Insolvencies peak driven by hospitality and retail

Newly released figures from the Insolvency Service show that a higher rate of UK insolvencies over the 12 months have been driven by pressures in consumer facing industries such as leisure, hospitality and retail. However, research suggests the worst might now be in the rear-view mirror, with an easing now expected to follow as the industry works through some of its core challenges.

Vacancies fall while prices rise for hospitality

The rate of overall UK inflation experienced a sharp fall to 6.8% in July – the same month which marked the fourth consecutive reduction in vacancies for hospitality. However, the sector is still facing numerous challenges.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Matteo Furlan, The Dorchester London

Mid way through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Matteo Furlan, head of wines, The Dorchester London, to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

Scotland on-trade facing ‘tidal wave’ of challenges, says SLTA

Scotland’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels face an unprecedented cocktail of challenges, according to the most recent Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA) survey.

Nick Gillett: The big boozy, British brain drain

Coping with the on-trade’s staffing crisis

While a severe lack of staff to power the on-trade is having an impact on many businesses, Chris Losh looks at the factors at play beyond Covid and Brexit.

Bouncing Back Q&A: Quique Dacosta, owner, Arros QD, London

With three Michelin stars under his belt, Spanish chef Quique Dacosta opened his first London venue, the paella celebrating Arros QD, in 2019. He talks to Harpers about surviving the perfect storm of Covid, Brexit and the ongoing difficulties for hospitality.

A third of fled hospitality workers looking to return

A third of hospitality workers who have left the industry within the last 12 months are looking to return, according to new research by The Burnt Chef Project.

Webinar to address the ‘existential’ on-trade staffing crisis

Robin Hutson, CEO of The Pig and Lime Wood hotels, Chantelle Nicholson, chef-patron of Tredwells and All's Well, and restaurateur Xavier Rousset MS are to headline a Staffing for Success webinar on Monday 22 March (3.30pm) on one of the biggest challenges facing the post-pandemic restaurant world.

Webinar: Tackling the on-trade staffing crisis

Most would agree that quality staff are the lifeblood of customer-facing food and drink businesses. But, with the ongoing staffing crisis further exacerbated by Covid and Brexit, good team members – front and back of house – are proving harder to find as hospitality venues move towards reopening.

Post-pandemic staffing

With a shortage of qualified on-trade staff an industry issue pre Covid-19, what will be the outcome for those that weather lockdown? Chris Losh reports.

Staffing crisis: Low skilled judgement

The government’s damaging immigration policy will further exacerbate the staffing crisis in an already beleagured on-trade. Chris Losh takes aim...  

Bibendum opens doors on new wine academy scheme

Drinks merchant Bibendum has kicked off a new academy scheme to give newcomers to the industry the chance to gain hands on experience in the wine trade.

Hospitality leaders fear rising prices and worsening staffing crisis

A majority of hospitality and leisure industry bosses believe that a ‘perfect storm’ faces the industry, according to a new report surveying leaders in the sector.