These thoughts run through my mind
30/10/2025
Frank McKenna reflects on some of the political stories that have hit the headlines this week.
JUST DO IT !
23/10/2025
In this week’s blog, Jo discusses the political chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry — a stark reminder of how victims are failed time and again. With mistrust in institutions and endless delays, Jo asks whether another inquiry will change anything, or if it’s time, as Michael Heseltine once said, to Just Do It.
The Art of Hospitality Round Up
17/10/2025
It was a full-throttle day at The Queen at Chester Hotel where real operators, educators, suppliers, and businesses showed up to talk honestly about what’s working, what’s not, and what we’re going to do about it.
Hospitality Connect: putting hospitality on the school radar
16/10/2025
For years, hospitality barely featured in school corridors. Career boards were stuffed with law, medicine, tech… but the industry that employs well over 2.7–2.8 million people in the UK barely got a mention.
The Hospitality Connect Program is changing this. The idea is that schools and venues link up and they take students into those venues to educate and inspire them on the world of hospitality.
A Week in America | 13 October 2025
16/10/2025
This week, Martin looks at the US Government Shutdown, its impact and the remarkable plans the President and his administration are pushing to clear the US debt…
LIVING TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY
09/10/2025
The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have come out of their respective party conferences looking stronger – but for how long?
Meet our sponsors – The Edible Group and Energised Earth
02/10/2025
In this week’s blog Steven talks about the sponsors for the upcoming Art of Hospitality event on the 9th October. These sponsors are the reason that Hospitality Hero events stay free, and they get to give out insights and tips for free.
The Dangers of Overreaching
01/10/2025
Jim identifies three examples of potential overreach by politicians in recent weeks. Nigel Farage on right to remain,Andy Burnham’s leadership ambitions and the Prime Minister’s attack on Reform UK.
Liverpool Hospitality Conference
29/09/2025
As Liverpool rolls out the red carpet for Labour Conference attendees, what can the government do to help the city’s vibrant hospitality sector? Regional hotelier Steven Hesketh calls for a new LIPA-style hospitality school, better regulations and a dedicated Minister of Hospitality….
A Decent Proposal
25/09/2025
In this week’s blog, Jo reflects on the Liberal Democrat Conference and considers how Ed Davey’s appeal to decency, community, and middle England could counter Farage, Reform, and divisive politics.
Inside and Outside the Regeneration Tent: Why We Need to Bridge the Divide
24/09/2025
Neil Baines, Managing Director at Steven A Hunt & Associates highlights that at major property conferences, the real value often happens off the main stage. Fringe events—especially those run by Downtown in Business—bring together business, politics, and delivery specialists, creating the conversations where meaningful connections are made. That’s why the firm has chosen to renew its sponsorship with Downtown for MIPIM and UKREiiF in 2026, reflecting the need for better integration.
A Week in America – 24 September 2025
24/09/2025
Back in Britain for a couple of weeks, Martin readies himself for the Labour Party conference. But having witnessed President Trump’s carefully choreographed UK State Visit, he wonders if rowdy conferences and noisy mass membership parties have much of a future?