Breaking the ground - Time to be purpose led

There needs to be continued investment in people: Time, effort, clarity and direction

EP has recently held numerous conversations with a range of players, large and small, from across the Hospitality sector and beyond. The one area where all seem to agree which is in urgent need of support is the people agenda. Whether acquiring, retaining or supporting there is a genuine feeling that things aren't going too well at the moment. So what needs to be done?There is a rising trend of companies wanting to contribute to society and social good rather than a purely commercial approach and narrow thinking.

Bringing people together - Consultants Conference

It sounds farfetched but often the best way forward is by breaking down barriers. At a recent Consultants Luncheon a point was raised that there is miscommunication and misunderstanding between caterers, companies and consultants. There needs to be open and informal discussion which really explain the dynamics at play and ensures everyone feels comfortable with each other to enable business growth and industry improvement. EP is laying the groundwork for a half-day conference which will include all sectors and all sizes of companies. This unique conference will be taking place in October and will ask the essential questions, facilitate healthy debate and really break down the barriers currently faced. Is the same happening in other parts of the Hospitality? Some would argue it isn't, but you never know what you might find until you peer through the cracks. The community needs to work together and care for each other to create real change.

Who's on your side? - Reinvention

There is a need to support people as they go along their journey and invest again in leadership development. Not through traditional classes and courses, but  experiences and sessions with proven leaders. This activity develops life relationships and a greater understanding for individuals and companies. EP launched a campaign named Reinvention to provide sporting players with a sense of purpose following their retirement from sporting careers. Many players are left feeling alone and the hope is that by bringing together the wolds of sport and hospitality, real value can be found for all involved. Individuals from across the industry are also getting stuck and lost along the way. They require guidance and bespoke coaching can be of benefit. There is a momentum for change.

Hospitality can be the social force

It is time to really invest in talented people of all ages and backgrounds. Whilst there are generational differences, the feeling is that change is coming in one way or another and the Hospitality industry can play an important part in this social change. EP recently introduced this initiative and it's already received great support showing that there truly is a real need. The industry is a major force in society for the simple reason that it employs a high number of people and is actively involved in every community and economy across the UK. How many other industries can lay claim to such an important role and have such potential to create real change for a better future? Far from being a second rate industry, Hospitality is a genuine and leading organisation on so many levels. But the real question now is will it use its influence and what can we do to help enable this? Hospitality will always be resilient, but it does appear to be just holding on at this moment in time. We can't stop the world, it's likely to only increase in speed. We can however take action and truly make sure our people are supported and we are all prepared. Hospitality will always be resilient, but it does appear to be just holding on at this moment in time. We can't stop the world, it's likely to only increase in speed. We can however take action and truly make sure our people are supported and we are all prepared. More information: Ben.Butler@epmagazine.co.uk