Organisers of Cumbria’s biggest hospitality trade show say visitors will be able to see the biggest range yet of exhibitors.
The 49th Lakes Hospitality Association Trade Show has attracted over 150 businesses from Cumbria and beyond.
The event, to be held at the J36 Rural Auction Centre at Crooklands near Kendal on 25th and 26th February, brings all sectors of the hospitality industry together.
“What’s great about the event is that business owners come looking to do business,” James Tasker, a director of the Lakes Hospitality Association, told Business Crack.
“We know that for the people who come, their time is valuable so we make every effort to ensure their visit is seamless. The event is an ideal place to share experiences and consider how to overcome challenges.”
One issue that businesses may be considering is paying back government bounce back loans (BBLs) which offered small businesses up to £50,000. It’s reported around 1.5m BBLs worth a total of £46bn were issued.
“After COVID I think we all came out fighting, we trimmed the fat and were lean and mean – there’s no fat left to trim,” James said.
“Businesses that took advantage of the bounce back scheme are now repaying the loans as well as dealing with the impact of increased minimum wage levels which suppliers pass on to the end consumer.”
Artificial Intelligence and how it can be used beneficially within the hospitality industry is also likely to be a hot topic. While software can certainly help with administration, for some there’s a balance to be struck.
“I don’t think it will ever replace the intuition that brilliant, five-star, hospitality staff have in being able to assess how to help a guest in seconds,” James said. “People need to be able to interact in what’s becoming an insular world.”
The hospitality staff of the future will also be involved at the event as students from Furness and Kendal Colleges take part in live cookery demonstrations, discussions on training needs as well as making contact with potential employers.
“Hospitality is a skilled profession and I think there has been a shift in the image so that it is now seen as a sector where you can enjoy a great career,” James added.
Money made from the event is reinvested in the industry to with five organisations sharing £10,000 from the 2025 exhibition.
The aim of the event, to showcase and connect all aspects of a sector that’s worth around £4.6billion to Cumbria, has maybe never been more important.
Tickets to attend as a visitor are free and available here: https://www.lakeshospitalitytradeshow.co.uk
Hear from James talking to Business Crack at last year’s event:
