Caterers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and chefs searching for advice to help ‘crunch’ the credit crisis, are being catered for at the annual Hotel and Catering Show with a series of free advisory ‘sound bite sessions’ hosted by Business Link.
In light of the current economic climate, organisers of the south coast’s largest hospitality event, which takes place on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th March 2009 at the Bournemouth International Centre, are introducing the advisory sessions to help ease the impact on the hospitality industry of the downturn in the economy.
Along with Business Link advisors, guest speakers will discuss various subjects across a programme of eight ‘sound bite sessions’ at the two-day Show. Group Operations Director of Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin, Scott Harper, will be the first speaker to discuss the practical solutions to running a business during a recession. Scott will share ideas and strategies that Malmaison and Hotel du Vin have undertaken and are currently implementing to minimise the effects of the economic climate and to ensure a competitive advantage is maintained.
Other subjects to be covered in the packed programme of Business Link ‘sound bite sessions’ include, how to save money when marketing, how to make a website work harder, how to build quality business relationships and motivate others to do business and how to profit in competitive times.
Hotel and Catering Show director, Anna Wallis, says: “Hospitality is an incredibly dynamic industry where nothing stands still and the Hotel and Catering Show has continuously developed to stay abreast of changes within the industry. With the economy representing one of the biggest challenges facing hoteliers, restaurateurs, caterers and chefs, we felt it necessary to introduce the free advisory ‘sound bite sessions’ to the Show and have signed up some of the best business professionals. Working in association with Business Link, we will be able to provide our visitors with an in-depth look at best practice ways to manage the challenges and changes which result from much publicised ‘credit crunch’.”

Ian Girling, Business Link, adds: “Business Link offers free business advice and information for businesses, whether business owners are looking for recession proofing ideas or if they are affected by the credit crunch. Through our sound bite sessions we aim to help businesses rise to the challenge of trading through the recession with the help of tips and advice from our knowledgeable guest speakers. Expert advisors are available at all the sessions for any business owner requiring free one to one business advice. Sessions are free to pre-registered visitors and each has been designed to help those running a business to run it better.

For further information on visiting the Hotel and Catering Show, please contact Anna Wallis on 01425 485040 or visit www.hotel-expo.co.uk.