The World of Hospitality Issue 28 2018 | Page 42

42 the World Of Hospitality uhs group Being Agile and Courageous will keep you alive in today’s market When the headlines are so negative it breeds despair, despondency and doubt! The market trends on the high street from retail and casual dining are being targeted but now is the time to be agile, courageous and think outside the box. One quote from Austin Cook, Retail Director of a multi- million pound establishment was ‘Boring retail isn’t dead’ this would go for restaurants too… ‘Boring restaurants are not dead.’ What we are seeing at the moment is a flurry of emerging brands from Coffee shops, healthy food offerings to Asian and Indian cuisine. Where some brands are dying it is making space for new innovation and culture shifts for the new generational requirements. The only dying brands are ones that are not keeping up! Restructure is another buzz word that is being used, this is where forward thinking brands are looking at their portfolio, acting with courage and re-aligning the investments to strengthen the profitable sites with re-branding and transformations. The transformation part is key to bringing in the footfall. Working lately with ‘All Star Lanes’ has shown the importance of creating an experience. Consumers are looking for fun, interest and a bit more… Innovation here is key and we see the revival of the darts club, the pool tables, indoor crazy golf with a twist and ping pong! To recap on this there is room for new, boring is out and brands need to keep the energy up because the market is alive! Dan Gillmore, Global Marketing Director says, “At UHS we are working with a number of brands restructuring, transforming and re-branding successfully. We have a fantastic team that can come on that journey with you so if you have a project that you feel the need to discuss and see how we can support please get in touch.” [email protected] Call: 0330 1222 400 Website: www.uhs-group.com