Quote of the Week

"The challenges facing Barack Obama are more profound than any since
Roosevelt was inaugurated into the teeth of the Great Depression. He
will assume leadership of an economic world in the midst of re-inventing
itself, a process fraught with dangers but pregnant with opportunities."

Tom Stevenson
The Daily Telegraph

Who will be the Businesses to Watch in 2009?

Over 100 industry leaders were asked to provide nominations for the
companies that they believed would emerge as influential players in
2009. In fact, the responses were dominated by established players who
leaders believed may be able to meet the challenges this year.

Here is a selection of the Established Players

* Centerparcs
* Compass Group UK & Ireland
* Company of Cooks
* Domino's Pizza

.....and from the emerging players

* Vapiano - the German franchise of a successful made to order
pizza, pasta and salad chain bought to the UK by Ian Daly (ex-Compass)

The full list of Businesses to Watch will be published in the February
issue of En Passant magazine.

"ASDA is the biggest takeaway selling 500,000 curry portions per week"

An industry leader commented this week that, despite the downturn and increasing food prices, food will still be consumed outside of the home (or at the most warmed there). He particularly emphasised that it is often those with less money who tended to be filing their trolleys with ready meals, mainly due to the fact that they do have the skills, knowledge or ability to cook. click here for more...

Michelin. 4 days in waiting

There is a lot of chefs, managers, restaurant and hotel owners who are going to be on the edge for the next four days. This is because the Michelin Guide for UK and Ireland is due to be released next Tuesday morning.
click here for more...

The Competitive edge

Inspiration for Challenging Times

The 16th Annual Hotel
General Managers’ Conference

19th and 20th January 2009
The Landmark Hotel, London

The annual General Managers’ conference has become renowned as the most important event of its kind in the hotelier’s calendar. Sessions are stimulating, speakers thought provoking and the venue always inspiring, not to mention the plentiful networking opportunities.

http://www.masterinnholders.co.uk