Restaurateurs and hoteliers fear slump
Business confidence among hoteliers and restaurateurs is at its lowest ebb since 11 September, according to a survey by the CBI.
The hospitality trade was the least confident about its prospects in a poll of the service sector, with fears focusing on the state of the economy, what an impending war in Iraq might do to business and a fall in consumer confidence. The gloomy outlook led to an unexpected drop in the volume and value of business across the service sector in the three months to the end of February, said the CBI.
Awards reflect importance of customer service
Entries are now open for the fourth National Customer Service Awards 2003. Organised by Quest Media, the awards cover 34 categories, including individuals, teams and companies.
"The growing popularity of the awards reflects the importance of customer service as a key factor in setting successful businesses apart," said Lorraine Agnew, awards programme director.
The closing date for entries is 30 May, with judging taking place at the Chartered Institute of Marketing in Cookham, Berkshire, from 7-29 July. The winners will be announced at London's Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane on 30 September.
Full entry details are available on 020 7378 1188, or by e-mailing info@customerserviceawards.com.
Aramark tops magazine's rankings again
US-based contract catering giant Aramark has been named the top company in Diversified Outsourcing Services in Fortune magazine's ranking of America's most admired companies.
It's the second year running that Aramark has held the position, with the company's overall score the highest ever at 8.06, up from 7.29 last year. In the overall survey of 580 companies, the company moved to 10th place from 48 last year.
Ashford Holiday Inn reopens after £2m refit
Centre Island Hotels, which owns five hotels, has reopened the Holiday Inn in Ashford, Kent, following a £2m refurbishment. The 91-bedroom hotel, which was bought by the group last year marking its first venture outside Merseyside, has employed 20 extra staff.
Drop in US tourists hit fortunes at Bath hotel
Dukes hotel in Bath has been put into voluntary administration by owner Sebastian Hughes six months after he closed the two-Michelin-starred Blinis restaurant in the city.
Ownership of the 18-bedroom hotel has been handed over to a bank, although Hughes, who runs Chase Hotels, will continue to manage it.
A big drop in American tourists to Bath, plus the effects of the foot-and-mouth epidemic, are blamed for the hotel's poor performance since 11 September.
Chefs to help Selfridges health and wellbeing push
London department store Selfridges is bringing in outside catering talent during its Body Craze promotion from 7-31 May. Nutritionist company Food Doctor will be helping the inhouse team in the Lab Café to devise a menu devoted to health and wellbeing.
At the store's flagship restaurant, Premier, Peter Gordon and Anna Hansen, joint chef-proprietors at London restaurant Providores, will be working alongside the inhouse team to focus on the health-giving properties of ingredients such as ginger. The menus are still being developed.