Tag: hospitality

Gleneagles Townhouse to partner with homelessness charity Social Bite

  

Gleneagles Townhouse, the 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant and member’s club on St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, is delighted to announce it’s collaboration with Social Bite, one of Scotland’s leading homelessness charities. 

Gleneagles has supported the work of Social Bite since 2018 as corporate partner for its hugely successful mass participation sleep-out and Break The Cycle events, and this new partnership will see their initiatives integrated throughout the Edinburgh Townhouse’s offering; from the restaurant, to staffing, to event support and hotel stays. 

Gleneagles Townhouse is also donating a percentage of its joining fee for new members to Social Bite, helping the charity’s ongoing efforts to break the cycle of homelessness in Scotland.

Additionally, the Townhouse will be attributing a donation to Social Bite with every dessert ordered in The Spence, its all-day dining restaurant, and in time working with Social Bite on its Jobs First programme.

This will see the city centre venue employ individuals who have been affected by homelessness in the past. Social Bite provides meaningful jobs to people who have experienced homelessness as an extreme barrier to employment and part of its ongoing work as an organisation is to help those in a similar situation find steady and fulfilling employment, with the aim of 1 in 4 of their own staff to have come from this background themselves.

A £1 contribution per room, per night, will also be added to guest bills for each hotel stay. All proceeds will go towards Social Bite’s work to end homelessness through providing homes, jobs, and food; including support such as providing new furniture and necessary materials to make a house a home within the Social Bite village in nearby Granton. 

These initiatives mark the continuation of a mutual collaboration that will be further cemented with a Burns Supper inspired event to be held at Gleneagles in January. The evening will comprise of a live auction, music from London Essentials, and an exclusive menu created by Gleneagles’ and Townhouse’s top chefs, including Simon Attridge and Jonny Wright respectively, as well as a few special guest chefs from Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Gleneagles’ Managing Director, Conor O’Leary, said: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at Social Bite once again and hope that together, through this new partnership in Edinburgh, we can support and empower individuals across the city to transform their lives.

“We’re really keen to involve Social Bite in as many aspects of our Townhouse offering as possible and look forward to introducing our guests and members to the work they do in our local community.

“Together with some colleagues from both properties, we were delighted to have taken part in the ‘Break the Cycle’ cycling events over the past two years, with collective efforts from our team helping to raise a combined £33,000 – proceeds of which will go towards building two new Social Bite villages.

“We are so proud to play a small part in helping the vital work of Social Bite in our local community and across the UK.”

Co-founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn, said: “This is such an exciting partnership for Social Bite. We’re thrilled to be working with the team at Gleneagles Townhouse.

“It’s a partnership which will undoubtedly make a great impact across our various pioneering projects; raising vital funds to help us build two more Social Bite villages, helping us continue our free-food provision to people in Edinburgh experiencing homelessness and poverty, as well as providing meaningful employment with tailored support.”

Gleneagles Townhouse is the first ever outpost for the iconic Scottish country hotel in its almost 100-year history in Scotland. Based at 39 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, originally home to the British Linen Bank before later becoming the Bank of Scotland, this historic building has been reimagined to become Gleneagles Townhouse; a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, wellness centre and member’s club.

gleneaglestownhouse.com

The Ivy on the Square’s Festive Menu is a Golden Feast for the Senses

Celebrate the festive season at The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh, where the brasserie will be serving an array of joyful treats, including a limited-edition festive cocktail menu created in collaboration with Monkey 47, delicious a la carte dishes, Afternoon Tea and lavish set menus designed for larger parties.

Featuring six celebratory cocktails, The on the Square Edinburgh’s drinks offering for the Christmas season includes the Popping Cracker Royale (£13.75), a concoction of Monkey 47 gin, passion fruit and spiced mango syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, garnished with candy floss and popping candy.

Nuts About Chocolate (£12.25) is an indulgent blend of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Baileys, Macadamia Liqueur, Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce, double cream and chocolate bitters with a marshmallow cream rim with chocolate flakes, while The Ivy’s Very Special Mulled Wine (£9.95) is the ultimate winter warmer, featuring Martell VS Cognac, winter spice syrup and red wine, infused with cinnamon and orange.

Diners can enjoy a seasonal twist on The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh’s iconic Shepherd’s Pie (£18.95) with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce, while starters include a Venison Tartare (£11.95) – seared and hand-cut venison loin with pickled beetroot, hazelnut mayonnaise and granary toast.

To finish, guests will be able to delight in a limited-edition Santa’s On His Way (£9.95) dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate, this exclusive, playful dish is sure to be a firm Instagram favourite this Christmas.

Agata Lubera, General Manager of The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh says “We are delighted to be adding these festive additions to our menu and look forward to welcoming guests into the brasserie at this most wonderful time of the year.”

To book visit theivyedinburgh.com.

For a gift with a difference, The Ivy Collection gift voucher is the perfect way to treat food-and-wine loving friends and family this Christmas.

From afternoon tea to an intimate dinner for two or simply a bottle of something delicious, The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh ’s inimitable service and vibrant surroundings create a touch of magic every time.

Starting from £25.00, visit https://gifts.ivycollection.com to order.

Andrew Fairlie Scholarship winner chosen by all-star panel of chefs

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced the recipient of this year’s prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The talented chef who most impressed the panel of expert industry judges was Eddie Brown, Sous Chef at The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Dornoch. 

Positioned as the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Andrew’s unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing culinary talent in Scotland. 

The finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, where they had to cook up a dish of their own creation using their choice of Scottish furred game, alongside two garnishes and poivrade sauce. Eddie impressed the judges by serving up a dish using rabbit, fig and brioche. The final took place on November 17th at Perth College UHI, with the winner announced afterwards at Gleneagles. 

(L-R) Tom Kerridge, Gary Maclean, Eddie Brown, Stephen McLaughlin, Russell Plowman

The judging panel included some of the country’s finest chefs, all of whom knew Andrew Fairlie well.  Joining Stephen McLaughlin, (Head Chef at two Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie), is Russell Plowman, Senior Sous Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, two Michelin-starred Tom Kerridge (Chef Patron, Hand & Flowers), and Gary Maclean (National Chef of Scotland & MasterChef: The Professionals Winner). 

Sponsored by HIT Scotland and The Gleneagles Hotel, and supported by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and Perth College UHI, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is now in its third year. The scholarship launched in 2019, with the late Andrew Fairlie spearheading the initiative in partnership with HIT Scotland – an industry charity he was closely associated with. 

Stephen McLaughlin, lead judge and head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “What a fabulously hard-fought finals day we have just had. All our finalists have shown exactly why they were selected for the final. Huge congratulations to them all. 

“They were all tough competitors and genuinely any of them could’ve been awarded this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, but unfortunately for them there can be only one winner… 

“This year’s winner, Eddie, has shown great skill and a real understanding of the tasks that we had set out for them. He has displayed a rich understanding of their craft as a chef and also used their knowledge of Scottish and French culinary heritage to help set them apart as this year’s recipient of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship”. 

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive, added: “This group of chefs all showed extraordinary dedication and passion for the task at hand, and I commend them all for their sterling efforts in the kitchen.

“Special congratulations must of course go to our winner Eddie, who has excelled in their culinary talents and displayed a creative flair that Andrew would have been proud of.” 

Conor O’Leary, Gleneagles Managing Director, said: “Here at Gleneagles, we’re hugely proud of the role we’re able to play in nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people to learn and grow.

“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship enables aspiring chefs to demonstrate their enthusiasm and passion for the culinary industry whilst learning from some of Scotland’s very best chefs.  

“Andrew is sorely missed by us all but we’re incredibly proud to be honouring his legacy by continuing our support of this scholarship, which creates greater opportunities for talented individuals to develop. On behalf of Gleneagles, I’d like to congratulate Eddie on winning this year’s Scholarship and wish him all the very best of luck on the next stage of their career.” 

Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies at Perth College UHI said: “Hosting the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final for the second time within our kitchens and facilities was a great opportunity to support HIT Scotland.  

“Our Professional Cookery students got the chance to support the finalists and had a phenomenal experience seeing industry standards taken to the next level. Our students welcomed the chance to be involved. Many congratulations to the well-deserved winner, we enjoyed watching all of the finalists work and create their fantastic dishes.” 

Eddie will gain industry-wide recognition as an Andrew Fairlie Scholar and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at Michelin-starred restaurants Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Core by Clare Smyth in London.

The Cove at the double!

It’s two in-a-row for Blackhall restaurant

Local Indian restaurant, The Cove, is celebrating after winning ‘Asian Restaurant of the Year, Edinburgh’ for the second year in a row at the Asian Restaurant Awards.

The ceremony, held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Tuesday 1 November, saw restaurants from all over the Capital and the rest of Scotland compete for the coveted trophies.

The eatery, located in Blackhall, opened three years ago and has proved popular with locals and tourists alike.

Masum Uddin, owner said: “I was surprised but delighted when The Cove won the award last year, but to win two years in a row is just amazing. Thank you to the panel for choosing us!

“To win this award is testament to the team we have at The Cove and our loyal customers who have supported us.

“We always strive to go that extra mile, both with our menu and our customer service and it’s lovely to see that hard work pay off.”

The awards are organised by the Asian Catering Federation, representing more than 30,000 restaurants.

Foysol Choudhury MSP: “It’s time to give Scotland’s restaurants the support they deserve” 

Responding after the successful 6th Annual Asian Restaurant Awards, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh on the 1st November, Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “The restaurant industry is facing a devastating crisis.

“Whilst it was amazing to congratulate all of our nation’s fantastic winners and taste some delicious food on Tuesday night, it also became evident that urgent action is needed to prevent Scotland’s restaurant industry from being buried underneath the rubble of the cost-of-living crisis. 

“It was an honour to be asked to speak on Tuesday night and to present awards to some of Scotland’s most prestigious, delicious and well-loved restaurants. 

“At a time when the sector is facing significant challenges with staff shortages, along with rising energy and food prices, it is important that we acknowledge excellence and celebrate the success of Asian Restaurants across Scotland. 

“I would like to congratulate Mr Yawar Khan, the Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation, and his hard-working team for organising the 6th Asian Restaurant Awards in an amazing venue. 

“However, as well as celebrating achievements, we also need to offer the restaurant industry concrete support and solutions to the problems they are facing. 

“There is no doubt that restaurant and catering businesses in Scotland have suffered during COVID-19 and now the cost-of-living crisis.

“Even before this, problems with recruiting staff were also a prominent issue in the industry. On Tuesday night, some winners of awards weren’t able to attend as they couldn’t find cover. 

“I know from speaking to many of the restaurateurs on Tuesday night that they desperately need the Government’s support and guidance-with VAT and business rates, with energy costs, with staffing. 

“I will be writing to both the UK Government and the Scottish Government to see what collaborative approach can be taken so that Scotland’s restaurant industry can receive the supportive scaffolding that it is desperately asking for. 

“I’ll also be asking for meetings with the appropriate Scottish Ministers and lodging a motion of congratulations, to support the amazing success and provision of our nation’s restaurant industry. 

“It’s time to give Scotland’s restaurants the support that they deserve.” 

Hospitality expert endorses industry as lasting career option

A SENIOR figure in Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is sharing how the industry can provide a long-term career path, citing how she wants to shake up how jobs in the sector are viewed in Scotland. 

Jackie Hudson plays a key role in driving the strategic direction at city-centre venue Surgeons Quarter which comprises the city’s largest independent hotel, Ten Hill Place, along with a thriving conference and events business that maximises the commercial use of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) buildings and venues.

After 17 years of working in the industry is citing her experience to encourage others not to view it as a short-term job solution, of which she was once guilty of, having started in an events manager role after completing college while initially thinking of undertaking a career teaching maths.

As the industry recovers from the pandemic and manoeuvres continual economic fallout including a prolonged hiring crisis, Jackie believes now is the opportune time to make the move into hospitality.

These challenges have introduced positive changes across working hours, pay, training and development with more organisations increasing incentives – which previously were deemed key deterrents when viewing the industry as a long-term career plan.

Jackie (41), who serves as Revenue Manager and is part of Surgeons Quarter’s senior management team, said: “Working in the hospitality industry has presented opportunities I could only have dreamed of. It can be turbulent, busy and challenging but isn’t every industry like that these days?

“As an industry we’ve perhaps been too shy to shout about what a career can mean. I’d say lots of organisations have really had to focus on their development opportunities, conditions and base pay. I’m confident that we are at the very forefront of this nationally and striving to stay there.

“If you love interacting with people, want to create your own niche and are ready to learn from real life experience, the hospitality industry is the perfect career choice for you.

I’m also extremely proud to play a part in marketing Edinburgh on a national and international level. When I first started out, I never would’ve thought I’d be forecasting the revenue across such a diverse portfolio business.”

Highlighting the breadth of experiences Jackie has been able to undertake at Surgeons Quarter, earlier this month she was invited by Surgeons Quarter’s Managing Director, Scott Mitchell, to accompany him to the RCSEd’s International Conference in Chennai, India.

Scott said: “Jackie is a real lynchpin within our business. She isn’t front and centre at events or with our clients, so perhaps doesn’t always get the spotlight she deserves. 

“She is the embodiment of somebody that has carved a very strong career in hospitality and it’s been a privilege to see her develop and thrive as part of our team.”

As part of Jackie’s role, she plays an active part in recruitment and has a keen interest in building a diverse workforce to incorporate a variety of skills and abilities.

With over 22 different nationalities making up the 178-strong team, the multicultural business has placed focus on professional development and bringing the benefits of a career in the industry to forefront for those just starting out.

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus, which includes Ten Hill Place Hotel.

Since 2021 it has secured the Living Wage Accreditation while also increasing its team’s pension contributions to 7.5%.

For more information on events, conferences and meeting space at Surgeons Quarter visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/conferences-meetings/

Cramond Inn…or Cramond Out?

Public Meeting to Discuss the Future of the Cramond Inn –  TONIGHT 7.30 pm

The Cramond Association has arranged a public meeting to bring the local community together to discuss the future of Edinburgh’s historic Cramond Inn which has remained closed since the pandemic. 

Working in partnership with Cramond & Barnton Community Council, the meeting is geared to creating a local action group to get the Inn, owned by brewery company Samuel Smiths, open and functioning again. Speaking at the event will be a representative of Community Shares Scotland to present a ‘model’ for community ownership. 

Chair of the Cramond Association Adam Cumming said: “The ongoing closure of the Cramond Inn is one of the most important current issues of concern both for local people and for the thousands of visitors who regularly visit the Cramond Foreshore. 

“The Inn has always played a historic role in providing an important local focal point for our community, as well as providing a stunning location from which to explore and enjoy the local area. 

“To have its doors shut, with no immediate prospect of reopening is a very sad state of affairs for all of us.  We would like to open a positive dialogue with the Inn’s owners to explore all possibilities of it opening up for business and, once again, being at the heart of our local community.”

The open meeting will take place tonight Monday 24th October at the Millennium Hall at Cramond Kirk Halls, starting at 7.30 pm.

For more information, visit www.cramondassociation.org.uk 

Doors open at new all-day dining and entertainment venue

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh opens its doors at latest concept Eve

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has officially launched its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.  

The vibrant social space opened its doors to the public today and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out.  

To celebrate the launch, Eve is offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month. Reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/ 

Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve holds up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture. 

From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 

Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.   

The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.  

Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.

From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century. 

Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Eve is officially open! We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.

“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.” 

Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh  

Virgin Hotels announces brand new all day dining and entertainment venue

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7th October 

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment. 

The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7th October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/. 

To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month. 

Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture. 

From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. 

Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.   

The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.  

Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.

From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century. 

Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.

The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design. 

The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views. 

Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.

“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels. 

All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.

Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.  

The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels. 

Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s website www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.  

Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh  

Edinburgh hotel ‘check in’ staff wellbeing with new initiative 

Surgeons Quarter invest in staff following post-pandemic event boom

A FLAGBEARER of Scottish hospitality has launched a new engagement initiative to improve staff wellbeing as the sector booms post-pandemic.

‘SQ Cares’ by Surgeons Quarter is a programme run by representatives across all departments focussing on the welfare and wellbeing of staff – adding to the existing schemes already in place.

Nine members have been meeting once a month since January to discuss six key areas across the business – charity, community, wellbeing, green, inclusion and social – of which three pledges have been made for each.

Current pledges devised by the initiative include wellbeing programmes and seasonal treats, while some entail giving back to the community through supporting charities such as Bowel Cancer UK and organised community clean-ups.

Sarah Williamson, Business and Talent Manager and driving force behind SQ Cares, said: “After a turbulent few years, it’s great to see the events sector back operating at full capacity again.

“Staff have stepped up during busy times so we wanted to introduce a way to engage with them across all departments to gather input and ensure we put their voices at the heart of everything we do.

“SQ Cares is having a positive impact on the business already as the pledges have been created by staff for staff and since these have been put into practice, engagement has soared.

“A business is really all about its people- making sure that they are happy and looked after is so important. We are such a busy company and always running about so sometimes it is nice to just stop and say thank you.

“Initiatives already implemented include celebrating International Employee Appreciation Day where staff were treated to lunch and we also issued thank you cards. We also reintroduced Employee of the Month which has been met with a lot of enthusiasm.”

SQ Cares adds to the number of existing employee initiatives that the event venue already offers, such as a £2,000 holiday bonus for its hard-working hospitality recruits.

The organisation has also recently relocated its office to new premises at Mission Hall in order to create an environment for staff to thrive and have all of the necessary equipment and tools to produce their best work.

An ‘open door’ policy has been introduced at the new office meaning members of the public can visit to discuss their hospitality, event or travel requirements with an experienced member of the team – without having to book an appointment.

Operations Manager, Stewart Munro joined the organisation in April and is supportive of the SQ Cares initiative focused on creating a happier workforce while boosting morale.

He said: “When I joined the team at Surgeons Quarter, I felt like my particular role was a blank canvas and one which I could run with on my own. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with the team on the ground, helping them to develop and supporting them in any way I can.

“SQ Cares is a way to show our staff that we care and appreciate the amazing work displayed, especially throughout this particularly busy summer period.

“Surgeons Quarter is a fast-paced and forward-thinking company which is why I was delighted to be offered a job there – I feel its excellent employee benefit schemes really showcase this. They have allowed me to grow in my career already and I’m looking forward to seeing the pledges progress.”

For more information visit: https://www.surgeonsquarter.com

Analysis reveals the importance of SMEs to the British economy

  • Small and medium businesses dominate Hospitality industry, making up 68% of all businesses
  • Northern Ireland has the highest percentage of SMEs out of any region, at 29%
  • SMEs make up more than 25% of all businesses in the United Kingdom

New research has revealed how important small and medium enterprises are for the British economy, as businesses that employ between one and 249 employees contribute more than £2 trillion in turnover and employ 44% of the British workforce.

The study by marketing training hub School of Marketing analysed the latest ONS and government data on the number of small and medium enterprises in 2021 to see which regions and industries are powered the most by SMEs.

Analysis of the industries revealed that the Hospitality Industry has the highest proportion of SMEs out of any industry. Out of the 200,645 businesses operating in the industry, 140,050 are small or medium-sized, which equals roughly 69.8%. The Hospitality Industry is made up of accommodation and food services including hotels and restaurants.

The industry with the second-highest percentage of SMEs is Wholesale and Retail Trade. This industry, which also includes mechanic shops that repair motor vehicles and motorcycles, has more than 500,000 businesses, and more than four in ten (43%) are small or medium-sized.  

Real Estate Industry has the third-highest proportion of SMEs, with 35.4% of all enterprises having below 250 employees. The industry has 134,095 businesses operating in the UK, and 47,740 are small or medium-sized.

In fourth is the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry, which has more than 150,000 businesses running in the country, and roughly 50,000 (33%) are SMEs.

The industry counting the fifth-highest percentage of SMEs is Manufacturing, with 32% of the enterprises operating in this industry being small or medium-sized, which is 87,210 out of the 270,000 businesses.

The study also analysed each UK region and found that Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of SMEs in the UK. 123,705 businesses are operating in Northern Ireland, and 36,369 are small or medium enterprises, making up roughly 29.4% of all companies.

Scotland has the second-highest percentage of SMEs out of all the UK regions, with 27.7% of all businesses being SMEs. There are 342,045 companies in Scotland, and 94,746 have fewer than 250 employees.

The East Midlands is home to the third-highest proportion of SMEs, with 100,300 SMEs, making up 27.3% of the 367,400 businesses operating in the region.

North West England has the fourth-highest percentage of SMEs in the UK, with 26.7% of businesses operating in the area being small or medium-sized.

Wales is tied for fourth, as 26.7% of operating businesses in the country are SMEs. 55,373 out of the 207,390 enterprises in Wales have fewer than 250 employees.

The study also assessed the most in-demand skills for entry-level positions across a range of industries and found that Communication and Microsoft Office proficiency are the most commonly occurring skills on job adverts – both appear in 61% of the jobs that were analysed.

The third most in-demand skill is a High Attention to Detail, appearing in 44% of ads for entry-level positions. Finishing off the top five is a tie for fourth between Time-Management and Self-Motivated, both showing up on 39% of job adverts.

Commenting on the findings, Ritchie Mehta, CEO of School of Marketing said: “There are more than 1.4 million British companies which employ between one and 249 people, and combined they turn over a massive £2 trillion every year, which is 45% of total turnover from UK businesses.

“It’s essential that they are not only given the support to grow and continue making such an important contribution, but also that there is a skilled workforce able to help them deliver and adapt to the demands of an evolving economy.

“This data shows that when it comes to skills, there are some common themes that employers are looking for across a range of jobs, however in the current climate, budgets for training are likely to be cut, and the skills gap could widen.

“SME owners can take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy scheme to bring in new staff or train current ones in digital and data-led programmes, with the vast majority of the training cost covered by the levy.”

The study was conducted by the School of Marketing, which offers leading digital and data marketing apprenticeships.

“Good businesses will fail, unless the government acts”

THE NATIONAL Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses Martin McTague has issued a stark prognosis for small businesses in the months ahead. 

He warned that rising energy prices and current business rates and tax will see many  businesses go under; which could have a major impact on the UK economy as 60% of the private sector workforce work for small businesses.

Speaking to GB News, Mr McTague said: “There’s a completely toxic mix, and that mix is very low cash reserves; I think the ONS figures said that that 40% of businesses are operating on less than three months worth of cash. 

“You’ve got very high taxation levels, the highest for 50 years. A massive slump in demand, and then if you build into that mix the fact that energy prices for some businesses are four or five times what they were previously. 

“Most businesses renew their contracts in October, and the quotes that I’ve seen from a lot of our members were alarming. In some cases their prices had gone from £23,000 a year up to £112,000 per year. One farmer I spoke to was seriously considering putting a generator on to power his operation because he couldn’t see how he could operate any other way.

“Now what we need, starting Monday I think, is a government that recognises that this is an urgent problem. And that a lot of good businesses will fail, unless they act. I think sometimes people treat it as if it’s something that you can separate out from consumer issues, whereas 60% of the private sector workforce work for SMEs. So that will be a major problem for lots of people.”

“There are three key things I think we need to do starting Monday. The first will be to reverse the National Insurance increase, that was something that almost universally all small businesses disliked. 

“Then there is a serious problem with business rates, I think it’s time that the government doubled the small business rates relief, currently standing at less than £12,500 and could go up to £25,000. I think that would encourage a lot of small businesses, particularly in the North of England. 

“Then cut VAT to try and encourage demand. At a time when a lot of consumers are lacking confidence, you need to give them that bit of a push to get back in the shops.”