Three Awards, Zero Wins – And Why I’m Still Proud
10/12/2025
In this week’s blog Steven reflects upon three recent award ceremonies.
Creeping slowly back to Europe
04/12/2025
In this week’s blog, Jo explores the growing recognition that Brexit has had serious economic and social costs for the UK. Changing global events are making closer cooperation with Europe increasingly important. Jo argues that now is the time to rebuild relationships and rethink how the UK engages with its continental neighbours.
What the budget means for hospitality and independents
28/11/2025
In this week’s blog Steven reflects on the Budget and what this means for the hospitality industry.
The Biggest Loser in This Year’s Budget? The Budget Itself
27/11/2025
There will be a lot of people – including our very own Jim Hancock – who have analysed the budget, in an effort to predict whether it will be ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for the economy. Only time will tell on that. However, what is indisputable, is that the whole budget process- the leaks, the circus, the created drama – is well past its sell-by date. There must be a better way.
Christmas Reality Check
20/11/2025
In this week’s blog Steven discusses the hospitality world in December.
WHAT THE FU*K IS LABOUR DOING?
20/11/2025
It is time for the Labour government – and Labour MPs – to grow up.
How the Conservatives Can Stop the Slide — and Start Winning Again
13/11/2025
Kemi Badenoch celebrated her first year as Tory Party leader this week. Despite a good conference speech and some impressive performances in recent week’s at PMQs, the Leader of the Opposition’s party are still languishing in the polls. Frank McKenna offers some suggestions as to how the Conservatives can make a comeback.
A Week in America | 12 November 2025
13/11/2025
This week, Martin spent a day watching American democracy unfold live on television – votes, counter votes, scandals and shutdowns – and a healthy portion of financial sweeteners too.
Wake Up, Lead Up
13/11/2025
Hospitality’s wobbling. Too many teams are on autopilot, margins are thin, and guests can feel it.
Budget Pressure, Productivity Crisis: My Take on the Real Problem
10/11/2025
In hospitality; there’s costs everywhere… but the real killer is productivity and a culture that’s “quietly talked us out of graft”.
AND SO IT BEGINS…….
06/11/2025
In this week’s blog, Jo looks at how a new wave of leaders — from New York’s Zohran Mamdani to the Netherlands’ Rob Jetten and the Greens’ Zack Polanski — are connecting with voters through energy and optimism, while Labour seems stuck in the November gloom.