World Cups and Catering Reality

September has been a month of change and upheaval in the UK. The last quarter of 2022 will present increased challenges to the catering sector. Some are unavoidable. The increases in the costs of food and drink and in energy will not go away. These increase uncertainty on the ‘normal’ Christmas rush. While others provide possible opportunities such as the 4 World Cups.

Energy Costs

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme will fix gas and electricity prices for all firms for six months from 1 October. This provides some relief for businesses on their energy costs but they will still remain very high compared to last year. Now is the time to take those longer-term measures that catering businesses have been putting off. These will pay off in the short and medium term. Consider:

• Using plug appliance monitors to identify the energy vampires in the kitchen and elsewhere
• Using LED lights eg for the floodlights for outside areas where 30-90% savings can be made
• Food prep and storage areas account for 40% of energy use in restaurants. Defrost, maintain and clean fridges and check the door seals for leakages. The same applies for ovens!

The cost of living crisis will make trade more variable. This might mean turning appliances off, rather than just leaving them on standby. And closing off some areas to use heat more effectively.

It’s good to take some learning from the management of the Queue for the lying-in-state. What is key is effective communication so that the public can understand and be prepared.

When I was young and the pub was getting full, the landlady allowed us to use the back bar. She always told us: “the room will take an hour to heat; and mind we turn off the thermostat, the lights and shut the door when we leave, putting our glasses on the bar”. The same applies today: people will respond positively, if told nicely what and why.

World Cup Opportunities?

World Cups take time from the opening matches to the grand finals. Spread over October to November we have:

• In New Zealand, the Women’s Rugby Union
• In England, the Men’s Rugby League
• In Australia, the Men’s Cricket T20.

While on 21st November the Men’s Football World Cup kicks off in Qatar and runs through to December 18th. With England and Wales both in Group B, like the other world cups, the early matches could be useful opportunities for one-off events. Then it may be a case of how far England progress as to what events could be laid on to bring people together profitably. Although for some catering businesses a big football-related event the Sunday before Christmas, would not be ideal!

Catering Business Necessities

At AC Services, we ‘ve had a very busy summer working with catering businesses to make sure their Rational ovens are serviced and ready to deliver. This year more than previous years, it’s important to think early about the end of year demands.

• Calling us in October, means we can schedule a service that’s convenient.
• Ordering your cleaning materials on-line by 1st November, means we can manage our stocks and lead times from Europe and deliver in good time.
• If the unfortunate occurs and you have a breakdown, as always, we’ll get to you as soon as we can so you’re back in service and making money.

Why? Because we want to be still working with as many of our catering colleagues as possible, when the Coronation comes in the summer of 2023; whichever forecast is right.

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