Everyone in business at the moment would like to be positive about an uplift in the economy, but very few operators, certainly in hospitality, will commit to being optimistic about the long-term future. Things have been in the doldrums for so long, and there have been so many false dawns (it will be all right after foot-and-mouth, after 11 September, after the war in Iraq, etc) that even the most experienced economic pundits and analysts remain cautious about the road ahead.
But optimism has to start somewhere, so all credit to Berkeley Scott chief exec Roddy Watt, who has stepped into the spotlight this week to say: "Yeah, things are finally picking up" . He bases this brave statement on the fact that he has seen a dramatic increase in recruitment over the past six weeks. Now, you could argue that things have been so bad that any improvement is likely to be dramatic, and the saying "one swallow doesn't make a summer" comes to mind. But there are other signs that the economy is beginning to straighten out.
The latest survey from the British Chambers of Commerce suggests that the UK's service industries have picked up over the past three months. There may not be a substantial increase in consumer spending, but there is enough life on the high street to raise morale among retailers and restaurant and bar operators. As Caterer's look at Cornwall reports, certain areas of the country are enjoying a boom summer. And this will continue, with the good weather at home and problems at the airports likely to persuade last-minute travellers not to go abroad.
The London Stock Exchange has indicated that private investors are returning to the markets, suggesting a growing confidence in the economy which, together with the latest cut in interest rates, should stimulate capital growth in retail and hospitality.
So, Roddy Watt's optimism may be a first swallow, but others are likely to follow. And remember, it only took one dove to bring back signs of life to the Ark. Someone has to be first.
Forbes Mutch, Editor, Caterer & Hotelkeeper
Cornish cream
Who would have thought 10 years ago that Cornwall would be the vibrant place it is today, with hotels achieving the same kind of rates that they do in London, and high class eateries springing up all over the place? It all goes to show that the passion of individuals - in Cornwall's case Tim Smit and Rick Stein - can really make a difference. Theirs is an example for all to follow.
Jenny Webster, Hotels Editor
Palace face-lift
It seems not even Buckingham Palace is immune to the clean and simple design aesthetics of modern high-street restaurants. A recent £1m makeover of staff catering facilities at the Palace has meant the arrival of Wagamama-style wooden tables and plasma TV screens in an all-day caf‚. On page 32 we take a look around and find out what other changes have been made.
Ben Walker, Contract Catering Writer