Recession has made us more efficient, say small firms

The majority of small hotel and catering operators believe the recession has made their business more efficient, research has revealed.
 
In the survey of nearly 150 hotels and caterers by Barclays Local Business, 64% said the tough economic climate has made them more efficient, while 45% said they have made customer service improvements.
 
While 50% of the respondents have seen their working hours increase, and 16% have seen redundancies, a surprising 20% believe they have not been affected by the recession at all, the survey shows.
 
Steve Cooper, managing director for Barclays Local Business, the small business arm of the bank, said: “This research gives us the clearest understanding yet as to how hotel and catering businesses in the UK are coping with the recession and, clearly, they are finding the upside of adversity wherever they can.
 
“Hotel and catering firms in particular have taken a pragmatic approach by tackling head-on the big challenges such as improving their business strategy, increasing innovation and focusing on their employees. Lessons have been learnt and I am sure in some cases the hard way,” he added.

 
UK hotels have seen the worst of the recession, says report >>
 
Recession prompts 75% of British families to eat at home >>
 
UK recession claims three victims in bad week for hospitality >>
 
Ways to survive the recession >>
 
More news, analysis and comment on the recession and the credit crunch >>
 

By Daniel Thomas

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