HOSPITALITY - TAKE TIME, TAKE CONTROL
We have teamed up with leading figures in the hospitality sector to create 'Hospitality - Take Time, Take Control', a free guide designed to give small business owners advice on how to take back some control during the run-up to the New Year.
WHY IS GREATER CONTROL IMPORTANT FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS?
Our research has revealed that 2020 has been tough for the hospitality sector, with 72% of small business owners saying COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their financial situation. Over two-thirds (69%) also said these changes have negatively impacted their mental health, with lack of customers, longer hours and having to furlough staff among the biggest contributors.
Taking control of the small things - such as staying in touch with your customers, looking after your team, or having a smart meter installed - can make a big difference.
Our guide includes tips to help small business owners take better care of their emotional health, as well as simple, affordable business tips from well-known industry figures.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR TOP TIPS:
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1. Set clear working times
"And do your very best to stick to them! Ask yourself "can that wait?", or "do I really need to respond to that email straight away?" Know it's ok to let go of work - even under the most difficult circumstances. No matter how you choose to spend your spare time, you will be more effective when you get back to it."
Kenny Tutt, Chef Patron, PITCH Restaurant and Cookery School
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2. Compile a social content calendar
"Social media is a great way to engage with people but can seem daunting at first. Creating a content calendar allows you to plan out what you want to say. Videos are a great way to deliver messages that resonate with your customers on an emotional and logical level and can be filmed simply on your phone."
Mich Turner, MBE, Founder, Little Venice Cake Company
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3. Take control of your energy spend with a smart meter
"Utility bills represent one of the highest costs to hospitality operators. In order to maximise any marginal gains from managing your energy consumption you need to know exactly how much you're using, and when.
Smart meters provide this control over your business' energy spend, and they also give you accurate bills, so each month, you only have to pay for the energy you actually use. I encourage all my fellow business owners to contact their energy supplier to see if they are eligible for an installation."
Merlin Griffiths, TVs best loved barman and Publican
MORE HELP WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
If you're in the Hospitality sector and are concerned about your mental wellbeing, or that of a colleague, you can visit Hospitality Action or call their adviceline, which is open 24/7 and free of charge, on 0808 802 0282.
HOW TO REQUEST A SMART METER FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Ready to take control of your energy usage and request your smart meter?
Simply enter your energy supplier in the box below and we’ll connect you. If your business works with a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN...
- Money saving tips for small businesses - our top tips to help your business cut costs.
- The installation process - smart meters are available to many businesses and installations are happening now. To find out if your business is eligible, contact your energy supplier.
- How to use a smart meter to save money - smart meters give you accurate bills for your business, so you only pay for the energy you actually use. But how can they save you money?