Tag Archives: Hospitality

Hospitality, HR, News

New HR managers’ research on attractiveness of hospitality professions released in Sommet Education Foundation launch

Sommet Education, a leading worldwide player in hospitality education boasting a community of 10,000 students and 60,000 influential alumni worldwide, has launched its Foundation, a significant milestone aimed at supporting employment challenges within the hospitality sector.

The Foundation will concentrate on tackling the sector’s employment challenges by focusing on two levers of action: offering scholarships for hospitality education to talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and advocating for careers and professions in hospitality.

 

Empowering individuals from underserved communities to pursue rewarding careers in hospitality

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, with the travel and tourism sector projected to provide employment for 449 million people worldwide by 2034, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). By then, 12.2% of the global workforce will be powering this vibrant sector. Despite these promising figures, many destinations and hospitality employers continue to face recruitment challenges.

Drawing on Sommet Education’s long-standing commitment to developing hospitality talent, the Sommet Education Foundation will leverage its global network of hospitality schools (Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Invictus, and Indian School of Hospitality) to train and open doors to careers in this industry for individuals from diverse and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Sommet Education Foundation will identify talents supported by a network of social partners, including UN agencies, governmental entities and NGOs. Talents will be selected in alignment with the framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 4, focusing on inclusive education. Funding and support will be provided to educate and empower, particularly youth from impoverished backgrounds and women, while also creating lifelong learning opportunities and ensuring talents are gainfully employed within the sector.

 

Sommet Education Foundation patronage

“Joining the hospitality industry is more than a job guarantee; it is a promise of a rewarding and fulfilling career nurtured by human encounters, passion, cultural exchanges, and experiences,” said Anouck Weiss, Executive Vice-President at Sommet Education Foundation. “By offering scholarships leading to employment opportunities, we aim at offering life-changing opportunities to a new generation of talents and empowering them with the necessary skills to join the thriving hospitality industry.”

The Foundation can already count on Accor as a Founding Patron. The hospitality group has already committed to promoting talent development, fostering social equality, and bolstering economic growth through a first dedicated initiative in India. Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer at Accor, said: “As a leading hospitality group, investing in people’s talent is a key priority. Hospitality is a sector that transcends territories and borders. This implies open-mindedness and connection to others. I am proud to be in a sector that promotes cross-border work experiences and multicultural environments”.

Echoing his views, Anne-Sophie Beraud, SVP Diversity & Inclusion & Social Care at Accor, added: “The success of our employees must not be determined by diplomas, origins or nationalities. We want to guarantee each of our talents the opportunity to reach their full potential by preventing inequalities and discrimination.”

Promoting hospitality professions: survey shows strong sector attractiveness and employer voluntarism to attract and retain new talents

 

To inform the Foundation’s roadmap and strategic direction, the Sommet Education Foundation engaged OpinionWay, a pioneering market research institute, to conduct a comprehensive European survey to identify the key factors that attract and retain talents in the hospitality industry. 1,300 young professionals and hospitality HR managers across Europe were interviewed, along with 20 key industry leaders (below) encompassing the broader spectrum of the sector, including hotels, restaurants, travel, tourism, independent, medium-sized and large hotel groups, and high-end retail.

Alain Ducasse, Chef and Founder, École Ducasse

Carole Pourchet, Director General, Majorian

Christelle Grisoni, CEO, Bertrand Hospitality

Christian Catiello, Manager Director Organization, Alpitour World

Christopher Jones, Director General, Brioche Dorée

Cyril Baron, General Manager, Caviar House & Prunier

Eric Frechon, Chef, Meilleur Ouvrier de France

Isabelle de Bardies, Director General – CEO Division, Angelina

Jade Frommer, Co-Founder and CEO, Ephemera

Katrin Melle, Regional Vice President DEI & Talent EAME, Hyatt

Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mandarin Oriental

Maribel Rodriguez, Senior Vice-President, WTTC

Marion Amacker, Associate Director, Morgan Philipps Executive Search

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Nathalie Seiler Hayez, Managing Director, Swiss Deluxe Hotels

Philippe Héry, Managing Director, Hippopotamus

Pierre-Olivier Aguinalin, Chief HR Officer, Hublot (until February 2024)

Sabine Masseglia, Managing Director, St Barts Tourism

Steven Daines, Chief Talent & Culture Officer, Accor

Tigrane Seydoux, Co-Founder, Big Mamma

The research found that the service sector holds considerable appeal for 85% of young professionals across Europe. Three-quarters of young European professionals would be ready to join high-end hotels, restaurants and retail shops, praising the career opportunities, especially internationally, and the people-to-people connections. The survey confirms the overall challenge of the sector throughout Europe, with 59% of HR managers facing employment challenges. 78% state that Generation Z (18 to 28 years old) brings specific challenges around identification, recruitment and loyalty.

 

Hospitality’s unique promise fuels optimism in the sector

Professionals within the sector are resolutely convinced of the depth and appeal of their respective fields, the survey found, with an overwhelming 86% expressing confidence in the sector’s allure. Moreover, they exhibit unwavering faith in their ability to sustain employee commitment, rating it at an impressive 7.5 out of 10.

This sector offers pathways for individuals to advance socially and professionally, regardless of their educational background. It stands out as one of the few industries where individuals can achieve rapid success and take on greater responsibilities over time, effectively climbing the social ladder. This unique promise of upward mobility makes it particularly appealing to many. Furthermore, employers place a premium on motivation, soft skills and service-oriented personalities, prioritising these qualities over formal diplomas and are ready to invest in their talents. The overwhelming majority – 93% of HR managers – emphasise the centrality of training in fostering talent excellence, development and long-term loyalty.

On this subject, Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive at Mandarin Oriental, shared: “Architects design the buildings of tomorrow. I would like people coming out of hospitality schools to be able to design the experience of tomorrow.”

News

Hospitality leaders Les Roches commit to specialised education in sports management and events

Les Roches, one of the world’s leading hospitality management institutions, is launching a new specialised program in sports tourism, the Master’s in Sports Management and Events, starting in September 2024.

The global sports tourism industry was valued at $323,420 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $1,803,704 billion by 2030, according to the international consultancy Allied Market Research, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% over the next six years.

This year alone sees two of the world’s most spectacular sporting events, the UEFA European Foootball Championship in Germany, and the Olympics Games in Paris, which will make them among the most sought-after destinations this summer.

In response to this growing demand, Les Roches has announced the Master’s in Sports Management and Events.

Spanning 12 months, students will delve into the global sports and events industry, gaining essential skills for administrative and managerial roles. This includes analysing the industry’s economic aspects on an international scale and planning and executing events.

As part of the program, students will embark on business field trips to Abu Dhabi, a premier destination renowned for hosting prestigious events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and NBA Games. Additionally, they will visit Switzerland, home to major European sports organisations.

These trips offer invaluable opportunities for students to immerse themselves in real-world settings, network with industry leaders, and gain practical insights into sports management practices on a global scale.

The international sports and events industry offers exceptional professional opportunities, as various destinations, regions and even countries utilise sports to diversify their economies while reinforcing their tourism and hospitality sectors. However, the sports-driven tourism industry is not solely focused on entertainment. The profile of vacationers has also shifted towards a healthier lifestyle. As a result, there has been an increased demand trend for hotel accommodation with attractive sports offers.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, Les Roches Global CEO, said: “Faced with a changing global demand, tourism companies must prepare for a decade filled with new expectations from travellers. Sports tourism is one of them. Over the past years, it has shown very positive growth figures, and we are confident it will continue this trend. Sports is a universal language known to all, which is why companies need to anticipate future trends, aiming to offer their customers excellent service and exquisite experiences. The implementation of this Master’s program represents a firm commitment to education in a field that gains more aspirants each year and requires highly-qualified and specialised personnel.”

 

Currently, Les Roches boasts a global network of over 16,000 alumni holding managerial positions in more than 140 countries worldwide. Of these, 67% secured their first job through school contacts, and 33% successfully launched their own ventures. Upon graduation, students receive an average of five offers from top hospitality, luxury tourism and related services companies and graduates typically triple their pre-degree salary within 12 years.

 

With a 70-year history, Les Roches is at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality sector. Its students gain access each semester to job and internships placements at over 200 leading companies in the hotel, luxury tourism and related industries, such as Louis Vuitton, Accor Hotels, IHG, The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House & Co, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott International, Silversea, Qatar Airways and Hublot, among others.

 

In addition, numerous Les Roches alumni already hold successful positions and have made significant contributions in sports management and events in some of the biggest sports brands and businesses such as Formula 1, FIFA, Nike, Netflix and the Olympic Committee.

News

Hospitality consultant sets table for expansion and TV appearance after helping clients bounce back from pandemic

A LEADING hospitality consultant and mentor who served up success for businesses in the pandemic has set the table for expansion.

Following more than 15 years in the sector, Laura Anne Harvey launched her company – Laura Anne Hospitality Consultant Ltd – full time in the autumn.

She got off to a flying start, garnering clients across the UK and was even nominated in the Micro Business of the Year category at the 2023 FSB Wales Awards.

A coach and mentor with the Greater Manchester Leadership Hive, supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups with free guidance and advice, Laura is focused on helping firms in the sector bounce back from the challenges of Covid-19 to reach even greater heights.

Originally from Devon and now living in Hawarden, she is targeting new customers in North Wales having won contracts with venues nationwide, including Pendergast’s Steakhouse in Warrington, Pasta Cosa in Liverpool, and Wokingham’s Salty Olive.

“I’m working with cafes, hotels, bars and restaurants all over the country but not too many here on my doorstep,” said Laura, who is supported by partner Liam.

“There are many great hospitality businesses in North Wales doing incredible things, and people who are looking to start their own venture, which is where I can help.

“Despite the obstacles and issues around the Coronavirus, rising costs, and other factors, I’m seeing a lot of businesses that are enjoying a period of growth, which is heartening given the current economic climate.”

Laura added: “I think a lot of people are still uncertain as to how a consultant can help – they envision a Gordon Ramsay type scenario where I turn up and point out what’s wrong – but that’s certainly not the case.

“It’s more of a partnership, where we look at things strategically, take a step back and identify how best to be successful going forward, not just financially but in terms of efficiency, the environment and technology.

“For example, during the pandemic a lot of restaurants and cafes felt their food quality was too good to consider offering a takeaway or delivery service, and now for many of them it’s their main source of revenue.

“Having that coaching and mentoring support has proven invaluable to them, but also from a personal perspective there is no greater feeling for me professionally than seeing someone do well.”

A former Operations and Marketing Director with an international hospitality group, Laura fell in love with the industry from a young age.

Ahead of a hospitality TV series to be aired in the coming months, fronted by a prominent celebrity chef, the future is looking very bright for her.

“I want to be the go-to person for marketing, operations and business development in the food and drink arena, that’s my aim and I’m already on my way,” she said.

“It’s a sector hit hard in past years which has shown amazing resilience, driven by innovation and bright ideas, and my aim is to be at the heart of that, in North Wales and beyond.”

Laura added: “Every customer is different but for all of them I can help by offering a wide range of business coaching and consultancy services to business plans and operations manual writing.

“And it’s important I lead by example; I don’t just step in and tell them what they need, I help them deliver it. For one restaurant client I found the property, negotiated the lease, and managed the fitting-out, marketing and launch event. It’s the end-to-end experience.

“That’s what will help me to stand out as my business – and the industry – move forward with confidence and passion, supporting the economy, independent producers and the many established and upcoming hospitality businesses achieving amazing things across the country.”

For more information, visit the website www.lauraanneconsulting.co.uk and follow Laura Anne Hospitality Consultant Ltd on social media at @lauraanneconsulting.

Food & Drink, Midlands News, News

UK music venue to offer West African street food in latest collab

Swingin’ soul and retro music venue, The Night Owl has partnered with West African food suppliers Plantain to offer high quality street food for when the dancing demands a break.

The venue has won many fans in recent years with its packed programme of events and is now adding fresh dining options to its Finsbury Park HQ.

Plantain Kitchen offers the perfect partnership. Founded in 2019 by Toby Oladokun, the street food brand finds a gap in the market for West African cuisine which was previously under-represented around the area. This fits with The Night Owl’s ethos of spinning original vinyl featuring racially diverse and eclectic musical genres at its weekly club nights.

The vendor offers a pop-up service on-site around the nightclub’s events and offers visitors the chance to enjoy some quality food whilst soaking up the atmosphere. Its menu is primarily a takeaway format with some seating available.

Plantain Kitchen aims to capture the energy of West Africa, presenting simple, deeply flavourful dishes with style and panache. The cuisine places an emphasis on fresh, nutritious dishes with a signature selection of jollof rice bowls, burgers and desserts including traditional West African hot doughnuts.

Another standout dish is the Suya honey fried chicken. Suya is a classic west African rub made from from peanuts, ginger and chillies which is mixed with honey to give the chicken a sweet and spicy finish.

Vegan diners are also well accommodated for with dedicated variations of their trademark dishes. Plantain Kitchen was recently labelled “Vegan Food at its Best” by the Vegan Review.

The plantain – a tropical fruit variety of the banana – from which the kitchen derives its name, features heavily in the cooking, offering an exotic, totally unique twist on the now ubiquitous street food experience.

The venture started out as a joint effort between Toby and his mother Sika in marketplaces across London before finding wider acclaim on online food delivery company, Deliveroo. The kitchen was nominated for the ‘Best Newcomer’ award in 2020.

The Night Owl’s endorsement now offers the company exposure to an even broader audience. Arith Liyange, CEO and founder of The Night Owl said: “Since opening for us in early December, Toby and his team have cooked up a storm with his winning mix of Western African fayre.

“This new dining option brings something completely different to the area and slots in seamlessly around our current drinking and dancing offering.”

Food & Drink, News

British craft soda with an Americana twist wins listings in more than 300 new outlets, including Pizza Hut

An Americana-influenced soft drinks company set up in London five years ago has landed a major deal with Pizza Hut, that will see its craft sodas stocked in the retailer’s 130 UK restaurants, as well as in more than 170 of Dunelm’s in-store Pausa cafes.

Soda Folk was set up by American-in-London, Ken Graham, using recipes inspired by his childhood in Colorado and began selling their drink in bars and shops in London’s burgeoning craft food and drink scene. Ex-Tesco Head of Innovation, Simon Waterfall, took over the company’s leadership in 2019 to accelerate its growth, tripling it in the past three years and securing listings in Sainsburys and Ocado.

The brand is aimed at adults and its range, which includes the Great Taste Award-winning Cherry Soda, Cream Soda, Root Beer and Blueberry Muffin, are made with natural, premium ingredients and are 100% vegan.

Managing Director, Simon Waterfall, said: “The success of our brand follows a continued boom in trendy drinks, marking a taste change from boring mass market drinks to exciting fizzy pop like Soda Folk’s range. Our premium price point continues to do well even with the cost of living crisis, in part due to the sea change in consumer expectations of flavour, the switch to alcohol alternatives and even the ’Lipstick Effect’ where people reduce lifestyle spend but continue to buy affordable ‘treats’. So retailers and restaurants see Soda Folk as a brilliant opportunity to not only increase sales but also margins.”

 

Food & Drink, News, North of England

Talented head chef joins new hotel launching in Liverpool

A hotel launching in Liverpool later this year has appointed a head chef as it takes a step closer to opening its doors to the public.

Paul Whitfield joins Radisson RED’s Stoke restaurant as head chef with three decades of experience in fine dining cuisine.

Warrington-born Paul will lead a team of eight enthusiastic chefs who he will train, as well as delivering quality food to a high standard, incorporating his own love for food.

Classically French-trained, Paul has been at the helm of a number of restaurants focussing on British food, as well as Indian, Szechuan and American. He has also spent time working in a string of hotels including Ellden’s and Royal Oak Golf Club in New York.

Paul’s career highlights include cooking for Mick Jagger, serving banquets for up to 1,300 guests at award-winning hotels and restaurants and creating a 4ft-high chocolate house for a children’s charity.

Set to launch later this year, simultaneously with the opening of Radisson RED, Stoke will offer diners classic dishes with a grilled twist and will feature an open kitchen and Robata grill. Stoke’s menu focuses on traceability and locally-sourced products, and diners will also be able to enjoy quality wines and delicious hand-crafted cocktails.

Speaking of his excitement to head up the team at Stoke, Paul said:

“I am really looking forward to opening the restaurant with the team to offer something unique and make Stoke the number one restaurant in Liverpool.

“A key reason for joining Radisson RED and Stoke was their commitment to using local produce. Championing all of the Great British food from our own isles is massively important to me and we’ll be including great British charcuterie boards; fresh fish from Fleetwood    Aged British beef and of course, Lancashire and Cheshire cheese.

“I can’t wait to get started in the kitchen and, together with the food and beverage team, create a fun, vibrant environment with incredible food.”

 

Located in the former North Western Hall building next to Lime Street station, Radisson RED involves an investment in excess of £30m and includes renovations stretching across the entire 10-storey building, creating 201 bedrooms and five meeting rooms.

The brand’s arrival in the city will take the Grade-II listed building full circle, after it was originally created as the North Western Hotel back in 1871.

Set on the ground floor overlooking the much-loved Georgian Quarter, Stoke will offer all-day dining, including breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea, through to a la carte, pre-theatre and evening dining menus.

Diners can expect to feast on sticky BBQ maitake mushrooms with a soy glaze, truffle arancini and scallops with nduja, chickpea and brown butter, with plenty of plant-based options available.

 

Gary Waring, General Manager at Radisson RED Liverpool, said:

“We’re ecstatic to have Paul join the Radisson RED family and help us launch Stoke. He brings with him a wealth of experience which is going to inspire the team around him and ensure we serve up mouth-watering dishes which keep people coming back and  attract new visitors.

“Paul’s appointment takes us another step closer to opening our doors in Liverpool later this year and we can’t wait to make our mark on the map of this fantastic city full of culture.”

 

Radisson RED Liverpool will be the brand’s fifth UK site and the first to open to open in the North of England, with other sites located in London, Glasgow, Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport and, further afield, Cape Town, Dubai and Brussels.

Events, International News, News, Space, Tech

SUTUS 2022: First space hotel and Cousteau’s International Ocean Station to be explored at the world’s largest space and underwater tourism summit

The first space hotel planned for 2027 and the International Ocean Station which aims to be operational by 2026 are among the projects being presented at SUTUS 2022, the world’s largest space and underwater tourism event.

From 28-30 September, SUTUS – the Space & Underwater Tourism Universal Summit – will bring together prestigious institutions and international stakeholders for the third edition of this pioneering conference at Les Roches Marbella.

Taking place in a hybrid format, with the first day in person and two other virtual days, SUTUS has positioned itself as the benchmark forum for the world’s main space agencies. Last year it attracted NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and these organisations return alongside the International Space University, Space Tourism Society and Swiss Space Tourism.

More than 30 companies will also be present to update on the progress of their initiatives. These include Orbital Assembly, the first hotel with accommodation for tourists in space; Axiom Space, which aims to create cities in space; SpaceVIP, dedicated to “space literacy” and inspiring the next generation of private astronauts; and the Space Tourism Society, focused on “commercialising” the growing range of space experiences (real spaceflight, movies, games and even virtual worlds). Nancy Vermeulen, private astronaut trainer at the Space Training Academy, and retired astronaut commander Susan Kilrain, who will reflect on her experience beyond planet Earth, also feature.

Meanwhile, the still unexplored marine world will be evoked by international speakers such as Fabien Cousteau (grandson of famous undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau) and his International Ocean Station; Aaron Olivera, founder and CEO of Earth 300, a global environmental and science project created in a futuristic superyacht whose main objective is to combat climate change; and Scott Waters, president of Pisces VI Submarine, who will talk about diving tourism in the Canary Islands.

The creation of the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) is the main theme of the Spanish presence at this annual event. Álvaro Giménez Cañete, Special Delegate for AEE, will present the action plan for this new organisation, whose headquarters a dozen cities, including Seville, Tres Cantos (Madrid), Teruel, León, Puertollano (Ciudad Real), and the Canary Islands are currently vying to host.

In addition, SUTUS will welcome renowned speakers such as underwater archaeologist Carlota Pérez Reverte, aspiring ESA astronauts Carmen García-Roger and Jorge Pla-García, and Spanish companies in the space race including Green Moon Project, which is working towards space agriculture and habitability; and Zero 2 Infinity, a company that develops high-altitude balloons to provide access to the area around space and the low-Earth orbit using a capsule and launcher transported by balloons.

Organised by Les Roches Marbella with Medina Media Events, the event will host a demonstration area on campus where representatives of each company participating will be able to present their tourism-related projects, thus opening up the experience to all those visiting the school’s facilities. Virtual attendees and registered companies can follow all sessions via streaming and schedule video meetings with other participants and speakers, as well as visit exclusive online demos. All details, along with the agenda and registration for the three days, are now available at www.sutusummit.com.

Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, said: “We are delighted that we have managed to bring the best agencies and representatives of the most exciting projects in the world to this congress, the most important in the world in the discussion of tourism in the two borders that we have over our heads and under our feet.”

Luxury tourism in Europe, which focuses on the cosmos and water, is worth between 130,000 and 170,000 million euros a year, 22% of the sector’s total income, according to consultancy firm Bain & Company. Last year saw the beginning of a revolution in the history of the cosmos, when Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, flew his rocket to an altitude of 106km for ten minutes, ushering in the era of commercial space travel. The search for both original and personalised experiences is propelling the future of luxury tourism towards new destinations, reaffirming the entrenchment of premium tourism across the world.

Business, Cleaning & Facilities Management, News, North of England

Supply specialist, PPS, increases hospitality business with acquisition

The North of England’s leading independent janitorial supply business, PPS, has acquired hospitality supplies specialist, LTES. The deal, which was prompted by retirement, sees PPS acquire LTES’ customer base and stockholding.

Based in Shipley, LTES has been trading for over 30 years supplying the hospitality sector in Yorkshire with cleaning chemicals, glass washer machines, glasses, and hygiene paper.

As part of an ambitious growth plan, this move marks the second acquisition in quick succession for the York and Keighley-based company. The deal will bolster the company’s hospitality supplies business, which already included supplying more than 1,000 hospitality businesses across the north, including restaurant groups, pubs, schools, and entertainment venues.

The LTES acquisition follows PPS’ recent seven-figure purchase of Keighley-based Scott Janitorial Supplies.

Joseph Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of PPS, said: “We are delighted to share that we have acquired LTES. LTES is a great addition to PPS – with its strong customer base, and a complimentary product range. We felt that this was an ideal opportunity for us to progress our growth plans.

“We have a deep understanding, built up over two decades, of what it takes to successfully supply the hospitality industry. We understand that speed of service as well as quality is key. With depots in York and Keighley and 18 vans on the road delivering each workday, we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to even more customers across the Yorkshire region.”

As with the company’s acquisition of Scott Janitorial Supplies, PPS were provided legal advice and support by Martin Frost, corporate partner at Andrew Jackson.

Frost said: “We were delighted to be able to assist PPS on their latest acquisition. From the outset the PPS Board had a very clear plan for how they wished to approach the deal. By working closely with them and the other advisers, we were able to streamline the legal process and complete the transaction quickly for the benefit of all parties. We wish them every success as they take the LTES business forward as part of the growing PPS group.”

Family-run business, PPS, provides products that everyone needs, including cleaning products, catering supplies, equipment, machinery, and so much more.

Entertainment, News, North of England

Largest maze in North West promises heaps of family fun this summer

The Bolesworth estate, near Tattenhall in Cheshire is inviting local families to enjoy its summer splendour with sunflower picking and the largest maize-maze in the North West.

Children will have the chance to become explorers for the day as they adventure through the dense maze, then find the biggest and best sunflowers to take home as a souvenir.

The six-acre maze promise some of the best Instagram moments with a stunning backdrop of the magnificent Bolesworth Castle.

With nine varieties of sunflowers available to pick, visitors really will be spoilt for choice!

Picnic spots, arts crafts and refreshments, including Cheshire’s finest ice cream are all available – adding to the atmosphere of any trip.

Unlike many mazes across the country which have had to be cancelled or postponed, the Picking Patch team at Bolesworth have said that they have been very lucky with the recent growth spurt of both maize and sunflowers.

Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth said: “The weather was definitely on our side as the rain came at the very last moment to help the beautiful flowers grow. A lot of hard work has gone into making the maze perfect and we can’t wait to see excited, happy faces as they spend the day navigating, exploring and having fun.”

The maze was planted in mid-May and has since grown into a wildlife hot-spot attracting lots of bees, wild birds and deer. Over winter, the maze and sunflowers will be left to provide food and shelter for deer and birds.

Bolesworth’s maize-maze and sunflower picking patch will open at 9.30am on Saturday the 20th of August, and run right through to the last entry slot at 1.30pm on Sunday the 4th of September. 

Free parking is provided on site and equipment such as secateurs, gloves and a bag are provided to help everyone to pick flowers like a pro.

Located just eight miles south of Chester off the A41, Bolesworth is renowned for hosting international equestrian as well as family events guaranteed to surprise, excite and thrill.

A series of events are lined up over the next couple of months, including a spooktacular maze with pumpkin picking, Gandeys Halloween Circus extravaganza, and an electrifying fireworks display and night show to end the Bolesworth Autumn season. Then it’s over to Christmas at Bolesworth.

News

Entrepreneur unveils global robotics business ahead of new HQ opening

A SUCCESSFUL entrepreneur is among the first in the country to introduce revolutionary new robots to the hard-hit hospitality sector.

As the industry battles with staff shortages and a recruitment crisis post-pandemic, restaurant chains, hoteliers, holiday parks and tourism operators are turning to technology for support.

To help meet demand, Gareth Jones launched AI Global Robotics Ltd – based in Deeside, Mochdre and St Asaph – in partnership with Pudu Robotics, a leader in manufacturing robots for a range of sectors and solutions.

The Autonomous Indoor Delivery (AID) ‘Bellabots’ can carry up to 40kg on four trays, have human interaction capabilities and feature an innovative bionic design language, plus other state-of-the-art functions, and personalised modelling.

He says the robots are not designed to replace workers but to support services in hospitality and other arenas including medical, cleaning, and industrial.

“As the hospitality sector is in dire straits from a recruitment perspective due to the challenges of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, this is an innovative way of alleviating some of that pressure,” said Gareth, who plans to open a new headquarters in Old Colwyn this summer.

“The last thing anyone wants is for robots to take people’s jobs and I want to make that very clear, but for the simpler, time-consuming tasks they can support table service while employees take care of more skilled tasks and deal with customers and focus on customer service.

“It’s a win-win for them at a time when more than 10% of vacancies in hospitality remain unfilled.”

Gareth, who also owns Carbon Zero and UK Leisure Living, has held exploratory talks with business owners in North Wales and further afield, and says interest is growing in hi-tech alternatives.

“We’ve received very positive responses already and feedback from those who have purchased the robots – there are less than 200 of them in the country at present – points to a rise in footfall and customer satisfaction,” he said.

“From our side we have an incredible team of in-house engineers, installers and sales staff so we are currently in training and redeploying those skills where needed.

“The most exciting thing is that we are in the infancy of this, they’re only going to get better and better and later this year we will be introducing a new cleaning robot, which we’re very excited about as the technology is astounding.

“They’re something different and unique and can help with what is a global issue, so we are hopeful the concept will go some way to providing much-needed support for hospitality, tourism and other industries.”

Gareth added: “Our long-term goal is to create new skilled jobs in the local area, from installers to technical engineers to management staff which support this new business.

“Just like we have done in the leisure and energy sector, where we support upwards of 50 jobs on a regular basis via a mix of directly employed and contracted support companies and individuals.”

Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism congratulated AI Global Robotics on introducing the robots to the market and said: “It’s great to see Gareth bringing new technology to the tourism and hospitality sector.

“The Bellabots are a nice addition to hospitality businesses and add to the experience.

“I have witnessed first-hand robotics in action, and they are definitely a talking point, effective and a lot of fun to interact with – we wish him the best of luck with this venture.”

The company is offering free trials to businesses wanting to trial this new innovative solution.

For more information, visit www.aiglobalrobotics.com or email gj@aiglobalrobotics.com.