The big issues were tackled at hospitality trade show ScotHot
SLTN was part of a debate on the biggest issues facing the hospitality industry at this year’s ScotHot hospitality trade show in Glasgow.
Held on the Liquid Academy Live stage at the show, the discussion heard from Colin Wilkinson and Paul Waterson, both of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Audrey Junner of Hill Brown Licensing and Marc Crothall of the Scottish Tourism Alliance as well as SLTN editor Gillian McKenzie.
The approaching PLH renewal deadline, tourism tax and the potential impacts of Brexit were all touched on, as well as the steady increase of business rates.
Elsewhere, a panel of bartenders discussed the changing face of drinks in the hospitality industry, as well as issues such as retaining and developing staff and the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the sector.
Participating were Martin Duffy of the Scottish Bartenders Network, Sian Buchan of Panda & Sons, David Smillie of Maverick Drinks and Frank Murphy of The Pot Still.
Both panel discussions were hosted by Liquid Academy’s Scott Gemmell.
On the food side of the industry ScotHot also saw the launch of The Manifesto of Chefs and Cooks.
Introduced by food charity Nourish Scotland, the manifesto set out long-term aims for the industry to work towards in order to make the catering sector in Scotland more sustainable.
Early supporters of the manifesto include Scotland’s national chef, Gary Maclean, Neil Forbes of Café St Honoré and Derek Johnstone of Borthwick Castle.
And on the Scottish Tourism Alliance Spotlight Stage guest speakers covered a range of topics from social media and staff training to the secrets behind being a successful couple in the hospitality industry.
