Hotelier & Hospitality Design - November 2022

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Moda, where outdoor furniture really means business.

Unlocking the potential of your outdoor space can be a seriously good business move.

Whether you need a place to close deals with clients, a second meeting room or a nineteenth hole par excellence, taking your work outside offers huge attractions. And as the UK’s leading luxury outdoor furniture brand, Moda is ideally placed to help turn your vision into reality.

Having started out as a family-run company in 2014, Moda has quickly established a reputation for innovative furniture solutions with exceptional customer service. This has led to a growing demand for their services from an increasingly diverse client base, as a greater variety of commercial sectors have looked to transform their outdoor spaces.

A tailored approach

With a dedicated Commercial team, Moda’s clients can choose from a vast collection of furniture sets to meet all business requirements. Expert account managers are on hand to offer a tailored approach, managing site visits and sampling to guide you through the process of your purchase.

With Moda’s market-leading 3d rendering service, designs can be modelled into businesses’ properties and space, providing visual impressions and assisting with further planning and decision-making.

Uniquely modular, uniquely Moda

Your outdoor space can change from one day to the next, which is where Moda’s flexible modular systems really come into their own. All of their furniture ranges have a number of modular configurations that can be customised - move them around your business areas, expand your collection, split them up or put them together to complement your changing commercial requirements. It creates a compelling fusion of aesthetics and adaptability.

The choice is almost limitless, with a host of options of sofa combinations, not to mention dining ranges which incorporate unique features such as drinks coolers and fire pit inserts.

Smart furniture to drive businesses forward

With their all-weather materials and uncompromising build quality, Moda furniture collections are meticulously engineered to withstand the demands of the modern workplace - and the great British weather. Every item

of luxury outdoor furniture is designed exclusively in-house. This allows Moda to offer a perfect balance of both style and substance that can be enjoyed all year round.

What’s more, Moda’s market leading three-year commercial guarantee offers commercial clients peace of mind and their aftercare policy and maintenance packages reinforces their commitment to client satisfaction.

Expert delivery and installation

Moda is well placed to meet the demands of the commercial market with stock available for timely delivery via their impressive fleet of 150 in-house vehicles. This enables Moda to exceed client expectations through fast delivery, meticulous installation and aftercare. Their team of fully-trained engineers are available to you at no extra cost, covering unpacking, furniture placement and the removal of all packaging for recycling.

step to maximising the use of your

This November, Corinthia London will launch Velvet with acclaimed bartender and drinks expert Salvatore Calabrese, aka “The Maestro”, with new interi ors by David Collins Studio.

Under Calabrese and experienced bar manager Christian Maspes, Velvet will bring back the theatre to cocktail-making, delighting guests with craft and passion in what Calabrese terms “the music of the shake”.

“Corinthia London is such a glamorous hotel, and it deserves a sensational new bar,” enthused Calabrese. “We want to celebrate the magic and theatre of hospi tality, with a cocktail list of sophisticated classics, that have stood the test of time, alongside modern drinks which are now well-established in the 2020s. Velvet will be a seductive, intimate bar that we know will become one of the most desirable destinations in London.”

The cocktails will balance references to a bygone era with a modern approach to mixology, and subtle, personal twists from Calabrese. A selection of his muchloved creations will feature, such as the Breakfast Martini and Spicy Fifty, alongside a range of non-alcoholic options and a menu of small plates.

“We are delighted to showcase our new bar Velvet, which will celebrate ‘joie de vivre’, with a subtle nod to the golden age of cocktails but with a modern approach as well. Concealed behind rich, velvet curtains will be an elegant and thoughtfully designed setting for guests to meet and have fun, and where the lost art of cocktail making will be beautifully reimagined,” commented Thomas Kochs, Managing Director of Corinthia London.

Velvet will take the place of Corinthia London’s former bar Bassoon, with reimagined interiors by prestigious designers David Collins Studio. Furniture upholstered in shades of red and royal blue, and deep velvet curtains will provide a glamorous feel, alongside convex mirrors, and lavish lighting, as well as commissioned artwork by Robson Stannard positioned either side of a central marble fireplace and throughout the bar. Both the design and the incorporation of a performance space for live music will evoke the exciting style of the early 20th century.

Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio, said: “For me, Velvet will capture the essence of a mood – the spirit of intimacy, extravagance, and secluded indulgence. It’s about a feeling, the dis creet excitement through the pleasure of music and cocktails.”

Velvet will complement the other prestigious food and drink venues at Corinthia London, including The Garden, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill and The Northall Restaurant & Bar, and will confirm the hotel as a key player in the London dining and drinking scene. Velvet will officially launch on Monday 7th November 2022.

Corinthia London launch Velvet

First Countryside Luxury Hotel in the UK to achieve EarthCheck’s Silver Accreditation named

In an important milestone, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, the five-star luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, has achieved Silver certification through EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.

Sue Williams, MI FIH General Manager of Whatley Manor, welcomed the accreditation: “We are delighted to be the first UK countryside luxury hotel to have achieved the Silver accreditation awarded by EarthCheck. This serves as a solid testament to the sustainability initiatives we have deployed at Whatley since 2019.

“We are committed to continue this challenging yet meaningful and exciting journey. We hope to achieve our goal of net zero carbon emission for Scope 1&2 by 2028, and Scope 3 by 2035.”

To avoid catastrophic climate change, the world needs to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels. Today, we are already at 1.1 °C and feeling the effects, meaning that the window for achieving our target and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change is rapidly closing. The very environmental values and cultural assets that attract visitors to destinations need to be protected and responsibly managed. The tourism industry and its operators are key to creating this change.

Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, said that Whatley Manor Hotel has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

The hotel has been leading the way in sustainability in the hospitality sector and as a proud member of the Pride of Britain Hotels and as the Chairman of Pride of Britain, Sue Williams is keen to knowledge share and encourage other hoteliers on their journey.

Mr. Moore said: “I would like to congratulate whole team at Whatley Manor on their achievement. The hotel is a valued member of a global group of tourism operators who dare to make a difference.”

By working with EarthCheck, Whatley Manor has joined other industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet.

About EarthCheck

EarthCheck is the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry. EarthCheck’s holistic approach to responsible tourism and its world leading science enables destinations and operators to benchmark and certify their performance with confidence and surety.

Through its Total Tourism Management™ platform, EarthCheck works in partnership with clients to help plan for the future and guide the design, construction and operation of smart buildings and the responsible management of tourism destinations.

Find out more at earthcheck.org

EUCALYPTUS – The Refresher

Hill Hassall Botanics, The Eucalyptus Beverage Company, discovered a novel way to infuse a sophisticated Eucalyptus essence into a rejuvenating, everyday drink. The one word that came back over and over again at tasting events was “refreshing.” The bubbles in sparkling water served to amplify the aromatic qualities of the Eucalyptus globulus leaves and in Hill Hassall Botanics’ signature drink, The Refresher, they really deliver.

The Refresher is one measure Hill Hassall Botanics’ Eucalyptus cordial, five measures sparkling water and a wedge of lime or cucumber to garnish. Eucalyptus is a pleasant surprise on the palette: cleansing, moreish, delicate and novel. Easy to make and a unique taste to enjoy and present to guests. Fantastic after exercise or when winding down in the evening. At 50ml a serving and a 1:5 blend with sparkling water The Refresher costs just over £1 per 300ml serving.

Mature Eucalyptus globulus leaves are harvested by hand in a purpose-planted Eucalyptus grove at Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight, so for those that want to know where their products come from, we can trace the special flavour straight back to the grove. The botanic garden on the Isle of Wight has the largest outdoor collection of Eucalyptus in the U.K. Eucalyptus grows particularly well in the microclimate there which is 5oC hotter than the U.K. mainland. As ash, elm and oak disappear from the U.K. landscape, we may see more and more Eucalypts in U.K. gardens and woodlands.

The Refresher is not only a great new taste, it is good for you. 1.8-cineole or Eucalyptol is a natural organic compound found in Eucalyptus globulus. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been proven clinically effective in treating upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. When we look to plants used medicinally by indigenous people, we often find an effective, if out of use, medicine chest. The Aborigines used Eucalyptus to alleviate skin, joint and lung conditions. Indeed, Eucalyptus finds its way into many modern-day products. Many medicinal herbalists count Eucalyptus as a core plant remedy.

Beyond The Refresher mixologists have found Hill Hassall Botanics’ Eucalyptus cordial to be a versatile mixer, an exciting addition to a classic G&T, a Mojito, a boost for juices like orange, cranberry and apple. Everyone likes a unique new refreshing taste whether competing for Cocktail of the Year or just making that breakfast orange juice more appealing.

Available on hillhassall.co.uk.

Makes handling seasonal party bookings so easy!

Future trends in restaurant tech to raise your seasonal profits

Restaurants need technology to thrive in an increasingly competitive market where profit margin mean everything. But what’s hot in software as we head towards the all-important Christmas and New Year seasons? Jaipal Yadav, MD of restaurant software business, Favouritetable, considers the options.

It’s often said the UK lags slightly behind the US in picking-up new business and cultural trends indicating where global markets are heading next, and this seems particularly true in findings outlined by the latest Hospitality Tech POS Software Report, which notes 72% of restaurants state their IT budget will continue to increase through 2022 and beyond.

The UK restaurant industry can be slow to adopt new tech and digital solutions, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed this and has forced many hospitality providers to become far more innovative in their choices and approach.

As a result, technology is transforming leading restaurants wanting to take advantage of the connected era. From online ordering and automated marketing, through to delivery and pickup, restaurateurs can no longer afford to ignore the trends that are shaping the industry and helping businesses reinvent themselves.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the rapid surge of restaurant technology and demand for faster service is driving growth of the global restaurant management software market as evidenced by the recent Allied Market Research report analysing the ‘Restaurant Management Software Market.’

This shows a global restaurant management software industry worth an estimated $4.2 billion in 2021, and set to reach $17.1 billion by 2031. Clearly something important is happening, but how do you make the best decisions about which software products your restaurant needs?

For starters, friendly expert advice is a

must, as is trialling new software for free to gain important experience of exactly how a new product will meet your needs.

Here’s our impartial view on the five latest digital trends and tools that should be at the top of the agenda for you as we head towards the vital Christmas and the New Year periods, giving you the comfort of knowing you’re two steps ahead of the competition:

1. Eliminate the paperwork

Piles of paperwork in a fastmoving restaurant quickly become unmanageable, prone to loss and –unlike digital systems – don’t connect. The outcome is a disjointed customer experience, stressed management and staff, and often unhappy diners. Before Christmas arrives map out your existing processes, identify risk points and speak to a top software provider to ensure nothing can go wrong.

2. Get the party started with menu management

Fixed festive menus need to meet customer desires, budgets, habits and practical requirements. A good restaurant management system includes functionality which allows the creation of menus well ahead of time, along with ‘rules’ for party booking sizes, date ranges and specific times, all of which is booked online and secured with a deposit or full payment in advance.

3. Automated reminders a must

Your probably won’t have to try very hard to imagine a company booking where the firm has paid in advance, but guests haven’t completed their menu choices yet. The best software solutions allow

you to set a date by which the order must be completed, with all individual menu choices submitted. Also ensure your software automatically sends a reminder email to the lead booking guest at regular intervals until the order is completely filled.

Computer says ‘yes’

Lead bookers are naturally concerned their event will run smoothly and fortunately, your restaurant clientele are now used to online self-service that gives them time to review and amend party details in stress-free fashion.

This means you need an online booking system which offers easy-to-complete pre-order forms and a shareable link for the rest of the party to complete at their convenience. Imagine the time you’ll free-up after doing away with endless guest emails and calls to update party bookings.

Get control of your credit

If you dread the additional workload tied in with chasing pre-orders and deposits you’re not alone. Being a busy restaurateur means it’s of course easy to lose track of who’s paid what and when, leading to a serious risk of profit loss.

With the right tools in place, employing easy-to-use software technology will clearly set your restaurant up for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, generating a festive boost for your business. This is a lucrative opportunity that can generate crucial diner advocacy and a loyal, developing customer base –grasp the opportunity with both hands!

For further details:

Our master craftsmen construct each bespoke order with painstaking care and attention, to create an exceptionally ‘real’ artificial showpiece, and we offer bespoke solutions to suit the needs of your space, business and tastes.

Whether you need simple plants and trees that don’t need tending to or you’re going for a full artificial landscape with turf, hedges and more, we have existing products and the capacity to create custom designs for any need and budget.

We’ll offer a no obligation quote to help you plan your projects and we can tailor our service to ‘fir’ your needs.

Full Support

Whatever your choices, we have the design experience and know-how needed to make you stand out. We can work with your design to make your premises look incredible, whatever the space and whatever the industry. We can even help you develop the design, drawing on years of experience.

Call us today on 01524 858888 or email sales@justartificial.co.uk – Browse our Web Store online for our full stock range and more info on our bespoke solutions on offer.

Who Have We Supplied?

Major companies in many industries including ITV, BBC, Channels 4 and 5, Mulberry, Innocent Drinks, Monsoon, Bella Italia, Tescos, Big Brother, The Only Way is Essex, Coronation Street, Dancing on Ice, Park Resorts, Volkswagen, and more.

We’ve also sold to house builders, zoos, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, theme parks, colleges and schools, cruise ships, theatres… the list goes on! We have tens of thousands of satisfied customers in the UK, in Europe, and across the World.

We can provide offers for procurement managers and corporate buyers on bulk orders and for trade, to help you finalise your design. Our quotes are no obligation - so call us today. We look forward to working with you!

Aquatic Development Group (ADG) the manufacturer of EpicSurf, a true deep-water, stationary surfing wave, was stoked to host the Senegal Surfing Federation prior to the team’s first stop in the Olympic Qualifying International Surfing Association’s (ISA) World Surfing Games held in Huntington Beach, California, September 17 – 24, 2022, where EpicSurf is an event sponsor.

The wave to Paris 2024 is in motion as the world’s greatest surfers, including 247 athletes from 51 nations, gather in iconic “Surf City, USA.” The top performing female and male surfers are competing for the ultimate prize of 2 extra slots for the Olympic Games. The West African ISA member nation is proudly represented by a team of 6 athletes, 4 coaches, plus the steady and thoughtful leadership of Souleye Mbengue, Official ISA Representative, and Omaur Seye, Federation VicePrésident and surfing legend in his own right.

“The opportunity to train and practice on EpicSurf before competing in California is an honor for my team” said Mbengue, “This has been such a memorable experience surfing in New York during my first visit to the USA.” Mbengue accepted the challenge of the surfing machine and admitted that it was a fun experience, however, he is the only member of the Federation that is not a surfer. He shared, “I’m a manager – not a surfer, I keep things organized.”

EPICSURF HOSTS THE SENEGAL SURFING FEDERATION PRIOR TO OLYMPIC QUALIFIER IN HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

In contrast, Mbengue’s VP counterpart, Omaur Seye, is a well-known surfer. In fact, Seye was the first sponsored professional African surfer. He shared, “this machine will help train and develop surfers in many ways, like building leg strength for turns.” Seye, is committed to developing the burgeoning surf industry in Senegal and hopes to add a stationary wave to his mix of lifestyle businesses in Dakar.

Imane Signate shared, “EpicSurf is consistent and provides a place to focus and improve a surfer’s form. It’s not possible to do that in the ocean.” Signate is one of two female athletes representing Senegal and the town of Dakar where most of the members originate.

After the “warm-up session” in New York, the EPIC team traveled to the west coast to introduce the international surfing community to EpicSurf as a training and development platform. EpicSurf® is the first stationary surf wave of its kind manufactured in the USA, making real surfing possible anytime, anywhere.

Waves shaped and finetuned to match every surfer’s skill level, ability, and choice of surf, skim, or bodyboard. For aspiring surfers, to experts preparing for competition, EpicSurf is the ultimate cross-training platform to improve turns, maximize reps, master maneuvers, and build strength.

The ISA training event at EpicSurf was supported and sponsored by local Albany, New York sponsors:

Courtyard by Marriott Albany Troy/Waterfront, BBL’s Recovery Sports Grill and Dom’s Pizza.

EpicSurf is the first and only deep-water stationary surf wave manufactured in the USA. Providing a customized and authentic surfing experience tailored to each and every guest, EpicSurf’s rapid wave adjustability means that you can quickly & easily finetune the wave to match every rider’s skill level and choice of board.

From beginners learning to surf, to experts perfecting their tricks and turns, to spectators who simply want to be a part of the action with up-close and interactive participation, EpicSurf provides the ideal platform for creating the ultimate surfing venue.

Could Gig Workers Solve Hospitality Staffing Shortage?

During COVID-19 lockdowns, food delivery became a vital source of income for restaurant owners, and for some, it is still a sizable part of their business model even after they have reopened. However, many restaurants that made it through the pandemic are now dealing with a new crisis that is making them reevaluate how they run their operations and manage their staff.

In the UK, inflation is severely hurting the hospitality industry. According to a recent survey by the accountancy firm UHY Hacker Young, over 64% of the top 100 restaurants in the UK are currently losing money due to a lack of workers and the rising cost of living, which has caused customers to reduce their spending.

Additionally, according to the most recent Office for National Statistics data, the hotel industry is currently experiencing a record-breaking 174,000 employment vacancies. These numbers point to a threat to the sector as more young workers seek out higher-paying careers to maintain their standard of living during times of rising inflation. What steps may be taken to attract and keep personnel amid this crisis, then?

Restaurant owners that are worried about staffing shortages are looking for a dependable team to serve their customers. Delivery drivers are frequently connected with the gig economy. But what if shifts filled by flexible workers are the way that café and restaurant staff work in the future?

The goal of many new and developing employment platforms is to assist employers in more effectively utilising this part-time workforce by concentrating on those who have the necessary education and experience. In order to address this issue, restaurant-specific platforms have also begun to emerge.

When businesses outsource from gig economy platforms, they can employ people who desire more flexibility in their work schedules and greater autonomy over their professional lives. These individuals are more likely to contribute to the growth, performance, and profitability of the company.

Companies can respond to market needs and demands as they arise by hiring freelance gig workers. They are used to frequently working for differing periods of time, with diverse personalities, and in various

settings. Employing such workers also gives businesses the opportunity to assess whether they actually need a full-time employee instead. Freelancers are by nature selfmotivated and organised people. In turn, this will help the restaurant maintain a stronger organisational structure throughout busy seasons of the year while maximising profit during slower periods.

In sectors like hospitality where there is a strong demand for workers but a shortage of available candidates, the gig economy offers a broad range of vertical applications. Many business owners avoided hiring gig workers in the past due to worries about poor pay, unfavourable working conditions, a lack of health benefits, or job protections. In addition, there was no simple way to connect with this group of workers. That has shifted, and as the gig economy expands at an accelerating pace up to 7 million gig workers now anticipated to be employed in the UK—more companies must now capitalise on its power to effectively address the workforce shortage.

“From Kyoto to Shenzhen

Kyoto, the cradle of Japanese Wabisabi aesthetics, is a city that portrays the aesthetic consciousness of an era. Standing at the gate of the Kennin-ji temple, the hands of a watch no longer move with mechanical precision. Instead, they rotate rather slowly. Does modern-day Shenzhen preserve its cultural aesthetics to the same degree as Kyoto?

Like the allure of the Ping An Bank by the window, Shenzhen's aesthetics remain elegant, clean, and gracious within a one-of-a-kind architectural style. The accomplished design of the city entails aesthetic considerations that portray the research, exploration, and commitment to Chinese culture behind the development of every project. Inside, the correct use of light and hue is essential. The color palette is immaculate. Flowers on the coffee table, a painting on the wall, a sculpture, a chair, everything becomes part of a graceful landscape. Like Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, a classic scroll painting more than ten meters long, the project slowly unfolds before life to admire, influence, and wander through aesthetics.”

-- Ma Yiping

The renovation took place after two years of use to provide visitors with a different atmosphere.

The space shaped like a stylized "L" is on the 19th floor of the building. The outer side is composed of an architectural glass curtain wall that offers an outstanding view of Qianhai.

Yanlord Qianhai Dream Park Sales Center

Shenzhen, MYP Design

Mr. Ma Yiping, the founder of MYP Design, served as the project's lead designer. His design language fully integrates building structures, natural landscapes, and interior design, carefully managing spatial elements to convey a spiritual atmosphere of unparalleled freedom.

The exceptional visibility brings in the magnificent scenery. However, it also complicates indoor light control, testing the designer's ability to shape the depth and level of the space.

The designer faces the challenge of a unilateral light source at the front of the project. In addition, the depths on both sides are slightly uneven, and the circulation paths are long and narrow. Such circumstances call for a thoughtful design that breaks with the conventional model rooms in the market. Instead of applying features like luxurious, complex, or surprising visual elements that generate an attractive atmosphere, the designer decides to create a relaxed space. The design language divides the project into private and open areas, adjusting light sources and structural

blocks to draw pleasant perspectives. Furthermore, spatial tones and shades are carefully defined, while selected art pieces and decorations match the variety and style of the materials. Altogether, the design language creates an uncomplicated and warm space that feels like "home" instead of the common commercial project.

In the reception area, visitors are welcomed by the glass wall that illuminates the space. A geometric curtain composed of stone and wood veneer surfaces defines the functional area and controls the amount of light that enters the room.

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Havwoods Launches Home Design Consultation Service

Helping customers to achieve their dream home or project, leading wood flooring and cladding specialists Havwoods are delighted to introduce their new Home Design Consultation service.

For clients both old and new, it is the first time that the brand is offering personalised home visits to advise homeowners on their flooring and cladding needs and requirements. To understand the clientele and customer base, the new consultation

offering has started as a London based service with plans to expand to the rest of the UK and internationally in the new year.

From a room update to a complete renovation, the service starts at a client’s home where a knowledgeable Havwoods design consultant will determine the style, shape and dimensions of the room or home in question. Offering expert insight, the consultation will take into account the aesthetic of the property, natural light and other design details to help

Managed by interior designer and design consultant Heron Souza, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his previous roles in the industry to this exciting new position. Souza is on hand to answer any questions, from small projects to complete house transformations.

confirm what material, pattern and colour flooring will look best in the home.

Daylesford Organic takes a fresh approach to laundry with new Miele equipment powered by biomass

The Bamford family has been farming organically for over 45 years, first in Staffordshire and then the Cotswolds.

20years ago, the team opened its first farm shop, and since then, the Daylesford Organic site has expanded to incorporate a spa, holiday cottages, and a cookery school.

Sustainability is at the heart of Daylesford, and the business has set itself challenging targets to reduce its impact on the environment across areas including packaging, energy use, engagement with the local community, and partnering with sustainable suppliers. As well as over 2000 solar panels, Daylesford Organic has also installed a 910-kilowatt biomass boiler, which burns locally sourced wood chips to fulfil the farm site’s heat requirements.

Daylesford had been using Miele machines, supplied and maintained through approved partner, Gillman’s, for over 15 years. So, when it came to expanding the laundry, the decision to work with Miele and Gillman’s again was an easy one for Will Dennis, Head of Sustainability at Daylesford; “We like to work with businesses and suppliers that have similar mindsets in the way they approach business and sustainability. We’ve been using Miele for over a decade and it was important to us to keep that legacy alive, not only because of the aftercare we’ve

its advancing technology, focus on developing more eco-friendly models, and the ability to connect the machines to our biomass boiler.”

To process the volume of laundry produced at Daylesford Organic each day, Gillman’s recommended 2 x 32kg washing machines, 2 x 24kg washing machines, and 4 x 32kg tumble dryers. However, connecting the laundry equipment to Daylesford’s biomass boiler was unchartered territory.

Jamie Baron, commercial sales manager at Gillman’s, commented, “Integrating the biomass boiler was an education for us all. We liaised with the mechanical and electrical teams, the architect, and biomass

up with a solution that would work both now and years down the line. The by-product from the biomass system is hot water, which is channelled into the laundry and used to power the hot water dryers, saving on electricity. It was an incredibly important and exciting project to be a part of, as well as rewarding to work with a local, long-term customer that upholds the same family business values as we do at Gillman’s.”

The team at Daylesford found the installation process straightforward, and with specialists from Miele and Gillman’s on site to help, the project was completed in just a couple of days.

YouGov survey reveals significant shift to out-of-home EV charging

A YouGov survey1 out today reveals a significant shift towards out-ofhome EV (electric vehicle) charging, as public and destination charging facilities start to step up to meet growing demand.

The survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of CTEK, the leading global brand in vehicle charging, reveals that only 56% of EV owners are now charging at home (down from 78% in 2021), with 20% charging at shopping centres, 20% at work, 11% at hotels and 8% at restaurants. 17% are charging at petrol stations, but only 7% give this as their preferred place to charge, and 12% actually say that not having to visit petrol stations is their favourite thing about EV ownership!

Figures from Zap Map show that the number of public charge points has risen by 34% since last year2 and, encouragingly, the

YouGov survey reveals that availability of public charging is now far less of a concern for EV owners, with only 8% giving lack of local charging facilities as their biggest frustration, compared with 30% in 2021.

However, almost three quarters (71%) of UK motorists still feel that more charging infrastructure is needed to meet growing demand for EV charging and, although this has reduced slightly from 78% in 2021, remains the highest level in Europe.

The importance of out-of-home charging is further evidenced by 44% of UK motorists saying that availability of public charging

makes them more likely to buy an EV. In addition, half (50%) of drivers say they’re more likely to buy an EV if they have charging facilities at work, and this rises to 81% amongst former EV owners.

Reliability of out-of-home charging remains an issue with 9% of UK EV owners, 7% are frustrated by complexity of payment and 59% feel that lack of EV roaming, which would allow drivers to access different providers’ chargers and networks, is a major frustration. This is an even greater issue in Germany and France, where 67% and 62% of drivers respectively are frustrated by lack of EV roaming. It is less of an issue in The Netherlands and Scandinavia, where EV roaming is better established.

Cecilia Routledge, Global Director, Energy & Facilities for CTEK, said: “It is extremely encouraging to see that the availability of public and destination charging facilities is starting to step up to meet the growing demand for out-ofhome charging, as this is a vital factor in the overall acceptance and take up of electric motoring.

“However, reliability of out-of-home charging remains an issue, and this is an aspect that needs additional focus, along with steps to reduce the complexity of payment and industrywide commitment to rolling out EV roaming, which would give EV drivers better access to charging stations, in the same way that mobile phone users can simply access different networks as they travel around the globe.”

With the escalating cost of living and rising fuel prices, it’s hardly surprising that financial considerations are becoming increasingly important for all motorists. A quarter (25%) of current EV owners now give lower running costs as their favourite thing about EV ownership, ahead of 21% citing environmental benefits. However, UK EV owners remain the most environmentally conscious in Europe, with 33% giving concern for the environment as the main reason for purchasing an EV, compared with an average of 23% in the rest of Europe, where lower running costs are the main reason for purchase.

For non-EV owners, lower running costs have become more important than access to charge points, and the purchase price of EVs remains

the biggest barrier for motorists considering the switch. In addition, 64% of drivers feel that Government subsidies are essential to encourage more people to buy EVs, this being the highest level in Europe.

The survey also highlighted a need for clear, consistent information about EVs and EV charging, to help drivers cut through the mountains of, sometimes conflicting, information that’s out there. 30% of drivers said they were confused by all the information available on EVs, 45% said they wouldn’t know where to go to find out about EVs, and 17% of drivers said that knowing more about EVs and how they work would encourage them to purchase one.

Here are some other interesting facts and figures from the survey (all figures relate to the UK, unless stated).

• UK and Dutch adults are the most positive in Europe about EVs, with 55% of motorists in these countries believing electric motoring is the future of road travel. This rises to 70% of current UK EV owners.

• 81% of current EV owners and 77% of hybrid owners say they are likely to buy a fully electric vehicle in the future.

• The number of EV owners giving driving range (the distance that a vehicle can travel on one charge) as their main frustration has reduced from 23% in 2021 to 17% this year, but more than half (51%) of EV owners still have some level of range anxiety.

• EV owners give lower running costs as their favourite thing about electric motoring (25%), with 21% mentioning environmental benefits,

12% saying they like not having to visit petrol stations, 11% liking the vehicle’s technology, and 8% liking ‘fringe benefits’ such as free parking and reduced congestion charges.

• 40% of EV owners charge once a week or less, 26% charge 2 to 3 times a week and 17% charge 1 to 3 times a week. Only 14% charge every day.

• 29% of EV owners drive their vehicles 4 to 6 times a week, 24% drive 2 to 3 times a week, 20% every day, 13% once a week and 11% once a fortnight or less.

• The availability of Government subsidies, to make an EV more affordable, remains the main thing that would encourage nonEV drivers to make the switch (49%). Lower running costs have become more important (44%), and access to charge points (40%) less important than last year. Environmental concern remains the fourth biggest incentive to switch, at 30%, followed by knowing more about EVs and how they work (17%).

• In terms of purchase costs, 18% of UK drivers said they would pay up to £10K for an EV, 12% up to £15K, 9% up to £20K, 7% up to £25K, 4% up to £30K and 1% over £30K.

A full report, with findings on electric vehicle take up and ownership across Europe (UK, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway), is available at www.ctek.com/uk/survey-electricvehicle-ownership-and-take-up-ineurope

YOOBIC Announces First Acquisition; Doubles Down on Hospitality and QSR

Digital workplace leader closes deal to acquire French digital hospitality innovator Heystan

YOOBIC, the all-in-one digital workplace for frontline teams, today announced its purchase of Heystan, a digital training and knowledge management platform serving the catering and hospitality industries. Marking YOOBIC’s first ever acquisition, the deal further bolsters the company’s presence in the vibrant food and dining space and underscores its strong momentum and continuing global growth across the hospitality and retail sectors.

Based in Paris, Heystan serves developing and growing hospitality and catering chains, addressing four different markets: traditional restaurants, fast food chains, hotels and bakeries. The fully personalised training and knowledge management application is used by a strong cross-section of leading quick service restaurants (QSR) and hotel brands. Heystan’s agile team has driven rapid expansion since the product’s launch in 2021, with annual recurring revenue set to hit $3 million by 2024, a +20X growth over 2 years, demonstrating the acute need for customised training and knowledge management for hospitality frontline workers.

“YOOBIC’s vision for digital transformation in the retail and hospitality space is in complete alignment with what we’ve built at Heystan,” said Heystan co-founder and CEO, Leo Corcelli. “Like YOOBIC, we’re passionate about optimising workplaces, empowering frontline employees, and driving bottom-line results in challenging, high-stakes work environments. We couldn’t be happier to be scaling that mission under the YOOBIC team’s leadership.”

This acquisition reinforces YOOBIC’s extensive QSR capabilities, which are already trusted by dozens of top brands including Domino’s, BurgerFi, Taster and Bonchon Chicken. YOOBIC will also gain extended reach into the energetic market of hotel and restaurant chains in their development and acceleration phase.

Coming as many tech businesses are hunkering down in the face of challenging market conditions, the deal also speaks to YOOBIC’s strength and the enduring demand for frontline employee enablement solutions. With YOOBIC’s 2022 Frontline Employee Experience Survey revealing that 49% of frontline retail and hospitality workers don’t think that onboarding prepared them well for their job, and 58% feeling their organisation hasn’t invested in their professional development, there has never been a greater need for tools to engage frontline teams, and drive learning and collaboration.

“Careers in QSR, hospitality and catering can be extremely challenging, but also deeply rewarding. This acquisition signposts YOOBIC’s momentum as we continue our commitment to engaging and supporting frontline teams,” says Fabrice Haiat, YOOBIC CEO and co-founder. “By welcoming the Heystan team into the YOOBIC family, we’re expanding our ability to deliver agile, tech-forward solutions to help QSR and catering workers take pride in the value they create and better serve their customers while driving real bottom-line results for their employers.”

HOELLER LAUNCHES NEW INNOVATION IN BUFFET SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY

A new innovation that allows operators to alternate between hot and cold buffet service throughout the day while using exactly the same plate has been engineered by Hoeller Manufacturing, the international designer and manufacturer of bespoke buffet systems.

The new technology overcomes one of the biggest challenges facing operators in selecting a new buffet system: how many hot plates do they need; and how many cold. Getting that balance wrong restricts the service they can provide to the guest/diner.

With Hoeller Manufacturing’s innovation, however, operators can have the best of both worlds: all hot plates, all cold, or a mixture of the two depending on the service of the day. It means that a buffet system with a particular lunchtime option can be easily transformed to accommodate an evening menu, and vice versa.

The flexibility comes from the plates themselves that can operate in the range between +140°C (hot) to -5°C (cold). They are also extremely fast to heat up or cool down, taking minutes not hours, thus again giving chefs flexibility in service. They take 30 minutes to go from hot to cold

and less than 15 minutes for cold to hot. In addition, the buffet counter and cabinet, and the lighting and the heat bridge can also be further customised.

Joachim Hoeller, Founder of Austrian-based Hoeller Manufacturing, says his business pursues a mission of ceaseless innovation: “We aim to take the consultant’s and owner’s perception of a buffet system to another level, where we innovate and engineer solutions that are practical, meaningful and flexible.

“When space is limited, giving chefs and operators the flexibility of being able to create either a hot or a cold buffet system, virtually at the flick of the switch and using the same plates, removes a major headache and delivers greater choice.”

Hoeller Manufacturing delivers customised systems from its facility in Amstetten, Austria to any size,

design, material, colour and function, often within very tight budgets. A feature of its systems are low profile cooling and heating generators that are not only very quiet but also take up less space under the counter, leaving more room for a better customer/operator experience.

Its systems are all produced to the highest (H3) hygiene standards and can accommodate 304 stainless steel, Dekton, Gorilla Glass, ESG glass and a range of other quality, yet cost-effective materials. Standard products in GN sizes are also available.

Gong’s beautiful wall lights help to create warm and stylish bedrooms at Hotel Gramont, Paris

Chief Lighting Designer, Jo Plismy of Gong, is passionate about her designs and was delighted to work with Interior Designer, Aurelié Lambert on the refurbishment of the charming and eclectic Ĥotel Gramont, in the heart of the Paris Opera District.

When Aurelié Lambert was given the opportnity of re-imagining the 25 rooms at the Ĥotel Gramont, she knew that the lighting would play a key part and that Gong’s beautiful fixtures would help bring her vision to life. The brief was chic and eclectic, with a theme of travel and in the style of a cabinet of curiosities. Unique pieces paired with beautiful classic design were used to create rooms that were timeless, beautiful and comfortable.

Jo Plismy has vast experience working with Interior Designers and knows just how much impact the lighting can have on hotel bedrooms, “Hotels are all about the experience for the guest and lighting is vital for helping to create the right

atmosphere in a room. In most cases, the design will require several layers of lights including, floor, table, wall and pendants which all work independently. This not only helps in achieving the required relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, but also plays an important part in the lighting being functional too.”

Hotel bedrooms usually serve a number of purposes from sleeping and reading, to dressing, relaxing and working, which means an array of lighting choices must be carefully considered. “Lights can also be used to help zone the space” comments Jo, “dedicated lights by the bed are needed for reading, while you may choose a table lamp for the desk and working area, and further brighter lighting for the dressing area, as well as general ambient lighting. All of these lights work together to create a beautiful overall layered effect and give the user the choice of creating little softer, relaxing pockets of light for a restful, romantic environment”.

A combination of lights were used from Gong’s Wall Lighting Collection to provide perfect illumination for reading in bed. Jo explains, “Wall lights have an advantage over table lights as they don’t take up space on a bedside table. Many designs are also adjustable, allowing the user to direct the light to the exact place

they want. The Peggy Bedside lights shown above and below feature a matt finish shade with a beautiful golden interior, which creates a lovely warm light. The bases are made of brass with an antique finish to give a high end look”.

The rooms are now a delicate mix of subtle fabrics including linen, jute and velvet, paired with carefully selected objects from all over the world. The multitude of considered lighting options further elevates the interior style, ensuring each space is inviting and welcoming. Jo comments, “The Ĥotel Gramont is a little gem in the heart of the busy Opera district and the rooms have been beautifully reimagined

and perfectly designed by Aurelié. She has cleverly used a blend of styles and era’s adding fun, quirky touches to ensure guests have an unforgettable experience. We are so pleased our lights are now a part of this stylish boutique hotel and that we have played a part in it’s beautiful decoration”.

Images courtesy of Aurelié Lambert www.aurelielambert.com and Hotel Gramont www.hotelgramontparis.com

To follow Gong’s Instagram, please follow this link: www.instagram.com/gong_design

Kärcher UK launches SG 4/2 Classic steam cleaner

Kärcher UK has launched its newest steam cleaner, the SG 4/2. The compact and easy to use steam cleaner features a water tank, steam generator and storage space for accessories, all housed in a unique all-in-one box design. Its practical casing ensures it is a flexible solution for use in different locations, for instance to clean kitchens or toilet facilities, or in supermarkets and shops, to clean counters and displays.

The easy-to-transport, shockresistant case, weighs just 7.5 kilograms and features extra storage space for accessories, ensuring the SG 4/2 Classic is ready-to-go when it is needed. The intuitively designed control panel makes the steam cleaner easy to use, with 4 bar steam pressure available within just 3 minutes. The built-in VapoHydro function supports those looking to move towards detergent free cleaning as it flushes stubborn

dirt away with hot water for efficient results.

The SG 4/2 comes with a built-in water tank that holds two litres of water. One and a half litres of fresh water are fed to the half-litre capacity boiler via a pump, as needed. In just a few simple steps – and without having to wait for the boiler to cool down – the freshwater tank can be refilled for uninterrupted cleaning.

For extra flexibility, the steam cleaner case has a convenient carrying handle and there are also castors on the base of the machine, making it easier to move between locations.

The two storage nets on the outer sides of the steam cleaner case are ideal for storing the power cable and any wet cleaning equipment after use. Thanks to its compact proportions and angular form, similar to a toolbox, the SG 4/2 Classic can be stored away neatly and conveniently in small spaces.

The accessories include a steam scraper and a flat brush, as well as other cleaning tools, such as a point jet nozzle or hand nozzle and a microfibre cleaning cloth. The attachments can be used to clean hard-wearing surfaces such as tiles or steel, as well as delicate materials such as ceramic or glass. The steam cleaner also comes with RM 511 decalcifying agent for initial treatment of the steam cleaner.

The SG 4/2 Classic is compatible with a wide range of other specialist accessories, such as the floor nozzle with slats or the textile care nozzle, making it a truly versatile solution.

EYE

Wobbly tables can be a thing of the past thanks to the patented StableTable technology.

StableTable is a unique patented fully automated solution which is hidden with the pillar of the table base allowing the legs to adjust to uneven surfaces.

Available for both indoor and outdoor use in a range of heights, shapes and sizes. Can be supplied as base only or complete with a stylish OnTop 12mm Compact Laminate top.

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