Person of the Week

Julia Sibley
Chief Executive, The Savoy Educational Trust

In addition to winning the Education and Training Catey this week, Julia recently became the first female to be admitted to the Worshipful Company of Innholders. Julia's keen insight and wealth of knowledge have helped to establish the Savoy Educational Trust as one of the most successful UK charities, and it has made considerable impact on the advancement and development of many people in the hospitality industry.

Quote of the Week

"The fact KPMG expects to sell the chain to existing operators...is a reminder that the coffee-shop market itself has not evaporated, but there is still a distinct difference between the froth and the dregs."

Andrew Hill, FT on Coffee Republic

Article of the week

In this ongoing series from EP magazine, the article this week is from the EP archives and is a special feature entitled:
"A golden generation or natural evolution?"

The report looks at the development of the events industry over the past 20 years, which has improved immeasurably during this time. Some people believe that this has been led by a generation of exceptional operators, whilst others argue that there has been a natural evolution. What do the leaders themselves have to say?

Facts of the week

Up and away, with standing room only?

Ryanair announced plans for vertical seating this week

• Having recently announced that they were considering plans for a 'fat tax' and paying to use the toilets on board, this week the budget airliner unveiled this new idea was under consideration.
• The airlines is looking at removing four rows, or 12 seats, of traditional seats on its planes to provide standing room.
• Passengers would have a stool or something to lean on or sit on according to the spokesperson.
• The airline industry is a major talking point at the moment. Whilst BA is having to address major financial shortfalls, the budget airlines, including Easyjet, recently announced an increase in passenger numbers.
• Are low-cost carriers shaping the way for a different kind of flying experience?
  

Source: theage.com

Prospects for the UK economy upgraded by the IMF

Though the outlook remains cautious

• One of the emerging discussions this week has been the lag effect on issues such as employment, and the role that this will play in coming out of the economic downturn.
• This article includes an acknowledgement by the IMF that there are positive signs, recovery will be slow.
• It also points out that the G8 leaders who met in Italy this week have agreed it is still to early to unwind emergency funding measures, and that there is the danger of a "double-dip" downturn.
• The ongoing vulnerability of the financial system remains a key question mark, and this story high-lights that confidence remains a key question for many.

Source: timesonline.co.uk

Next Issue of EP magazine

The next issue of EP magazine is due out on 1 August and features will include:

• Kiaran McDonald, The Savoy
• Gary Rhodes
• Nigel Johnson, Catermasters
• Gerard Basset, Master Sommelier & Terra Vina
• Round table discussion: foodservice consultants answer common questions from contract caterers
• Gary Davis, Village Hotels
• Leadership Forum Report with Tobias Ellwood, Conservative Shadow Tourism Minister

If you are not currently receiving EP you can subscribe for just £20 per year.