Catering Scotland

Ellis Mack Congratulates Scottish Thistle Award-Winners 2016

Now in their 28th year, the Scottish Thistle Awards (pictured below) celebrate tourism businesses and suppliers who have gone the extra mile to offer an outstanding visitor experience.

This year’s ceremony at the EICC saw a total of 14 winners across a range of categories.

See the full list of winners here:

www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk/national-winners/

Ellis Mack’s Sector Review

Scottish hospitality is a mixed bag of success and struggles at the moment.

While much of the hotel sector benefited from increased domestic travel and the welcome return of larger international corporate budgets last year, Aberdeen (main picture) witnessed a significant 46% one-year drop in revenue per room, and a 20% fall in occupancy over the previous 12 months.

And with average room rates in the Granite City currently hovering around the £40.00 mark, the decline of this former benchmark has contributed to an overall fall both in occupancy rates and revenue for Scotland as a whole.

Likewise, next month’s introduction of the living wage will present businesses with significant new challenges, not least in maintaining payroll costs at the current level.

And while we understand that many hotels will try to recover an element of this through increased average room rates, it remains to be seen how tolerant customers and guests will be in this regard, or indeed what restaurants, pubs and caterers will be able to do to counter the effects of higher payroll costs.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as the sector witness’s unprecedented levels of investment in new hotels in the UK over the past five years, and the general feeling among many businesses operating in or around the hospitality sector appears to be one of cautious enthusiasm.

While some cities are experiencing blips in occupancy and revenue, much of the country continues to hold strong. Let’s hope it continues to do so as we progress through the year.

Ellis Mack’s Top Five March Jobs

• The role: Sales Executive, luxury jeweller/retailer

The location: Edinburgh

The package:  c£18,000 p.a + bonus and additional benefits

We are looking to recruit a number of key sales and customer service executives for a client looking to add to their Edinburgh team.

Representing and working with worldwide brands and exclusive ranges, the successful candidate will possess sales and customer service experience, and must value personal presentation. Full training provided.

• The role: Head Chef in luxury hotel, opening May 2016

The location:  Near Glasgow

The package:  £50,000+ p.a.

We are working with an impressive new build/renovation on the outskirts of Glasgow which aims to offer five-star, Michelin-standard cuisine in an exclusive environment.

• The role: F&B Director, five-star hotel in Fife

The location:  St Andrews

The package:  c.£60,000 p.a. plus bonus and additional benefits.

We are on the hunt for an experienced F&B manager for an iconic five-star hotel in St Andrews.

• The role: Head Chef, five-star luxury hotel in the Lothians

The location: Edinburgh

The package: £50,000

• The role: General manager, award-winning country house hotel

The location: Near Glasgow

Applications for these and other Ellis Mack jobs can be sent to: info@ellismack.co.uk with a copy of your CV. For more jobs, information, news and views, visit www.ellismack.co.uk