Hospace Conference 2021
09:05 - Welcome From HOSPA'S President
Harry Murray MBE
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.