3rd November 2017
The latest Propel Multi-Club conference took place at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London on November 1st, with a brilliant speaker line-up and lots of insightful discussion. Here are our top takeaways:
- Gareth Ogden of accountancy firm haysmacintyre shared detail from the latest UK Hospitality Index benchmarking survey, identifying a lack of skilled workforce, rising costs and consumer confidence as the biggest threats facing the industry. The survey also highlighted differing views on technological advances – while 55% of consumers felt excited about their potential, 47% expressed fears that this could limit face-to-face contact.
- Darrel Connell, of leisure investors Imbiba, discussed what the fund looks for in a new investment and offered his thoughts on some of the current issues facing the hospitality industry. He cited the opportunity for all-day trading as a crucial factor for new businesses and identified a gathering momentum for ‘anti-brand’ operators – such as Flat Iron and Caravan – who have fewer sites and a smaller, independent feel.
- Jeremy Simmonds and Matt Grech-Smith (pictured), co-founders of The Institute of Competitive Socialising brand Swingers, shared their brand journey ahead of the opening of their second crazy golf venue in London’s West End. Offering a simple response to whether the concept is ‘just a fad’, they argued that guests will always return to venues where they have had a good time and been well looked after. As guests’ appetite for experiential concepts gathers pace, the co-founders explained that their model offers a welcome alternative to social situations that could otherwise be awkward, such as first dates or office parties.
- Chilango co-founder Eric Partaker delivered one of the day’s most entertaining talks, with an honest account of the successes and failures that have shaped the business. He stressed the importance of really getting to know your guests - with failed sites at Bluewater and Meadowhall shopping centres serving as a cautionary tale – through in-depth research. As the most successfully crowdfunded restaurant chain ever, Chilango’s loyal following has been a key factor in its success, which Partaker attributed in part to the strength of its brand identity. He also noted that delivery has worked out ‘phenomenally’ for the business – with the challenge of competing in an open space raising the bar for walk-in guests’ experience.
- Roger Wade, founder of shipping container food and retail concept Boxpark, discussed what he regards as the fundamental kingpins of retail (content, traffic and conversion) and echoed earlier speakers’ sentiments that tastes are shifting to ‘anti-brand’, independent concepts. According to Wade, great content curation is instrumental to Boxpark’s success, with the concept only ever as good as the retailers it hosts. The brand is due to open its third site in Wembley in 2018.
