A study commissioned  for the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation found the north’s hospitality sector contracted by around 40% in 2020, compared to 10% for the economy as a whole.

Ulster University Economic Policy Centre director Gareth Hetherington said evidence of the strong recovery is supported by several economic indicators.

“This is most evident in the labour market where the number of payrolled employees now exceeds its pre-pandemic level, and Northern Ireland has experienced the fastest growth in employees since March 2020 (pre-COVID) across all 12 UK regions,” he explained.

Official tourism data published this week also showed that hotel room occupancy rates in Northern Ireland had not recovered to 2019 levels in the first eight months of the year, but had strongly outperformed 2021 rates.

The new Hotels Federation report has also revealed that hospitality bosses in the north retained staff better than their peers in other parts of the UK, with employment falling by 10% during the pandemic compared to 20 per cent elsewhere.

“This data is broadly consistent with direct feedback from hoteliers who have indicated that their biggest challenge now is staff recruitment,” added Mr Hetherington.

“This was an issue across the board but specific shortages were noted in roles for chefs and housekeepers.”

NIHF chief executie Janice Gault said Brexit, and the pandemic had taken a toll, adding: “There have been issues for many years and work to address image, recruitment and retention has started. A lack of skilled workers, a limited labour pool and prohibitive immigration policies add to the challenge but it is hoped that as 2022 comes to a close, the investment made in the sector will pay dividends.

“The industry is a resilient one and has become adept at coping with change. Hotels are resilient by their very nature and continue to show real commitment to the Northern Ireland economy.”

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Hospitality Exchange is back live in 2022 and we’re looking at the big issues affecting the sector. Hopefully there will be some solutions, as well as an opportunity to air your views and share your woes.

Always an important element of business, cost control, has never been more critical. The turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the supply chain which has resulted in a massive increase in the price of consumables. Pricing aside, scarcity and supply disruption have also caused issues for the hotel and wider hospitality sector.

Inflation in many cases is running at a double-digit level. Costs have trebled and to add to this heady cost cocktail, a global labour shortage has necessitated significant pay increases to retain current staff and gain new employees.

Several influencing factors are well beyond the remit of local businesses and have come about due to global market and international political situations.

Concerns about costs have never been more prevalent and it’s going to be a balancing act to keep them under control in the coming months.

Michael Williamson, Consultant to ASM Chartered Accountants, will be on hand with top tips to help steer you through these challenging times. Information is key to managing costs and we are delighted to welcome back Sarah Duignan from STR whose benchmarking metrics will help inform your decisions, show you if your business is performing to the market norm or if you have some work to do.

Costs are a longer-term issue and we’ll be looking in depth at the biggest cost for businesses at the moment – People. The programme will explore how to get the best out of your team and how to look after their well-being.

There will even be a couple of robots on site to deliver tea, coffee and perhaps a stronger tipple as the day wears on.

The countdown is now officially on for Hospitality Exchange 2022, which takes place in the Crowne Plaza Belfast on the 11th and 12th October 2022. Whether you own, manage or work in a hotel, B&B, pub, restaurant, museum, airline or coffee shop, if you’re interested in developing and want to tap into innovation to drive business, then Hospitality Exchange is where you need to be. For further information, log on to hospitalityexchange.org.uk.

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The conference takes place in the Crowne Plaza Belfast on 11th & 12th October with a range of top international speakers including, Mick Boyle, Dr Paul Redmond, José Pizarro and Caroline Dunlea.

Recovery remains a central theme at this year’s event with a firm focus on the future underpinning the conference content for 2022. The uncertain business climate and industry performance, the key role of people, and the dialling up of the customer experience using data and technology will all be discussed over two action packed days.

There will also be a look at rising costs, the challenges of trading and how to address the uncertainties of a post pandemic world. The role and responsibility that the sector has in addressing sustainability and climate change is a theme that will be woven into each session with an insight into carbon neutral trading, food waste and the need for alternative cost-effective energy solutions.

The power of people will be highlighted in a commissioned Labour Market report; insights into how to recruit and retain staff as well as top tips on how to engage and inspire. A dedicated people panel, input from tourism agencies and an industry outlook add to the interactive element of programme.

A new suite of awards will also be launched this year with the Key Award for Rising Stars, a chance to celebrate those contributing to the future success of the hotel industry and recognise their value at a dedicated awards lunch.

Book your tickets for Hospitality Exchange sessions at hospitalityexchange.org.uk

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José, who was born in the beautiful village of Talaván in Cáceres, Extremadura, has lived in London for over 20 years, and is often described as the Godfather of Spanish cooking in the UK.

Having worked at some of London’s top Spanish restaurants including Eyre Brothers, Brindisa and Gaudi, he opened his first solo venture in 2011 and now boasts six venues in the greater London area.

José, who will discuss his passion for his native cuisine, simple recipes and seasonal flavours, told LCN that plans are already afoot to expand his hospitality empire and he wouldn’t rule out Northern Ireland as a future location.

“Why not? It may be a bit far for me but we have a good a team so nothing is out of the question with regards what the future might bring,” said José.

When he cooks for invited guests in Belfast the TV favourite told LCN that those lucky enough to be in attendance can expect “big Spanish flavours”.

“I want to bring the creativity that myself and my chefs bring to all our restaurants. Nothing fancy just mazing food and amazing products and I know the team in Belfast will help me deliver an amazing menu,” he explained.

“It is all about the things that I have brought here for many years to this country and it is representing my cooking, my country and my whole team.”

Stephen Meldrum, President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, said: “The countdown is now officially on for Hospitality Exchange 2022, which takes place in the Crowne Plaza Belfast on the 11th and 12th October 2022.

“The line-up is one of our most impressive yet and we are delighted that guest chef, José Pizarro, will be in Belfast to share some trade secrets with aspiring chefs.

“The programme will focus on key industry issues, looking towards the future while focusing on food, people, performance and the economic importance of the sector.”

Whether you own, manage or work in a hotel, B&B, pub, restaurant, museum, airline or coffee shop, if you’re interested in developing and want to tap into innovation to drive business, then Hospitality Exchange is where you need to be. For further information, log on to hospitalityexchange.org.uk.

: Read more about José’s amazing journey and his food philosophy in the upcoming edition of LCN. 

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All of those who have gone above and beyond during the most challenging period the industry has faced will be acknowledged at a special lunch hosted by Pamela Ballantine, above, on Tuesday 12^th October in the Crowne Plaza as part of this year’s Hospitality Exchange.

The heroes are from a wide range of departments from within hotel businesses. Many perform roles that are not directly customer facing and it is an opportunity to recognise the important part that they play in ensuring the smooth running of the establishment.

The hero programme included nominations from suppliers who have been of great support over the last 18 months and the Federation is delighted to be able to acknowledge the contribution of several well-known industry figures.

‘Diverse range’

Between them the heroes have nearly 300 years of service. Their knowledge, dedication and passion for the industry shone through in their individual entries with nominators describing them as inspirational, dedicated and unflappable.

They come from a diverse range of disciplines covering the many facets of the industry, from sales, maintenance, housekeeping and even gardening. The awards lunch will be an excellent way to mark their contribution and highlight the importance of the hero in making each business a successful one!

Taking place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on October 12 and 13, the two-day conference offers a cocktail of analysis, advice and support for the hotel and hospitality industry following possibly the most challenging period in recent history. The 2021 event has three central themes: Reflect, Recruit and Restore.

Whether you own, manage or work in a hotel, B&B, pub, restaurant, museum, airline or coffee shop, if you’re interested in developing and want to tap into innovation to drive business, then Hospitality Exchange is where you need to be. For further information, log on to hospitalityexchange.org.uk.

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