overview of business

performance, even after a disrupted trading period.

Three benefits of sales forecasting

Maximise sales at peak times

Using a forecast to schedule the right people onto the right shifts helps achieve the best sales performance and spend per head through optimum service delivery

Save expense when it’s quiet and improve staff engagement

Accurate planning for off peak shifts saves unnecessary labour costs by avoiding overstaffing. Although fewer shifts may be unpopular, staff will appreciate

the honesty and be more confident in the rota so are likely to be more engaged when they are working

Manage stock levels

Avoid having unused stock in storage or paying higher prices by ordering at the last minute by using an informed estimate of what products will be needed to implement an efficient purchasing process

Developing a sales forecast Follow some key do’s and don’ts including: DO review regularly and DON’T ignore what promotions competitors are running and include them alongside your own events and confirmed bookings

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Use the forecast for accurate scheduling When you’re dealing with long-service team members, achieving the right labour model at the right cost is a balance between emotion and science. Combining a full and honest audit of the tasks required with a sales forecast takes sentiment out of the equation and helps produce a fair, effective and cost-efficient rota. By following some simple tips and planning steps outlined in the Taking control of costs through sales forecasting and scheduling e-book, you can refresh the process and take control of costs through sales forecasting and scheduling to maximise business efficiency.

he VPL-XW7000ES and VPL-XW5000ES are the latest additions to Sony’s Home Projector range, boasting high resolution and high contrast for streaming your latest favourite series, cheering on your football team or playing with friends over the latest console game.

The VPL-XW7000 is Sony’s new powerful Native 4K laser model with 3,200 lumen of dazzling brightness and Live Colour Enhancer which provides exceptionally high-quality picture performance and vivid images even in brightly lit spaces, making it the perfect companion for immersing in movies, sports or games.

Sony has been delivering the highest quality projectors for its customers to enjoy immersive entertainment experiences for 50 years this year, and its Native 4K projectors have been market leading in providing these experiences for over a decade. The new sophisticated design that blends with many home environments and enables more flexibility for use in dedicated rooms as well as media or living rooms with ambient lighting.

The VPL-XW5000 is a 2,00 lumen laser model which delivers high contrast and resolution, all with a 30% reduction in power consumption per lumen, reducing carbon footprint and impact on the environment. Passionate about reducing its impact on the environment, Sony’s new XW range boasts a whole host of sustainable actions taken without compromising on chic style, cuttingedge technology and affordable

price. These include a 30% reduction in plastic encasing, 15% reduction in packaging materials and mercury free laser light sources. The new XW range series sits alongside Sony’s ever-expanding range of BRAVIA XR™ TV’s, its flagship range of televisions with Cognitive Processor XR. BRAVIA XR TVs analyse the content and recreate it the same way humans see and hear in the real world and offer a unique blend of cutting edge panel devices such as QD-OLED and Mini LED. Sony is here to help you transform your living space into a stadium, concert arena, cinema or gaming simulation. For more information visit pro.sony

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Ultimate immersive viewing experiences in the home from Sony

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Bisley collaborates with The Celtic Collection for new Pembrokeshire Tŷ Hotel Wales based office furniture manufacturer Bisley has revealed its latest project with one of the UK’s leading hotel groups, The Celtic Collection. Opened in April 2022 and situated in the heart of Milford Haven, the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront boasts unbeatable views overlooking Milford Marina on the Pembrokeshire coast. Managed and operated by the team responsible for the Celtic Manor Resort, the new Tŷ Hotel is part of the expanding portfolio in The Celtic Collection and the Tŷ Hotels family. This major collaboration has seen Bisley design, produce and install a bespoke range of furniture for the hotel’s 100 bedrooms.

The collaboration within the hospitality sector is the latest in a string of significant projects for Bisley, whose history lies primarily in office furniture design and manufacture, where the firm is known for a number of iconic heritage design classics, including the MultiDrawer which was originally designed by Bisley’s founder in 1958. For the Celtic Collection group, the Bisley furniture range was designed in collaboration with Tŷ Hotels and manufactured to the highest standards at Bisley’s Newport factory, which is located just a few miles from the Celtic Collection’s flagship location. Designed with style, functionality, and durability in mind, featured pieces include a super-sized, padded headboard upholstered with an easy-to-clean, anti-microbial fabric, and installed with coordinating bedside tables, a number of unique mirrors, a dressing table with a black exposed steel frame and large double wardrobes. Graeme Matthews, Bisley’s Director of UK Sales said; “At Bisley, we’ve worked on a number of significant residential and hospitality projects. “Our latest partnership with the Celtic Collection has enabled us to continue growing our market share in the hospitality sector, as well as our wood offering in the industry.”

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Matthews added: “As a business, we’re fully committed to supporting our local economy, especially when our Bisley headquarters and factory still remain in Newport, South Wales. Our work for the Tŷ Hotel has demonstrated our capabilities, as a manufacturer, to work on large-scale projects while delivering high-quality and functional products within the timescales and budget provided by our clients.”

Celtic Collection Cluster Hotel Director, Matt Barnby, said; “The casegoods furniture designed and installed by Bisley is the perfect fit for the contemporary look and feel of our bedrooms at Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, and they finish off the rooms perfectly. We always look to work with local Welsh suppliers where possible and, when we decided to broaden our horizons to West Wales, it was great to be able to take a trusted supplier from Newport with us on the journey.” For more information about Bisley’s latest products and services, visit bisley.com. Further information can be found on www.ty-hotels.com.

Boosting guest experience with e-bikes

oday’s demanding traveller often selects destinations based on added-value services. Adept hoteliers have robustly responded to guests needs by incorporating and updating amenities regularly, with many capitalising on healthy-travel trends and their local surroundings by incorporating e-bikes into their offer. The e-bike industry is booming. The number of cycles on the road is expected to reach some 300 million by the end of next year. Ease of use, accessibility and the go-anywhere capabilities of these modern transport marvels has cemented their popularity, and cleverly integrating them within the fabric of a hotel’s offer is becoming a staple, rather than a nice to have.

For example, urban design hotels appealing to style-oriented customers might look to adding sleek city-oriented bikes such as the newly launched VOLT LONDON or the more classic Kensington to their service offer, providing freedom to explore the city with space to carry shopping. More rural destinations might tend to offer guests bikes capable of tackling multiple road surfaces such as electric hybrids and mountain bikes.

Beyond riding a popular trend and standing out amongst local competition there are clear benefits to incorporating e-bikes into a hotel offer; they provide increased revenue potential, have no license or insurance requirements to operate, and need minimal maintenance. Whether they are incorporated into a property’s amenities as a chargeable add-on, bringing revenue through hire and tours, or simply as a guest perk they provide a carbon footprintreducing fun outdoor activity that

can be tailored to any environment from the mountains and beaches to city roads. Today, innovative schemes enable hospitality businesses to lease and own e-bikes in a scalable and accessible way. From around £80 per month per bike, and cancellable at short-notice throughout the agreement, businesses are able to lease bikes with the benefit of theft and damage insurance, breakdown recovery, regular services, 2 years full warranty, along with a host of other perks. For the hospitality industry, e-bikes are more than an enticing amenity. They provide a much-needed boost to average client spend on-property and an experience that when done right, places the hotel at the core of the resident’s routine during their stay. Expect e-bike friendly hotels to feature high on the traveller wish-list soon. James Metcalfe Voltbikes.co.uk

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With the aftereffects of the pandemic still impacting how people move around cities and towns, large chains like Hilton have partnered with independent e-cycle hire providers to offer guests discounted access to external hire schemes. However, more commonly other businesses have sought to build their own in-house offers by purchasing fleets of e-bikes to deliver an experience tailored to their clients specific tastes.

way to go, we were delighted to gather together for an evening and pay homage to like-minded individuals who have produced or constructed an offering that strives to promote equality for all.”

UK’s most inclusive venues, organisations and individuals celebrated at prestigious awards ceremony A global initiative that champions stylish inclusivity in hotels, organisations and hospitality venues has announced the winners of its leading accessibility awards at an exclusive ceremony in Manchester.

he Blue Badge Access Awards, which promotes exceptional venues comprising thoughtful, design-led a c c e s s i b i l i t y, rewarded those that have gone above and beyond in their mission to achieve inclusivity for all, at the award-winning Hotel Brooklyn Manchester last night (Thursday 28th).

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Winners of the 11 acclaimed awards, which received sponsors from established businesses such as HEWI, IoH, WelcoMe, Bespoke Hotels and ANON Drinks, included Purcell Architects, Norfolk County Hall, who received the Leonard Cheshire Award for Most Inclusive Venue/Organisation, The Bear Grylls Adventure, who scooped the Institute of Hospitality Above & Beyond Award and The Telegraph Hotel, Coventry, who achieved the ‘Liberty’ Award for the Best Boutique Hotel.

Furthermore, winners of the Celia Thomas Prize, Conceptual Design for Disabled Guests, Caroe Architecture and Inclusive Guest Innovation, Centaur Robotics, took home a share of a generous prize fund of £20,000. The glitzy event was compèred by Mik Scarlet, a broadcaster, actor and musician who is widely considered one of the most influential disabled people in the UK, and garnered support from high-profile names including the Baroness of Winchester

Celia Thomas, Lord Borwick and TV personality Sophie Morgan. Live inclusive entertainment was enjoyed by all, with guests also being encouraged to delve into the plethora of free drinks and delicious canapes that were served up throughout the evening. Discussing the event, Fiona Jarvis, chair of judges and founder of Blue Badge Style, said: “The Blue Badge Access Awards give recognition to businesses and establishments that have addressed accessibility imaginatively and thoughtfully, which is what every hotel and hospitality venue should be striving to achieve. “We couldn’t believe the high standard of applications we received this year and are delighted to see that the hospitality sector is beginning to welcome stylish accessibility with open arms.” Robin Sheppard, co-founder of the Blue Badge Access Awards and president of Bespoke Hotels, added: “Fiona and I have made it our mission to advocate for inclusivity in the hospitality sector. It is crucial to make the hotel experience more joyful and inclusive for both disabled and non-disabled guests, designing and creating a place of beauty and practicality for everyone to enjoy.” He concluded: “Although we recognise the hospitality sector still has a long

Winners were picked by an esteemed panel of judges including Robin Sheppard (Chairman, Bespoke Hotels Group), Fiona Jarvis (CEO Blue Badge Style Ltd), Tina Norden (Director Conran and Partners), Jane Duncan (President Past RIBA), Michael Vermeersch (Accessibility Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft), Steve Ingham (CEO Page Group), Kellie Rixon MBE FIH (Chair Institute of Hospitality), Poppy Szaybo (Senior Inclusion and Diversity Adviser, Historic England) and Paul Vaughan (Bespoke Hotels). The full list of winners included: Purcell Architects, Norfolk County Hall for the Leonard Cheshire Award, Most Inclusive Venue/Organisation, The Bear Grylls Adventure for the Inst. of Hospitality Above & Beyond Award, Amy Francis-Smith, Chartered RIBA Architect for the Bespoke Hotels Award, Access Champion of The Year, Great Scotland Yard for the HEWI Award, Best Luxury Hotel, Shangri-La The Shard for the HEWI Award, Best Accessible Toilet, The Telegraph Hotel, Coventry for the ‘Liberty’ Award, Best Boutique Hotel, Warwick Castle for the Historic England Best Venue in an Historic Building, 8 at The Londoner for the Blue Badge Style Award, Best Bar, Fischer’s for the Conran Award, Best Restaurant, Caroe Architecture for the Celia Thomas Prize, Conceptual Design for Disabled Guests and Centaur Robotics for Inclusive Guest Innovation. The Blue Badge Access Awards is a global initiative that brings together two major design competitions - the Bespoke Access Awards and the Blue Badge Style Awards - with the support of charity, Leonard Cheshire. They are united by their mission to celebrate thoughtful and stylish inclusive design across the world. BBAA are sponsors of this year’s accessibility awards for both the Cateys in July and the AA Awards in September. For more information about the Blue Badge Access Awards, please visit: www.bluebadgeaccessawards.com.

Biophilic design: the new colour collection from Formica Group has it covered Formica Group, the world’s leading and original creator of laminates, has launched a striking and sophisticated new collection, drawing inspiration from the natural world to create a range of complementary palettes.

Nina Bailey, European Design Lead for Formica Group explains: “The new collection encompasses a sense of organic sophistication. Both the new colours and woods resonate with current culture and the ongoing trends for natural and earthy interior environments, combined with the move towards artisan design and the handmade approach.” For the past two years as the world shut down, people adapted to living their lives almost entirely from home. Working, shopping, exercising – even online doctor appointments – were conducted from the comfort of our living rooms. People sought comfort and reassurance from their surroundings, resulting in an interior design trend for indoor plants, and colours and textures derived from nature.

N o w, a s the worl d reopens, commercial, hospitality and leisure spaces are embracing socalled biophilic design – incorporating nature and natural inspiration into interiors - as they welcome back employees and entice customers into their stores, hotels, restaurants and other public spaces. Nina agrees: “It was important to us that our new collection evoked a sense of calm that the natural world provides – even our richer colours are deeply connected with organic hues. “Redefining commercial interior design is where we excel, and as retail, hospitality and offices reopen, this is a golden opportunity to rethink how those spaces are used and presented.”

Introducing the new collection: Plain colours “There are three series in the new plain colour additions – Greens, Reds and Night, and one single colour, Brite White,” explains Nina. “The earthy, grounding colours bring the outside in, and range from light blush terracotta to the deepest blue/black. These shades are uncompromisingly rich, luxurious and elegant. Our Brite White addition is already a firm favourite around the world, and we’re excited to add it to our collection here in Europe.”

Plus Color It is “the ultimate laminate tool box for interior designers, providing the chance to experiment with colour and texture in multiple ways,” explains Nina, “the range taps into many core trends, such as tone on tone palettes and the tactile approach to sensory design. The addition of eight new on-trend colours to the Plus Color range, in a selection

of premium finishes that tap into texture trends for rhythmical repeats, matte soft touch and glossy finish options adds sophistication and grounding tones ideal for multiple uses and sectors.”

Woods Nina comments: “The wood additions to the collection link us to our immediate surroundings, with a focus on local European species, such as Oak, Ash, Walnut and Elm. As we learn to appreciate our habitats, we want to introduce its natural beauty into indoor spaces. Moving towards greyed and desaturated tones of woods in both warm and cool tones gives our woods palette a beautiful variety and balance of tone and colour.” The new Formica Collection recently launched in the UK at Formica Group’s new flagship showroom in London. The showroom charts the company’s history and rich pedigree in interior innovation, and is a hub for architects, designers and specifiers to learn how to incorporate Formica® laminate into projects.

To see the new colour palette and wood finishes for yourself, book a visit to Formica Group’s showroom by visiting: www.formica.com/ukshowroom

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he Formica® Collection introduces 15 new plain colours, 34 new wood patterns, and eight new Plus Colors in four premium finishes, addressing a growing trend in design that brings natural influences, colours and patterns into our interiors.

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BE DIFFERENT for good vibes in the hotel bathroom Vibrant design, mood-boosting scents, uplifting messages. The colourful Be Different body care range invites guests to enjoy life’s small pleasures, and to begin each day with a smile. In a fast-paced, “always on” culture, boosting personal health and wellbeing is more important than ever before. Recognizing the value of emotional wellness and individual happiness, ADA Cosmetics presents Be Different: a range of body and hair care products that encourages guests to embrace the little things in life, every day. Colourful and contemporary, Be Different is defined by a spirit of optimism and a mission to spread good vibes. Positive messages in vivid colours cover the distinctive packaging: from “Follow your heart” to “Start with a smile” and “Make your own magic”, the attention-grabbing phrases are designed to inspire hotel guests to live each moment of their trip to the full. The range is infused with three fruity-fresh fragrances that embody the brand promise and deliver a daily dose of happiness. Refreshing lime is paired with zesty mint for the mood-boosting body products, while the hair wash

and conditioner are scented with juicy watermelon and relaxing berry. Uplifting sweet orange soap completes the collection. In line with ADA Cosmetics’ focus on sustainability and its desire to support conscious choices, the Be Different line is available in a wide range of dispenser systems with bottles recyclable after use – press+wash, Pump Dispenser, Smart Care and the newly introduced SHAPE dispenser – as well as mini bottles and tubes. Fully vegan and formulated with plant-based raw materials, the products are free of parabens, silicones and mineral oils, and use only readily biodegradable surfactants. The range of rinse-off and leave-on formulas was created in the inhouse production facilities of ADA Cosmetics. “The ups and downs of the past two years have revealed a growing desire for a mood-boosting approach to health and wellness,” says ADA Group CMO Gerd von Podewils. “Be Different responds to the spirit of the times, conveying a mood of positivity and optimism. We at ADA are putting beauty into travel, encouraging guests to enjoy the unique experiences of each new day.” www.ada-cosmetics.com/en

NORTHWOOD SCOOPS MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR TITLE AT FPA AWARDS Telford-based Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd – a leading manufacturer and supplier of away-from-home (AfH) professional paper hygiene and wiping products – has won the coveted ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ title at the annual Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) Awards.

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Celebrating the best manufacturers and distributors of the UK’s hospitality industry, the FPA Awards honour the excellence, best practice, innovation, sustainability and creativity of the sector.

Picking up the award, Brian Tarry, sales and marketing director at Northwood, said: “The FPA Awards set the benchmark for excellence in the catering industry and for us to be named as Manufacturer of the Year is a huge accolade, particularly as we were voted for by peers in our industry. “We are incredibly proud of this prestigious award, which recognises the hard work and dedication of the whole team at Northwood to consistently achieve the best manufacturing standards throughout our operation. It is truly amazing to

receive this level of recognition from the industry after such a challenging two years across the sector.” The FPA Manufacturer of the Year title is awarded to the manufacturer who stands out from other manufacturers throughout the sector. It recognises the responsiveness to environmental and legislative developments of the winner, as well as the introduction of new solutions to meet customer needs. Established more than 45 years ago by owners the Fecher family, Northwood is one of the few vertically integrated companies in the industry. Its activities include recycling, production, conversion and logistics – a structure that allows it to ensure excellence throughout its entire operation.

Northwood employs 250 people and its brands – including Raphael, North Shore and Whisper – can be spotted across the UK, in all sectors, ranging from healthcare and education to hospitality, leisure, manufacturing and catering. The FPA is the voice of the foodservice packaging industry, working towards a secure future for the sector. It promotes the responsible manufacture, sourcing, distribution, usage and disposal of food and foodservice packaging. This years’ awards were hosted by stand-up comedian Lucy Porter at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

Another preventable death reminds us of the importance of allergy labelling

By Gavin Scarr Hall, Director of Health & Safety at Peninsula

24-year-old student has died four years after accidentally eating a peanut at a Southall restaurant. Tania Kaur Khasriya went into anaphylactic shock and never regained consciousness, receiving palliative care until it was withdrawn in late March. In 2021 Natasha’s law was passed requiring all Pre-Packed for Direct Sale (PPDS) foods to include all ingredients on the label, with allergens highlighted. The news of another young life lost to allergens further highlights just how important it is for businesses owners to get labelling right, with over 20% of the UK population suffering from some sort of allergy.

Thanks to Natasha’s law this is now required no matter where the food was prepared. While it may be difficult for smaller organisations to keep track of the top 14 allergens it is vital that employers keep their staff up to date with new policies. This law has been a huge step in allergy legislation and is improving the quality of life for around 2 million people living with allergies in the UK. During the inquest into Natasha’s death, the coroner warned that the current rules were inadequate and further action had to be taken.

In January 2022, a young mum suffered a heart attack after an unknown snack sent her into anaphylactic shock. She had dealt with allergies most of her life and was reportedly extremely diligent, checking the ingredients of everything she ate. Yet, it wasn’t enough and lead to another preventable death. It’s incredibly sad that the implementation of this new law was too late to save Tania, but let’s hope that Natasha’s law will prevent many more cases in the future.

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This incident happened in 2018, when ingredients and allergen information was only required for pre-packed food and drink that was prepared off site.

Making your outdoor dining space work all year round It’s well documented that the pandemic hit the hospitality industry hard, but it also encouraged businesses to be more creative with their space - particularly when reclaiming outdoor space to facilitate social distancing . Where alfresco dining might previously have been saved for the height of summer, covid restrictions forced venues to consider opening their outdoor spaces all year round and to repurpose otherwise unused spaces such as car parks into outdoor dining areas. This additional revenue is something many are keen to maximise long after the pandemic has ended, but how can restaurants, boardwalks, cafes and bars ensure their outdoor space works just as well in the middle of winter as it does for those July and August drinks?

Why are composites the answer? Decking is a great way to provide structure to your outdoor space, and because of its long lifespan, durability and safety properties, composite decking in particular is ideal for demanding applications such as hotel decking, as well as other public areas such as parks, outside refreshment bars, verandas and clubhouse decking. It’s also much better than traditional timber decking for looking its best in all seasons.

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For example, composite decking is UV stable, so the colour won’t fade at

the end of the season if we’re gifted with a hot summer. The effects of sunlight are much more forgiving on composite decking than a wood deck, which will always fade to a silvery dull grey because one of its main components, cellulose, automatically oxidises in sunlight, leading to surface bleaching. Because it has a low water absorption rate, composite decking is also much less slippery than traditional decking in wet weather. Add to this the higher strength, and improved durability of composite decking, and it’s much more suitable for withstanding harsh winters.

How do I know what I choose is safe for my customers? Choosing products with a verified antislip test is essential in a commercial environment where members of the public need to move around with ease and safety.

The pendulum slip test is recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as a reliable and robust test providing accurate analysis on the slip potential of all types of flooring and is the subject of a British Standard, BS 7976- 2:2002+A1:2013. Ensuring that the products you use for your flooring projects have passed the pendulum test is a great way to prove to authorities, insurance companies and lawyers that you have provided a safe floor environment, and can be used for your protection should you be taken to court; or indeed to prevent claims from the outset. Te s t i n g in accordance with the standard generates a pendulum test value (known as a PTV), also sometimes known as a slip resistance value (SRV). This PTV falls into one of three categories: For pedestrians walking in a straight line on a level surface, a PTV of 24 or lower equates to a high slip potential. 25 to 35 is a moderate slip potential, while 36 or more means low potential. All of Dura Composites’ decking and tile products for example achieve low slip potential, giving that peace of mind that’s needed for the hospitality industry. Investing in decking for your outdoor dining space is an ideal way to breathe life into your venue, as well as create a new revenue stream, but be careful to think about the type of decking you choose, so your customers can enjoy it all year round. Lee Cavalier is Decking Product Manager at Dura Composites, an award-winning manufacturer and supplier of composite decking tiles and boards.

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Robert Welch Designs invests in cloud software implementation with BrightBridge to meet needs of evolving customer expectations Award-winning designers and producers of cutlery, tableware and kitchenware, Robert Welch Designs is making a significant investment in digital transformation, to reflect the evolution of customer requirements and demand for real-time data, in an omnichannel space. It has chosen specialist business software firm BrightBridge to design and implement this complex project. Cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution Oracle NetSuite will facilitate improved service for customers spanning the retail, hospitality and trade sectors. The prestigious firm has a heritage of nearly 70 years and supplies exquisitely designed, high-quality cutlery and other tableware to internationally renowned hotels and restaurants. Robert Welch Designs chose Leicestershire-based BrightBridge due to their specialisms working with clients within retail, distribution and systems integration. The project will comprise implementation of Oracle NetSuite including financials, sales and purchase orders, invoicing, inventory control and real-time management information. WAERlinx, a Built-for-NetSuite solution, will be implemented to handle all elements of warehouse management. Seamless integration of B2B, B2C, Amazon, and major retail partners will be achieved using Jitterbit, an integration platform as a service.

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This will mean the firm can not only effectively integrate the fulfilment of all orders, whether direct or from third party shopping platforms such as Amazon, Shopify and Wayfair, but more importantly, provide the up-to-the-minute information required by Robert Welch customers. This is thanks to the real-time flow of data the platform facilitates, which will mean customers can access information such as order and delivery details, getting an exact status at every stage. This capability was a crucial element for the firm and a major factor in its implementation decision.

Ed Smith, IT Director at Robert Welch Designs, based in Chipping Campden, said: “The world is moving at a rapid pace, and as a global supplier, we need a technology solution that will allow us to effectively move with it as our business continues to grow and diversify. The growth of omnichannel means we operate in a broader range of channels, so we need a real breadth of functionality. The cloud is the future and we want to be part of that as we know it will afford us the agility to service customers in all areas with speed, efficiency and professionalism – whether they’re a direct consumer, a trade client such as John Lewis & Partners or a hospitality client such as the Shangri-La Group. The solution BrightBridge is implementing will give us the full capability of process automation and instant updates that will furnish our customers with up-to-date information."

“We want to both properly serve our customer base and grow it, and we believe BrightBridge’s expertise in building robust business architecture, coupled with the plethora of features in the NetSuite and WAERlinx solution, will allow us to achieve that. When there is a big community, which Oracle NetSuite has, development and progress are fast-paced and driven by that community,” he added. Having a real-time 360-degree view of the business on a single platform, allowing fast identification and therefore resolution of any issues quickly, was also part of the appeal for Robert Welch Designs. The fact it is a cloud-based solution offering automatic updates, and therefore negating the need for manual upgrades, was an even bigger attraction for the business. While Robert Welch Designs may be moving with the times when it comes to technology, the company continues to design its products (from stainless-steel cutlery and tableware accessories, through to kitchen knives, cookware and homewares) at the Old Silk Mill, Chipping Campden, the same building in which the family business was founded in 1955. Ian Robertson, Sales and Marketing Director at BrightBridge, commented: “It was clear that a firm with such a rich history, stellar reputation and solid high-end customer base needed a solution that would help it continue to exceed customer service expectations via access to real-time data and more intuitive processes. We are confident that the Oracle NetSuite solution, coupled with our expertise, will see a successful implementation for Robert Welch Designs and allow the Company to meet its growth goals.” As BrightBridge is the only European partner of both Oracle NetSuite and leading integration platform Jitterbit, the firm is well-placed to take Robert Welch Designs on its digital transformation journey. For more information, please visit brightbridgesolutions.com, or follow BrightBridge on Twitter - @brightbridge_uk – or LinkedIn.

New report reveals vital considerations to mitigate soaring commercial energy prices With much volatility and uncertainty in the energy market today, partially due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, businesses must remain agile when it comes to monitoring and managing their energy. With the government looking to the future with their new energy security strategy, which plans to boost wind, nuclear, solar and hydrogen, commercial energy broker and utilities consultancy Advantage Utilities implores businesses to adopt a similar long-term approach within their latest quarterly energy report. As Europe relies on Russia for around 35% of its natural gas requirements, the Russia/Ukraine crisis is proving to be a cause of concern. Thev expert energy analysts at Advantage Utilities have identified additional ‘bullish’ factors for 2022 as possible Russian gas restrictions and OPEC oil curbs.

He continues: “Even though the UK has little direct reliance, around 40% of Europe’s gas is currently sourced from Russia via either pipelines or LNG exports. When factoring in the cost and timescales to replace this, it’s no wonder why both the UK and Europe have accelerated their need to source supplies from alternative locations, as well as to invest in self-generation and cleaner energy.”

The cheapest unit of energy is the one you do not consume As energy costs continue to spiral, businesses should look at energy management to try and retain control of expenditure, by reflecting on how and when they are using energy. Solar solutions in particular are proving popular and many businesses are successfully implementing their own renewable energy on-site.

Grover says the process of exploring the viability of on-site renewable energy starts with a simple desktop audit, that may then lead to an actual site audit, to ascertain what products and services businesses may be able to explore, such as EV charging, solar panels, Combined Heat & Power, battery storage, voltage optimisation and load shifting amongst others. “Often, these products and services can be implemented at little or no cost, or for larger projects it can be achieved capex free,” he says. Grover also notes that the cost of technology, materials, and energy saving measures typically reduce over time. So, an audit or assessment that perhaps did not have a pay-back period that was attractive last time around, may now produce different and more appealing results. There is no denying that it’s a very concerning time for UK businesses, with extraordinarily high energy prices. However, it’s important to remain focused on long-term actions as there are steps that organisations can take to try and mitigate these costs and remain focused on a sustainable future driving toward net zero. Additional products, solutions, guidance and advice on energy management can be found within the latest report by Advantage Utilities.

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The Cheapest Unit of Energy is the One You Do Not Consume

Commenting on the report, Andrew Grover, Chief Executive Officer at Advantage Utilities said: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused added volatility to what was already an extremely challenging market, even considering the upcoming summer months. This is owing to gas requirements for power generation being high, due to renewable generation being low, coupled with strict targets to get the UK’s and EU’s already depleted gas storage facilities 80% full by 1st November.”

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