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  2024-25 Scottish Budget: No Relief for Hospitality Businesses

  Wednesday, February 28, 2024

  Yesterday at Holyrood, the unchanged Scottish Budget for 2024-25 was passed, leaving hospitality businesses in Scotland facing a disadvantage
  
  With England introducing a 75% business rates relief in November 2023, Scottish hospitality owners and trade bodies had hoped for a reconsideration of Scotland's stance.
  
  The Scottish Budget remaining untouched is the most evident indication so far that the Scottish Government has forsaken its business reconciliation efforts. (Leon Thompson)

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  10 Years of Transforming Lives: Diageo's Learning for Life programme

  Monday, February 26, 2024

  Last week, Diageo's acclaimed Learning for Life hospitality industry skills programme celebrated an impressive milestone - its ten-year anniversary.
  
  At Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, politicians, industry leaders, and programme graduates convened to recognize the achievements of this impactful initiative.
  
  Over the past decade, Diageo has invested £10 million in the Learning for Life programme, providing top-tier training through partnership with Springboard.

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  20-Year-Old Scottish Hospitality Business Aims for Record Year

  Thursday, February 22, 2024

  Surgeons Quarter Ltd, a prominent name in Scotland's hospitality industry, is celebrating its 20-year milestone and looking forward to its most successful year yet
  
  Based in Edinburgh's Old Town, the RCSEd's commercial enterprise is projected to reach £12 million in income by broadening its range of offerings, which include conferencing, events, and hotel services.
  
  Surgeons Quarter, which was founded in 2003, currently offers ample space for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is among the city's most substantial performance facilities.

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  Iconic BT Tower in London Sold for £275 Million to MCR Hotels: New Era as a Landmark Hotel

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  In a significant move, the iconic BT Tower in London has been sold for £275 million to American hotel owner-operator, MCR Hotels
  
  The historic communications tower, which was opened in 1965 and stood as London's tallest building until 1981, is set to take on a new role as a landmark hotel.
  
  According to reports, the sale reflects BT Group's digital shift, with many network operations previously carried out from the tower now delivered via fixed and mobile networks.

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  290-Room Home2 Suites by Hilton Debuts in Dublin City Centre in 2025

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  Making history, Home2 Suites by Hilton, a prominent brand within the Hilton family, is poised to begin its European journey in Dublin City Centre, marking its arrival in Western Europe
  
  The property is positioned within close proximity to O'Connell Street, known for its vitality, and the world-renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade; it will provide guests with 290 rooms, featuring 214 king studio
  
  suites and 76 one-bedroom suites.

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  5-Star Luxury Accommodation Debuts on the North Coast: Dunluce Lodge

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  A new five-star hotel and hospitality venue, Dunluce Lodge, worth £16.5 million is scheduled to debut close to Royal Portrush golf course this fall.
  
  Situated by the fourth fairway, the lodge will offer more than 80 local employment opportunities and feature 35 luxury suites.
  
  The property will also contain a small spa, private dining facilities, and a cozy fireside lounge area.

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  Revolutionary Vertical Farm Debuts in Gloucestershire, UK

  Tuesday, February 20, 2024

  Jones Food Company, a pioneering vertical farming business backed by Ocado, unveils its advanced vertical farm in Lydney, Gloucestershire
  
  In the UK, Jones Food Company's new facility, referred to as JFC2, marks their second foray into vertical farming, preceded by their initiatives in Lincolnshire (2018) and an innovation center in Bristol (2022).
  
  At JFC2, an assortment of herbs and salad greens is grown, which consist of basil, coriander, flat-leaf parsley, dill, lettuce, pak choi, and baby leaf cress.

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  Glasgow's Latest Culinary Offerings: Nico Simeone Unveils a New Immersive Cocktail Experience

  Monday, February 19, 2024

  Glasgow continues to be a thriving hub for new culinary adventures, with renowned chef Nico Simeone introducing an innovative cocktail bar
  
  Set in the premier location of Six by Nico on Byres Road, Somewhere by Nico will hold its inaugural event on March 19.
  
  Chef Nico Simeone characterizes his latest establishment as a "multi-sensory adventure," featuring a regularly changing cocktail menu with six courses and corresponding gourmet dishes.

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  25% of Hospitality Businesses in the UK Face Financial Instability: Urgent Action Required

  Monday, February 19, 2024

  The latest research carried out by UKHospitality with contributions from the British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping, and Hospitality Ulster brought to light significant concerns regarding the financial
  
  condition of the pub, restaurant, hotel, and cafe industries in the UK.
  
  The research revealed that a quarter (25%) of hospitality firms have no cash reserves left, while another 29% can only sustain their operations for three months.

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  A Year of Resilience for Scotch Whisky and Scottish Salmon Exports

  Friday, February 16, 2024

  Scotch Whisky and Scottish Salmon, two iconic British exports, have defied challenges in 2023 and reached impressive milestones
  
  The value of Scotch Whisky exports surpassed £5.6bn, with a total of 1.35bn bottles being shipped around the world – equivalent to 43 bottles per second.
  
  Simultaneously, Scottish salmon emerged as the top food export for the UK, valued at £581m, exceeding other popular British products.