The Five threats in five years!
The catering industry has had to overcome five increases in costs since 2020, whilst at the same time income has been under pressure due to the cost-of-living increases.
The first hit was the Covid pandemic which began in 2020 and lasted until May 2023. Many businesses closed and many had to take out loans to see them through. This, od course, meant that they are in, some cases, still paying back those loans which is jus another stress point on their income.
The second hit even before the pandemic was finished was the Russia invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This created another spiral of rising fuel costs, leading to rising food costs.
The third and fourth hits were when the government, decided that Employers National Insurance contributions needed to rise from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025, and that the minimum wage, for over 21-year-olds, should go up by 4.1%.
Finally, the fifth hit was when the USA and Isreal launched attacks on Iran in February of this year. The inevitable result was, and is, that oil tanker traffic through the Straits of Hormuz is severely limited, cutting the amount of oil getting to the western world and forcing fuel prices and therefore food transport costs sky high.
The cumulative effect of all this is that the battle to reduce UK inflation to 2% is being lost. The Consumer Prices Index stands at 3.4% (at the time of writing)
In a nutshell the catering industry has been under the cosh for the last 6 years and it doesn’t look as though it’s going to change anytime soon!
So, what does this mean for the restaurants and hotels?
It means that advertising and promotion are more and more important to ensure that your business is well known. However, the most powerful promotion is word of mouth and recommendation.
So how can you achieve that?
The friendly, personal touch is most important. If you make sure you take a minute or two to talk to each table you will build a rapport and those guest will spread the word about your establishment.
Of course, it goes without saying that your food and service has to be tip top. In order for that to happen you have to make sure that everything in your kitchen is in excellent working condition so that nothing slows the process of food preparation and delivery to the clientele.
Regular servicing and maintenance of the extraction system
Get your trusted suppliers to carry out cleaning and maintenance checks every 6 months.
Baffle Filters are often forgotten
Keep one set of filters in reserve and replace them as soon as you use them. This way you will never slow the processes in the kitchen.
Reduce or eliminate any odour a problem.
Don’t let cooking smells from your kitchen earn you a bad reputation in the neighbourhood by installing an AirTeck G64.
The AirTeck G64 is a highly efficient ozone generator. It eliminates smells by oxidising pathogens in the exhaust pipes. It also prevents the build-up of grease and residue in the ductwork, preventing fan failure and the risk of fire. Furthermore, it is installed between the extraction point and the exhaust fan, external to the ductwork. This means that servicing and maintenance are easier.
Spotless and sanitised
Make sure that you use an environmental (non-detergent) cleaning spray for your tables and the work surfaces in the kitchens.
Gas Interlocks
If your gas interlock starts playing up you are in risky territory so always get it checked and avoid future kitchen stoppages.
Lighting
Keep one of each of your lights in stock so tat you can replace immediately and avoid kitchen down time, and don’t forget to order the replacement straight away.
Who can help you with all of this, as a one stop supplier?
Answer: CK Direct Duct and Maintenance Ltd, established in 2002, have national coverage and are recognised as a leading commercial kitchen extraction supplier – 01733 230378
“If you think it is expensive to hire a professional,”
Wait and see how much it costs to hire an amateur