Opening talk - Harry Murray

• Hospitality has never been more challenging than it is today.

  • With the attention on the staffing crisis, climate change, education and development — the discussions today, will help inspire new ideas and ignite a new commitment and sense of purpose to achieve success.

• In the past 50 years, hospitality has experienced many challenges — including the miner’s strike, 3 day weeks and multiple financial crashes, however, nothing comes close to the COVID 19 pandemic.

• Hospitality has suffered more than most industries, yet no industry is more resilient than this one .

• The Prince of Wales said: “The British hospitality industry is one of the country's greatest success stories and the job you do is essential to the joy of life.”

• Kate Nicholls has successfully united all sectors of our industry and has worked tirelessly to support the UK’s largest employer.

• We have to meet the challenges the industry is facing head-on, which will require strong and extraordinary leadership —  with action not just words.

• Our CEO, Jane Pendlebury, is a strong leader and each year takes HOSPA from strength to strength — with an ongoing commitment to professional development.

• Brexit was a wake-up call for the industry, however,  I believe in the long-term the industry will change for the better.

• Offering structured career paths and investing in training and development is key for the future.

  • We should also be focussing on staff retention and creating a strong sense of family.

• Investment in technology is important and represents the future of our industry.

• We must also convince our young people that Hospitality is a great career option and you can get to the top of our industry with hard work and a good attitude.