HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE
DON’T MISS THE 25TH FEDERATION CONFERENCE. FULL DETAILS INSIDE.
HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE RISING STARS
FULL PROGRAMME AND MORE INFORMATION ON THE NOT-TO-BE-MISSED CONFERENCE.
P. 10
2024’S CROP OF TOP TALENT ANNOUNCED
P. 5
MEMBER NEWS
Celebrations and refurbishments from members across the country.
P. 6
CHOICE FOR CHILDREN
Winner of our competition with the Food Standards Agency.
P. 14
PLACE IN THE SUN
Tourism performance finally updated postCOVID.
P. 23
GOOD JOBS
The implications of potential new legislation.
P. 26
HOTPLATE
Northern Ireland Hotels Federation
The McCune Building, 1 Shore Road
Belfast BT15 3PG
Tel: 028 9077 6635 Web: nihf.co.uk
Email: office@nihf.co.uk
P. 10
P. 16
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
My term as President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation is drawing to a close and this will be my last address in Hotplate. I can hardly believe that it has been almost two years since I took up the role and would like to thank everyone who has supported me over my term of office. During my presidency, it’s been great to be able to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the NIHF and to meet with those who helped set up the organisation and contributed to making it the respected organisation it is today.
When I took up the presidency, I choose the theme of people as the main focus of my term of office, and the Federation has worked closely with HATS to highlight the career opportunities in the sector. The “Make it Here” campaign overseen by Tourism NI has gone some way to address the negative perceptions of working in the sector with exceptional levels of engagement from prospective employees. All-age apprenticeships are now in place and there is support through the Labour Market Partnerships to get those who are economically inactive back to work. We have run competitions to recognise and reward the best housekeepers and receptionists, staged bespoke training courses to upskill employees and lobbied for recognition of the sector within government. There is still much to do, and I know that people will
remain a focus for the NIHF in the coming year.
One of the positive developments has been the return of the Executive who have just published a new Programme for Government. It is good to see tourism feature in the plans set out by the Economy Minister, Conor Murphy and I believe we can contribute to his economic vision by offering good jobs and increasing productivity while helping address regional balance. Hotels are acutely aware of the issues around climate change and have made great strides towards sustainable trading.
Business has held up well in the post pandemic era but the challenges of rising costs, attracting skilled staff and cost of living crisis have taken their toll. It has been a fine balancing act for businesses and concerns remain about the erosion of profits which are vital to allow the sector to invest and grow. Growth has continued to be a hot topic with one new opening in 2024 and a further three hotels due to come to market in 2025 as well as a number of expansions at existing properties. Hotel sales have been buoyant with a lot of properties changing hands and several high-profile hotels on the market. Interesting times as prohibitive construction costs have made acquisition a more cost effective and significantly quicker route to market than building.
EDDIE MCKEEVER President
It will be interesting to see how the hotel landscape alters in the coming year and how we can work collaboratively to grow the sector and attract more visitors. I think as an industry we have shown our support of the local economy and a willingness to invest considerably in its future.
Not only is the Federation twentyfive years old but it’s the twenty-fifth Hospitality Exchange and I hope to see you all there to thank you for your support over the last two years.
Please come and join us for a great couple of days in October and I wish you all continued success in the future.
DISCOUNT CODE: HOTPLATE25
Just head to the Eventbrite Ticket page and enter this code to access the discounted Member rates. All Hotplate readers are eligible to use these rates.
POSITIVE PERFORMANCE
POLITICS, PERFORMANCE AND PUTTING TOURISM ON THE MAP
The official tourism figures for 2023 were announced last week and while this may be ancient history to some, the increase in spend has been noted along with a new geographic mix of visitors. The industry contributed £1.2bn to the local economy and has managed to return to pre-Covid levels of trading. Quite an achievement given the disruption the sector has faced over the last number of years. Tourism has often been seen as a Cinderella industry trundling along in the background with limited support and little attention.
Since the return of the Executive, the role of the sector has been recognised and specifically mentioned in the recently published Programme for Government.
The Economy Minister has set out his economic vision, outlining the contribution that tourism can make and has set up a Tourism Partnership Board. This board has representation
from a broad range of stakeholders, including the NIHF, and has been tasked with coming up with an action plan by the end of the year.
Other developments include looking at how existing Fáilte Ireland brands from the south, (The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Hidden Heartland) could be extended into Northern Ireland. The Minister is keen to grasp all-island opportunities and has been working closely with Minster Catherine Martin, whose portfolio includes
tourism on several initiatives exploring how the tourism industry north & south can be a driver for sustainable and regionally balanced economic growth across the whole island.
It is good to see the Executive back and reinvigorated. Tourism is firmly on the agenda and with support and collaboration, the sector could grow exponentially and become a major player in future economic success.
JANICE GAULT Chief Executive
RISING STARS ANNOUNCED
FANTASTIC LEVEL OF ENTRIES FOR THIS YEAR’S AwARDS
NIHF has once again teamed up with Ulster Bank to run an exciting competition aimed at discovering ‘Rising Stars’ within the hotel sector of Northern Ireland.
The Rising Stars awards aim to recognise and celebrate young, emerging talent who are making significant contributions to the hotel and hospitality industry.
The competition is a fantastic platform to showcase talented personnel, reward those who contribute significantly to the hotel
sector’s success and highlight the career potential within the industry.
The Rising Stars Awards, supported by Ulster Bank, will be presented as part of Hospitality Exchange 2024 at a lunch, hosted by the renowned broadcaster Pamela Ballantine. This special luncheon will take place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on Tuesday, 15th October 2024.
This year’s Rising Stars will also hear from Tanya Oxtoby, the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Manager, who will share her perspective on what makes a winning team. Her expertise in leadership and team dynamics will offer valuable lessons for all in attendance, drawing parallels between success in sports and success in hospitality.
The Rising Stars were nominated by their businesses. Each entry was assessed by independent judges to arrive at the 12 stars awarded. The nominee and their nominator will each receive a complimentary ticket to the Winning Ways Lunch.
The Rising Stars in alphabetical company order:
1. Adam Jones, Head Chef, AC Hotel Belfast
2. Matthew McCafferty, Assistant Bar Manager, Bishop’s Gate Hotel
3. Shania Higgins, Restaurant Manager, City Hotel Derry
4. Katelyn Leetch, Conference & Events oordinator, Crowne Plaza Belfast
5. Tyler Millar, Food & Beverage Supervisor, Elephant Rock Hotel
6. Rebecca Gwynne, Asst Conference & Banqueting Manager, Europa Hotel
7. Fionntan McLaughlin, Food Service Staff, Fitzwilliam Hotel
8. Malachy McMurray, Receptionist & Trainee Manager, Hilton Belfast
9. Shane Malone, Asst Conference & Banqueting Manager, Killeavy Castle Estate
10. Tamara O’Hare, Wedding Coordinator, Millbrook Lodge Hotel
11. Diane Magee, Asst Spa Manager, The Merchant Hotel
12. Sophie Swift, Revenue Manager, Westville Hotel
VOCO
»voco Belfast, was officially opened recently following a £3.6 million refurbishment of the former Gasworks Hotel.
Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, this is the voco brand’s first hotel in Northern Ireland.
NIHF MEMBER NEWS
The Ashburn Hotel, Lurgan is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the purchase by the McConaghy family. Since the family takeover in 1974, the Ashburn Hotel has been central to the town of Lurgan and played it’s part in so many of the local’s lives, from memories of family meals as a child to introducing their own children to the McConaghy family hospitality, the Ashburn Hotel has been there every step of the way.
To celebrate it’s landmark year, the hotel has undergone extensive renovations to it’s Lounge and Gallery Bars.
Belfast cocktail bar, Rattlebag is one of only 37 in the world to be named in a prestigious list of top cocktail bars.
The popular speakeasy style cocktail bar located within Belfast’s Bullitt hotel has been awarded an ‘excellent’ rating or ‘one pin’ in the inaugural Pinnacle Guide.
Launched by the founders of the hugely successful London Cocktail Week, the brand-new Pinnacle Guide is described as the ‘Michelin guide for bars’ aiming to promote the best cocktail venues across the world and highlighting those that are ‘leading cocktail culture in their communities.’
The Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown has unveiled a new outdoor event space for BBQ’s, Civil Ceremonies, and as a relaxing area for residents.
The £250k investment in the Carriage Room Gardens includes a recreation of the historic railway platform that was part of the Clogher Valley Railway that used to run up the main street of the town.
ASHBURN HOTEL
VALLEY HOTEL
BULLITT HOTEL
TULLYGLASS HOUSE HOTEL
» A newly refurbished Bridal Suite have been created at the Tullyglass House Hotel. The suite features spacious high ceilings and is adorned with exquisite linen wallpaper sourced from local artisans. A stunning focal point, the custom-made Giant’s Causeway table adds a touch of Irish heritage and uniqueness. Each piece of bespoke furniture has been meticulously crafted to provide comfort and style, ensuring a luxurious stay.
The 2024 ‘Champion of Champions’ World Junior Golf Championship came to a close under beautiful skies with a pledge it will return to Lough Erne Resort in 2025.
This year’s event saw 250 competitors aged 6 to 19, from 40 countries take part. Now in only its fifth year, the tournament has grown to become the World’s Biggest Junior Champions’ Invitational.
Leading the local Northern Ireland challenge was Ben Oberholzer from Clandeboye Golf Club who finished runner up in the Under 19 category.
Galgorm has been chosen to host one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality award ceremonies, the World Luxury Awards 2024.
The glittering grand gala is set to attract over 200 guests including VIPs, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant owners from countries across the globe, along with international media.
Galgorm is privileged to have been selected as the European host venue for the Awards on 19 October 2024, with a second ceremony taking place in Ayana Resort & Spa in Bali on 16 October.
Dunluce Lodge has announced a strategic partnership with Journey, a leader in hotel technology. This partnership marks a major advancement in enhancing the guest experience through state-of-theart technology and personalised service offerings.
Ulster Bank has announced over £7 million in support for Andras House as it makes its largest investment in its hotel portfolio outside of Belfast.
The new 83-bedroom Marcus Hotel Portrush is being developed as part of an £11 million investment by Andras House, and will be operated under franchise from Hilton under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand.
» Heather Stewart Welsh has been appointed as the new General Manager of The Marcus Hotel Portrush. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge, with a proven track record of enhancing guest experiences and a passion for excellence.
MARCUS HOTEL PORTRUSH
DUNLUCE LODGE
LOUGH ERNE RESORT
GALGORM
CHARITY DONATION
NIHF RAISES FUNDS FOR NI CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
The Federation is proud to announce that its Annual Golf Day, held in May 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton Templepatrick, successfully raised £862.03 for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, a charity dedicated to providing specialist care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Eddie McKeever, President of the NIHF, expressed his gratitude for the generous contributions made by members: “We’re thrilled that our members gave so generously to support the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. This charity relies entirely on local donations to enable it to provide the support that it does to children and families in need. I know what a difference their services can make.”
NEW STAFF MEMBER FOR NIHF
» Victoria Dunn has joined the Federation as Membership Officer. A former Reservations Manager with the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Victoria is the main point of contact for hotel and trade members and will be assisting with the many events the Federation runs for members throughout the year.
Please contact her at victoria@nihf.co.uk
Julie Martin, Community Outreach Fundraiser for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, shared her appreciation for the support:
“At the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, we believe that every moment counts for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The support from the NIHF and its members means so much to us and helps ensure that we can continue to provide the vital care and support that our children and their families depend on. We are incredibly grateful to NIHF President, Eddie McKeever, and all those who contributed to this generous donation.”
DIARY DATES
The Federation is planning dates for events in 2025 and will reach out to members soon for availability to host some of these.
Provisionally, we will run the Housekeeping Awards in Feb/Mar, Taste of Tourism in March, the Receptionist Awards in Apr/May, the Business Outlook Seminar in April and the Golf Day in June. There will also be two Member Lunches in February and June. More to follow.
HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE
Hospitality Exchange marks a significant milestone as the event enters its twenty-fifth year. This year’s Crowne Plaza programme will reflect on the journey since 1999, exploring the evolution of Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector.
HIGHLIGHT
Is AI an enemy or an asset? How to improve efficiency without losing the human touch.
SIMON MAGUIRE
How leadership has evolved over the last 25 years.
wEDNESDAY HIGHLIGHT
Sarah Duignan from STR takes a dive into the world of statistics with all the latest hotel performance data, including a peek into what 2025 will bring.
ALSO FEATURING
MARk bIRCHALL
Sustainable success and maintaining the personal touch.
PLUS ALL THIS
ANA DESMOND
The economic power of tourism from economist Ana.
15TH & 16TH OCTObER 2024 CROwNE PLAzA bELFAST
RICHIE MURPHY
Head Coach at Ulster Rugby on nurturing talent and Grand Slam success.
Themes for this year reflect the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly in areas like AI integration, sustainable practices and tourism’s evolving landscape, all finished off with the Gala Ball, a silver-themed evening to celebrate 25 years!
2024 PROGRAMME
TUESDAY 15TH OCTObER - CROwNE PLAzA bELFAST
Morning
Automation vs Personalisation
Is AI an enemy or an asset? How to improve efficiency without losing the human touch, compered by Tim Browne.
AUTOMATION VS PERSONALISATION 09.45 £ 45
Customer Journey
Susanne Williams from Journey on personalisation in the post-search era - key tactics for capturing modern customers.
The Chef’s Perspective
Mark Birchall talks about sustainable success, Michelin stars and the importance of the personal touch.
AI for your Business Ciaran Connolly has the practical guide to help you navigate the AI world.
Leadership Today and Tomorrow
Simon Maguire highlights how leadership has evolved over the last 30 years. Emotional intelligence remains crucial despite technological advances.
Supported by Calor, Invest NI, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Afternoon
Winning Ways Lunch
Tanya Oxtoby, the NI Women’s Football Manager on what makes a winning team. Hosted by Pamela Ballantine, featuring the Rising Star Awards supported by Ulster Bank.
wINNING wAYS LUNCH 13.00 £ 60
A celebration of stellar talent, acknowledging their contribution to the future of the sector.
Supported by Ulster Bank, Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities, Classic Drinks, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Sysco.
AGM
Annual General Meeting for NIHF Members takes place at 15.30.
AGM 15.30 £ FREE TO MEMbERS
Delegate Lounge Networking before and after the seminars.
Official coffee supplier Henderson Foodservice. Official tea supplier SD Bell. Also supported by Coca-Cola HBC NI.
wEDNESDAY 16TH OCTObER - CROwNE PLAzA bELFAST
Morning
Business Breakfast
A hearty start to the day with a big breakfast and business update hosted by veteran journalist, Mark Simpson.
bUSINESS bREAkFAST 08.00 £ 39
Hotel Performance & Forecast STR data, detail and a dive into the future with Sarah Duignan.
Hotels for Sale
Savills’ hotel specialist, Tom Barrett, looks at a buoyant marketplace.
Managing Change
Adrian Patton, Sumer NI, on selling, skills and succession.
Supported by AIB Bank, Percipient, Savills, Sumer NI, STR and Visit Belfast.
Talking Tourism
A reflection on the past and a look to the future: trends, events and sustainable growth.
TALkING TOURISM 10.30 £ 30
Tourism 2024
Economist Ana Desmond delves into the economic power of tourism.
25 Years of Tourism
Industry discussion on an incredible journey.
The Rugby World Cup
Yannick Cabrol from EY looks at how big events drive tourism.
Sustainable Growth
Alice Mansergh from Tourism Ireland and John McGrillen from Tourism Northern Ireland discuss managing tourism growth.
Supported by Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
DISCOUNT CODE: HOTPLATE25
Just head to the Eventbrite Ticket page and enter this code to access the discounted Member rates. All Hotplate readers are eligible to use these rates.
Afternoon
Speaker Lunch
Richie Murphy, Head Coach at Ulster Rugby on nurturing talent and Grand Slam success.
Supported by McKees Solicitors, Bibendum Wines, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Henderson Foodservice.
SPEAkER LUNCH 13.00 £ 60
Evening
The Gala Ball
Celebrating 25 years with a silverthemed evening. An opportunity to wine, dine and dance the night away.
Supported by Linencare, Bunzl Rafferty Guest Amenities, Coca-Cola HBC NI, Diageo, Pattison & Co, Percipient, SBD Events and Spiritly.
GALA bALL 19.30 £ 129
Additional Support Bank of Ireland, Bunzl McLaughlin, Drinksology Kirker Greer, Winterhalter. Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Derry City & Strabane District Council, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council. Media Partner: Licensed and Catering News
THANkS
The companies below have kindly provided sponsorship and support to Hospitality Exchange.
CHOICE FOR CHILDREN
CREATING MENUS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOODIES
The Federation partnered with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to launch a ‘Choice for Children’ initiative that highlights the importance of healthy food choices for children when eating out.
The winner of the competition, which ran in spring, was The Merchant Hotel with the innovative dish, ‘Glenarm Organic Salmon, Armagh asparagus, spring greens and a pea sauce’. It contains glazed Glenarm Organic Salmon, freerange egg tagliatelle pasta (fresh and handmade), poached Armagh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, local peas and broad beans with a spring pea sauce.
Discussing winning the initiative, General Manager, Gavin Carroll from The Merchant Hotel, said: “The Merchant likes to give a fivestar experience for all its guests, including younger ones. We are delighted to have our efforts recognised through the ‘Choice for Children’ initiative. Our winning dish showcases our commitment to using locally-sourced, highquality ingredients to create healthy, appealing meals for children.” In 2024, the FSA, along with local councils, published research into children’s menu offerings in restaurants, revealing a concerning lack of variety and healthy options. This research indicates a need to improve the nutritional quality of food available to children when eating out. Discussing the ‘Choice for Children’ initiative, Eddie McKeever, President of the NIHF, added:
“The family market is essential
for hotels, particularly for events like birthday parties and special occasions. Children are a key audience, and we are committed to introducing more appealing and nutritious food options for them. The NIHF is dedicated to exploring opportunities to offer healthier choices for children and to promote fresh, interesting food options for young people.
“In line with our commitment to evolving consumer needs and responding to the FSA’s findings, we launched the ‘Choice for Children’ initiative. Hotel restaurants were invited to create dishes that would not only attract children but also provide a healthier and more exciting alternative to traditional children’s menu staples. We hope to work with the FSA to build on this initiative working with members to create exciting and healthy food choices for children in the future.
“These new dishes were required to meet specific nutritional criteria. Shortlisted dishes were showcased on social media, and the public was given the opportunity to vote for their favourite. We were thrilled with the response to this initiative and would like to extend our congratulations to The Merchant Hotel for their winning entry, particularly Executive Chef Johnny Leake.”
The dishes created by restaurants had to comply with the following criteria:
• Include at least one portion of vegetables/fruit.
• Should not be deep-fried.
• Have no added salt.
• Offer an alternative to chips such as boiled potatoes, rice, pasta, noodles, or bread.
• Be appropriately sized for a child.
• Include ingredients that are higher in fibre and contain less salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
Jennifer McGonagle, Senior Nutritionist at the FSA, welcomed the industry’s commitment to promoting diverse and nutritious children’s menus. Jennifer added: “We know from our recent research that restaurants are serving dishes to children that are extremely high in calories. A staggering 80% of the children’s meals we sampled contained over a third of the average energy requirement for a 6-year-old. Similarly, the recent Safefood campaign which aims to raise awareness of the food environment that surrounds us, highlighted that children in Northern Ireland can identify unhealthy food brands before they can say their ABCs.
“However, it was encouraging that 70% of the businesses we surveyed agreed the hospitality sector has a role in improving children’s diets. It has been great to see the all the innovative menu options that were created through the Choice for Children initiative and we look forward to working with other businesses to increase the availability of healthy options on children’s menus.”
To join the conversation and support this initiative, use the hashtag #ChoiceForChildren on social media to raise awareness.
TOP TIPS FOR CHILDREN’S MENUS
1. Add fruit and vegetables to the menu.
2. Offer an alternative to chips such as boiled potatoes, rice, pasta, noodles or bread and where available opt for higher fibre varieties.
3. Reduce sugar by including water and plain milk on the menu rather than sugary drinks.
4. Minimise the amount of fried food on the menu and where possible grill or bake food.
The winning dish: Glenarm Organic Salmon, Armagh asparagus, spring greens and a pea sauce.
5. Don’t add salt to children’s meals and choose lower salt ingredients.
6. Ensure meals are appropriately sized for a child.
Download the full guide here: food.gov.uk/ business-guidance/ healthier-cateringtips-for-childrensmenus
Back row (L-R) Eddie McKeever, President and Jennifer McGonagle, Senior Nutrition Policy Advisor at the FSA. Front row (L-R) James McGonagle, Evan Leake and Calum Leake.
MAKE IT HERE
TOURISM NI IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THE MAKE IT HERE CAMPAIGN
The Make it Here campaign aims to change perceptions of working in tourism and hospitality by dialling up the commonly overlooked positives such as great flexibility, career progression opportunities and the opportunity to work in a vibrant and sociable industry where it’s all about people.
No one can showcase tourism quite like the people who work in it! Over the past few years, the Make it Here campaign has featured many amazing people who make this place -tour guides, chefs, B&B owners, musicians, receptionists, the list goes on!
The campaign which launched in 2022 is having success. Omnibus research carried out twice per year interviewing over 1000 Northern Ireland residents shows that
positive perceptions of tourism as a career has increased by 4% from October 2022 to March 2024, and both tourism & hospitality have seen jumps in
positive perceptions with both 18 -24 year olds and 55 - 54 year olds. This is particularly pleasing given these demographics are key target audiences for the campaign.
The next wave of the campaign rolls out from October through to March. The success of previous campaigns has been down to the many people from our industry who put themselves forward, to tell why they love working in the sector.
HOTEL VALUES
The local hotel market has been a busy one and we’ve been involved in several high-profile sales. When it comes to selling a hotel business, the focus is often on the financials, location, property offerings and market trends. While these are undeniably important, one other critical factor is the quality of the management team and the skill level of the workforce. A strong management team and skilled workforce are not just operational necessities; they are key assets that can significantly enhance the value and attractiveness of a hotel to a potential buyer.
Those seeking to buy a hotel are taking a wider 360-degree view of an acquisition, realising that the management team not only operate the business on a day-to day basis but are the cornerstone of success. The bricks and mortar elements of
an asset may be easy to value but the people within the hotel are an incredible asset as well. Without a skilled, informed and capable team the purchase may become less attractive to a prospective buyer as they may struggle to find suitable management team to set strategic direction, deliver growth and lead the entire workforce.
Buyers are often wary of the disruption and possible loss of business that can occur after a change in ownership. A strong, stable management team can ease these concerns by offering continuity and expertise during the transition period. This continuity is crucial, as it reduces the risk of operational setbacks that could otherwise diminish the value of the business. A skilled management team signals to buyers that the hotel is more than just bricks and
SUMER NI CAN HELP YOU DEVELOP YOUR bUSINESS
Sumer NI, previously the Belfast office of ASM Chartered Accountants, rebranded and joined the Sumer Group in July 2024 and is one of Northern Ireland’s largest accountancy firms. The firm has a long history with the hotel sector providing expert advice and a full suite of business solutions.
The name Sumer comes from the earliest known civilization, located in the historical region of southern Mesopotamia. The Sumerians were arguably the first civilization to create a detailed system of accounts to manage the economy of their city-states. These early accounts recorded the distribution of crops, livestock, and manufactured goods, reflecting the assets and liabilities of temples,
which were the economic as well as religious centres of Sumerian citystates. Many of the systems and hierarchy that this early civilisation used still applies to business today.
The Sumer Group and Sumer NI are passionate about helping you grow your business, seize opportunities and navigate an increasingly complex environment. Sumer NI have an absolute commitment to the quality and value of our services. No matter who you are or what you do, you can always count on us to uphold the highest standards and deliver outstanding advice.
Sumer NI are dedicated to being the champions of your business. Delivering a range of accounting,
mortar—it is a thriving business with a capable leadership team at the helm.
To sell a hotel and achieve the best value in the future, it is essential that you develop your management team and staff today.
tax, audit, advisory and business services across the UK and Ireland, the firm is uniquely placed to support your business. With a dedicated team of top-tier professionals attuned to clients’ needs, you can count on Sumer NI for invaluable business guidance precisely when it matters most. It’s great to be part of a large network but also be in the position to give that personal touch for our clients.
Adrian Patton, Director at Sumer NI, will be speaking as part of Hospitality Exchange 2024, for details see hospitalityexchange. org.uk. Adrian can be contacted by phone on +44 (0) 28 9024 9222 or by email on adrian.patton@sumerni. co.uk
ADRIAN PATTON Director, Sumer NI
GDC is a family-run business with six generations of expertise in delivering outstanding hospitality interiors across the UK and Ireland. We believe that every detail of the guest experience should contribute to a memorable stay and exceed expectations.
We manage every aspect of your project, from design to delivery, crafting elegant, timeless interiors that prioritise both design and functionality. GDC excels in managing complex projects while aligning with your budget, ensuring e cient delivery on time and to the highest standards.
Visit our website today to learn more about our seamless approach and view ourLoremportfolio.ipsum
TOURISM BOARD
MINISTER MURPHY AT FIRST MEETING OF TOURISM PARTNERSHIP BOARD
The first meeting of a Tourism Partnership Board, established by Economy Minister Conor Murphy to grow our tourism offering, has been held in Belfast.
The Board brings together representatives from tourism and hospitality, Executive Departments, and local government. It is chaired by Stephen McNally, who has over 40 years’ experience in the hotel industry.
The purpose of the Board is to develop and oversee a Tourism Action Plan that will be co-designed and co-delivered with the industry in order to further grow tourism and maximise its contribution to the Minister’s Economic Vision
Addressing the members at its first meeting, the Minister said: “Collaboration and co-design are the basis upon which my economic
vision will become a reality. I want this group to bring the real issues which are important to the sector to the fore, and to work together to continue to grow our tourism offering.
“It has an important role to play in supporting the development and refinement of an innovative Tourism Action Plan. The collective knowledge, experience and expertise on this Board will be invaluable as a source of counsel for me, for my department, and for our delivery partners.”
The Minister concluded: “The outlook for local tourism is very positive. I welcome the latest tourism statistics which have pushed us past the £1.2billion mark in terms of tourism expenditure. These figures show a sector that is thriving. We must seek to grow this figure is a sustainable way.”
MINIMUM WAGE
TARGET FIGURE FOR APRIL 2025 INCREASES
The Low Pay Commission has indicated that it has raised its target median wage to £12.10 for April 2025, a rise of 5.8% from the current level of £11.44. Their range is currently £11.82 to £12.39 but they believe the central estimate (and
the ranges around it) may continue to rise over the rest of the year because earnings growth in 2024 so far has been stronger than forecast.
This could have impacts on hotel budgets through to March 2026.
GOOD JOBS
CONSULTATION ON MAJOR PIECE OF LEGISLATION CLOSES SOON
THE ‘GOOD JOBS’ EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL
The Department for the Economy has launched a consultation on employment rights called Good Jobs. This is potentially a major piece of legislation (much of it echoing work being done in Westminster) and there are parts that will affect hospitality significantly. The Federation will be submitting a response, and we would really like your input.
We have a very short form to register which topic would be of most concern to you.
nihf.formstack.com/forms/ goodjobs
TOURISM IRELAND
MARKETING PLAN LAUNCHES FOR 2025 ANNOUNCED
Tourism Ireland will hold two launches for their 2025 Marketing Plan - one in Dublin on 14th January and one in the ICC Belfast on Thursday 16th January 2025.
GREAT SERVICE
• Up to 6 Days a Week Delivery*
• Easy Online Orderingonline or vis telesales
* 6 days a week applicable to certain regions
SEASONAL SENSATIONS
• Vast range including over 60 new products
• Exclusive Ranges, festive favourites & innovative flair
A HELPING HAND
• Dedicated sales teams with knowledge and expertise
• Ideas & Inspiration
Experience our Simply Christmas Range this festive season with our exclusive brands and great quality products
TOURISM’S PLACE IN THE SUN
have seen over the past few weeks. At the end of August, new statistics from NISRA that finally move us on
that there were 5.4 million overnight trips to NI in 2023. Expenditure by these tourists was £1.2 billion, over £200m more than in 2019. All good news, especially when we consider previously to show that the tourism expenditure figure can be multiplied by around 3 to get a sense of the broader impact that this expenditure has on NI’s GVA through other sectors such as retail.
One note of caution from the latest figures is that most of the growth in visitor numbers between 2019 and 2023 has come via people visiting friends/relatives. There were nearly 123,000 more of these than in 2019 while holiday visits increased by 91,000. Perhaps unsurprising, given the sustained trend towards remote working since the pandemic, the number of trips undertaken for business reasons was down by 68,000 compared to 2019. Hopefully this segment is merely on a slower recovery trajectory and will ‘get there’ but it needs to be watched carefully in
case of a deeper malaise. We have excellent business tourism facilities, and significant employment in the food, Beveridge and other support services that rely on conferences and general business visits. We should be chasing conferences and events with the same effort we put into chasing new inward investment.
Other key documents that have come along of late include a draft Programme for Government and a three year plan for delivering the Economy Minister’s economic vision. A key action in that plan is to ‘grow our tourism sector over the next decade, by developing, publishing, and beginning to deliver on a ten-year Tourism Action Plan. The action plan sees this as an action that addresses all four elements of the Minister’s vision – good jobs, raise productivity, regional balance, decarbonisation. With 70% of tourism jobs located outside of Belfast, the benefits of tourism really do spread into every area of NI. Recognising the skills and labour challenges the tourism sector faces, the draft Programme for Government promises a new Tourism and Hospitality Careers Programme to support the
sector gain the labour it requires. Importantly, the draft Programme for Government recognises that for tourism to succeed, people need to be able to get here. I’m old enough to remember the 2003 Air Route Development Fund that was really impactful in convincing airlines that NI was a good bet. If memory serves, I think we had one scheduled international flight then. Now look at what we have. It is good to see a commitment in the draft PfG to look at how we can develop further new routes.
The plan also references the establishment of a Tourism Partnership Board. I’m not usually one for yet another board but I think this is an important addition. It will be made up of representatives from tourism and hospitality, executive departments, and local government to develop and oversee the Action Plan. This collaboration will be crucial in the time ahead as the sector needs to come up with innovation and growth ideas to continue achieving the success it has enjoyed in recent years.
ANDREW WEBB ON NEW STATISTICS AND NEW PLANS
NITA CONFERENCE
NITA CONFERENCE TAKES PLACE ON 26TH SEPTEMBER
The Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance (NITA) Conference is set to take place on September 26, 2024, at the ICC Belfast, just a day before World Tourism Day.
This year’s event marks the launch of the inaugural Tourism and Hospitality Week, a collaborative effort with Tourism NI and Hospitality Ulster. The week-long celebration will highlight the vibrant people and businesses shaping Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.
This year’s global theme, “Tourism and Peace,” sets the stage for a powerful exploration of Political Tourism—not just as a growth opportunity, but as a transformative force in interpreting conflict and uniting communities.
Judith Owens, MBE, Chair of NITA, will open the event, followed by a keynote address from the Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy. Attendees can look forward to several thought-provoking sessions
which promise to engage and inspire, including a discussion with Roger Wilson, CEO Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and David Burns CEO Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council about how local councils are driving regional tourism development.
CEO Baker Richards, Robin CantrillFenwick will provide a thoughtprovoking look at pricing dynamics and we will have a fireside chat with CEO Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh.
The conference will finish with a networking lunch.
We look forward to welcoming attendees to the conference which will provide a unique opportunity to reimagine tourism’s role in shaping a brighter, more united future for the region.
Further details on the conference programme and registration are available at www.nitourismalliance. com/media
ETA FULLY IMPLEMENTED BY APRIL 2025
EVERY VISITOR TO NI FROM OUTSIDE UK/IRELAND WILL NEED VISA OR ETA
The UK Government has confirmed the dates for the final phases of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme rollout.
Eligible non-European visitors can apply from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025. This covers countries from Asia, Oceana, Americas and Africa.
Eligible European visitors can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025. By April 2025 all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Non-Visa Nationals arriving in Republic of Ireland and travelling across the land border to Northern Ireland WILL be required to apply for an ETA prior to travel effective from 8th January 2025 (all eligible countries excluding Europe) and from 2nd April 2025 for those travelling from a European country.
The Minister for the Economy has written to the Minister for Immigration and NITA will continue to lobby for an exemption for these travellers.
Future proofing the talent pipeline
In June 2023 we developed an 18-month skills action plan for the hospitality and tourism industry to tackle attraction and retention challenges. Fast forward 12-months and through collaborative action, significant progress has been made towards achieving our goals.
Four key highlights:
Effective influence on government policies and strategies
The skills policy paper and recommendations action plan we developed in partnership with NITA is helping to raise the visibility and voice of sector skills with government and influence immediate and longer-term skills solutions. We also presented insights and key policy recommendations to the NI Skills Council to influence their work and help address sector needs.
Improving skills needs planning
Our State of the Workforce 2023 Survey was released to shed light on some of the deep-rooted staffing issues impacting upon the sector, leading to calls for greater investment in employee retention and development. It also highlighted employer best practices in tackling recruitment and retention to inform wider industry activities.
Collaborative sector presence at School Summit NI
A collaborative sector presence was delivered at the School Summit NI event in October 2023, showcasing industry opportunities and inspiring post-primary students to consider careers in hospitality and tourism. A presence at the October 2024 event is also being planned, supported by sponsorship from Tourism NI.
Encouraging employer investment in apprenticeships
Our new Employer Guide to Apprenticeships was published during NI Apprenticeship Week to encourage employer investment in apprenticeships. The publication provides guidance on how to get started with apprenticeships, alongside useful tips on how to maximise their value and impact.
GOOD JOBS IMPLICATIONS
THE ‘GOOD JOBS’ EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL COULD HAVE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR HOTEL SECTOR
Northern Ireland’s employment law faces significant upheaval with the adoption of measures laid out in the public consultation on the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill. The bill aims for an alignment of NI employment regulations with those of England, Scotland and Wales, thus new protections for workers have been proposed that could have significant implications for hotel businesses of all sizes.
Key Provisions
The bill is extensive covering four areas:
1. Employment Terms
• Zero-hour contracts being replaced banned/abolished with flexible contracts that offer worker protection
• Stricter regulations around employment classification, particularly on the “bogus” selfemployed and strengthening rights for agency workers .
• Rights to receive employment terms on the first day of employment.
• The introduction of personal liability for corporate officers who fail to notify redundancies.
• Regulations against “fire and rehire” practices.
2. Pay and Benefits
• Making it easier to calculate pay for annual leave.
• Fair and transparent allocation of tips, gratuities and service charges.
• Transparent information about pay.
• Right to disconnect.
3. Voice and Representation
• Workplace access for Trade
Unions and their representatives (reducing the threshold from 21 to 10).
• Collective bargaining for Trade Unions and their representatives.
• Enabling electronic balloting for industrial actions and protecting workers who undertake industrial action.
4. Work-life balance
• Enhancing right to request flexible working from day one.
• Unpaid leave for workers with caring responsibilities.
• Statutory leave and pay for employees with newborns in neonatal care.
• Allowing paternity leave to be more flexible.
• Extending redundancy protection to cover pregnancy and family leave.
As a sector, hotels have already adopted many of the proposals set out in the consultation and are keen to promote the flexibility and career opportunities that the industry can give. The proposed range of measures is considerable and keeping pace with the changes, navigating inspections and adopting new practices could come with a considerable cost.
In particular, there is a failure to recognise the essential use of casual workers on zero-hour contracts in the hotel sector (and the wider industry) which suits both the hotelier and the worker, the role of trade unions including collective bargaining, and the very complicated and potentially significant liabilities associated with calculating holiday pay.
To navigate the ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill, members of the Federation should consider the following:
1. Public consultation on the bill is open until 30th September 2024. The Federation, and other representative bodies are submitting responses on behalf of their members.
2. Review and update worker and employee contracts, as well as workplace and HR policies. For example, with proposed changes to holiday pay calculations, seasonal staff contracts may need adjusted with additional financial planning required.
3. With potential changes incoming there is a likelihood of increased costs, it is therefore recommended costs and pricing strategies are reviewed, operations are streamlined, and new revenue streams are pursued.
Conclusion
This legislation represents a potential seismic shift in NI’s employment landscape. It is crucial that hoteliers outline their thoughts and concerns before the deadline to ensure the viability of their businesses going forward.
For Federation members concerned or unsure of their obligations under legislation or for any general hospitality-based queries, seeking legal advice from experienced lawyers such as McKees is worthwhile to avoid potential legal and expensive pitfalls.
LINUS MURRAY
McKees
15TH & 16TH OCTObER 2024 - CROwNE PLAzA bELFAST
TUESDAY 15TH OCTObER
Is AI an enemy or an asset? How to improve efficiency without losing the human touch, featuring leading chef, Mark Birchall.
ALSO AT THE 25TH HOSPITALITY EXCHANGE THIS OCTObER
What sport can teach us about teams, STR update, 25 years of tourism, the Silver Gala Ball and much much more. hospitalityexchange.org.uk