http://www.caterersearch.comGet the most from 2012. Are you ready to cash in on the olympics.en-gbThu, 23 Feb 2012 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/23/342456/pwc-predicts-record-year-for-both-london-and-regional-hotels-in-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/23/342456/pwc-predicts-record-year-for-both-london-and-regional-hotels-in-2012.htmA new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has predicted that 2012 will see record occupancy levels for hotels in both London and the regions. PWC said it also expected the regions to enjoy a "brighter" time in 2013, although London could suffer a mild post-Olympic hangover...Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342407/olympic-torch-to-feature-at-arena-lecture.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342407/olympic-torch-to-feature-at-arena-lecture.htm A London 2012 Olympic torch will feature at the forthcoming Arena Lecture by LOCOG's catering chief Jan Matthews, it has been announced. The Arena Lecture on 20 March at the Savoy, London will see the head of catering...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342399/mcdonalds-to-offer-customer-service-training-to-unemployed-olympic-volunteers.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342399/mcdonalds-to-offer-customer-service-training-to-unemployed-olympic-volunteers.htmMcDonald's is to offer a national qualification in the principles of customer service, which can count towards a hospitality apprenticeship, to all unemployed "Games Maker" volunteers at the London 2012 Olympics.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:10:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/10/342216/access-all-areas.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/10/342216/access-all-areas.htmHeld six months before the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tourism for All's "A Market to Win" conference spelled out the size of the opportunity for operators who make their business open to all. James Stagg reports Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:15:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/02/342166/hotels-say-they-wont-hike-prices-as-locog-returns-120000-rooms.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/02/342166/hotels-say-they-wont-hike-prices-as-locog-returns-120000-rooms.htmThe handing back of around 120,000 room nights by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) could be a mixed blessing for hotels. As part of the bid to host the 2012 games, LOCOG made agreements with hotels to provide more than 600,000 room nights.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:47:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/02/342157/culture-secretary-jeremy-hunt-urges-operators-to-price-fairly-to-profit-from-london-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/02/342157/culture-secretary-jeremy-hunt-urges-operators-to-price-fairly-to-profit-from-london-2012.htmCulture Secretary Jeremy Hunt has urged operators to price fairly and make the most of the business opportunity presented by London 2012. Addressing hoteliers and tourism bodies at the British Museum as part of his national 2012 tour, Hunt said the country had the chance to get noticed by the world.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:53:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/02/342145/we-need-you-to-identify-cateys-success-stories.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/02/342145/we-need-you-to-identify-cateys-success-stories.htmAs we approach the start of the London Games, athletes and competitors across the globe will be putting the finishing touches to their preparations, hoping they'll be able to look back on 2012 as the year they achieved Olympic gold.Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:10:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/31/342118/people-1st-adapts-worldhost-training-programme-for-2012-olympic-success.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/31/342118/people-1st-adapts-worldhost-training-programme-for-2012-olympic-success.htmWith less than six months to go until London 2012, hospitality businesses are being urged to ensure they're prepared to make the most of the games opportunities. People 1st, the Sector Skills Council for hospitality, travel and tourism, has adapted the WorldHost customer service training programme.Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/30/342109/locog-hands-back-20-of-room-nights-to-hotels.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/30/342109/locog-hands-back-20-of-room-nights-to-hotels.htmThe body in charge of organising the London 2012 Olympics is to hand around 20% of the room nights it had reserved for the games back to hotels for them to offer up to other customers. The London Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games (LOCOG) made agreements with the hotels to provide more than 40,000 rooms.Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:28:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/27/342085/like-for-like-sales-rise-at-fullers-as-it-gears-up-for-summer-of-sport.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/27/342085/like-for-like-sales-rise-at-fullers-as-it-gears-up-for-summer-of-sport.htmLondon-based pub company and brewer Fuller, Smith & Turner has recorded a 5.1% rise in like-for-like sales among managed pubs and hotels in the nine weeks to 21 January. The performance means that for the 42 weeks up to 21 January, like-for-like sales growth stands at 4.1%. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/26/342067/profiting-from-2012-business-tracker-operators-plan-for-year-ahead.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/26/342067/profiting-from-2012-business-tracker-operators-plan-for-year-ahead.htmWith the Olympic year upon us, our operators are making firm plans for profiting from 2012. Having all had a successful December, they have now set their sights on addressing logistics, capacity and menu planning. James Stagg reports Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:28:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/26/342060/not-in-london-heres-how-to-make-money-from-the-olympics.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/26/342060/not-in-london-heres-how-to-make-money-from-the-olympics.htmThere will be few people who are not already aware that hosting the Olympics in the UK this year presents a great chance for a much-needed increase in business. London 2012 offers plenty of opportunities for operators around the country to get involved. Emily Manson reportsThu, 26 Jan 2012 14:52:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/24/342012/jan-matthews-head-of-catering-for-locog-to-give-arena-savoy-lecture.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/24/342012/jan-matthews-head-of-catering-for-locog-to-give-arena-savoy-lecture.htmJan Matthews, head of catering for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), will take to the podium for the Arena Savoy Lecture, it has been announced. The Arena Savoy Lecture is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 20 March.Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/23/341992/chinese-restaurant-in-greenwich-handed-record-fine-for-hygiene-breaches.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/23/341992/chinese-restaurant-in-greenwich-handed-record-fine-for-hygiene-breaches.htmA Chinese restaurant in Greenwich has been handed a record fine of £54,000 and its owners have been banned from running restaurants in the future after it failed to clean up its act. The Peninsula restaurant, 85 Bugsbys Way, SE10 pleaded guilty in Woolwich Crown Court to 18 breaches of food hygiene...Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:24:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/20/341976/majority-of-choice-operators-think-olympics-will-bring-benefits-across-the-uk.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/20/341976/majority-of-choice-operators-think-olympics-will-bring-benefits-across-the-uk.htmJust over half of the owners, operators and general managers of Choice Hotels in the UK believe that all hotels across the country will benefit from the increased inbound tourism around the Olympics, according to a new survey.Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:40:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/18/341946/london-hotels-nearly-half-full-for-olympics.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/18/341946/london-hotels-nearly-half-full-for-olympics.htmLondon hotels are currently nearly half full for the London 2012 Olympics, according the hotel market intelligence provider TravelClick. With fewer than 200 days before the opening ceremony, committed occupancy for London hotels during the Games stands at 45.7%...Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:25:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/11/341867/shortage-of-skilled-chefs-threatens-industrys-success.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/11/341867/shortage-of-skilled-chefs-threatens-industrys-success.htmThe hospitality industry is continuing to face a shortage of skilled chefs, threatening its success in the run-up to the London Olympics, research has warned. According to a recruitment survey, head chef positions make up 40% of advertised restaurant vacancies.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:16:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/06/341792/businesses-urged-to-invite-friends-relatives-and-past-customers-to-britain-in-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/06/341792/businesses-urged-to-invite-friends-relatives-and-past-customers-to-britain-in-2012.htmVisitBritain has called upon UK business to invite friends, relatives and past customers from around the world to visit Britain in 2012, as part of the latest phase of the national tourism agency's 'GREAT Britain - You're Invited' marketing programme.Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/05/341782/2012-the-challenges-and-opportunities.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/05/341782/2012-the-challenges-and-opportunities.htmNow that the festive period is over and we slip into January's low season, it is time to contemplate the year ahead - a year that promises one or two once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, as well as more traditional challengesThu, 05 Jan 2012 16:01:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/04/341762/hospitality-welcomes-2012-as-olympics-fuel-hopes-for-success.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/04/341762/hospitality-welcomes-2012-as-olympics-fuel-hopes-for-success.htmThe once in a lifetime opportunity presented by this year's Olympic Games and the continued staycation effect have created cause for optimism that 2012 will be a successful year for hospitality operators, according to exclusive Caterer and Hotelkeeper research.Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:25:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/03/341760/eating-out-sector-facing-its-biggest-challenge-yet-in-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/01/03/341760/eating-out-sector-facing-its-biggest-challenge-yet-in-2012.htmWorsening consumer confidence coupled with increasing unemployment will give rise to the UK hospitality industry's biggest challenge yet as 2012 brings a fourth year of cutbacks, according to Horizons.Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:31:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/23/341679/win-gold-for-tourism-in-our-olympic-year.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/23/341679/win-gold-for-tourism-in-our-olympic-year.htmCan it really be six-and-a-half years since the International Olympic Committee awarded London the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games? It seems only yesterday that I was in the Brakes development kitchen in Covent Garden, listening to the screams of delight from the crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square.Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:49:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/20/341733/visitor-levels-for-2011-to-be-maintained-in-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/20/341733/visitor-levels-for-2011-to-be-maintained-in-2012.htmThe number of visitors to Britain in 2012 and the amount they spend are expected to mirror the figures for this year, according to VisitBritain's forecast. About 30.7m visitors, spending some £17.6b, are expected to come to Britain in 2012. VisitBritain's chief executive, Sandie Dawe said that maintaining current visitor levels would be a good outcome in a year that is proving difficult to predict due to the current global economic climate.Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:34:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/07/341500/out-of-hours-deliveries-viable-during-london-2012-olympics.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/07/341500/out-of-hours-deliveries-viable-during-london-2012-olympics.htmOut-of-hours deliveries to hotels and restaurants in London are viable during the Olympics, a study by Transport for London (TfL) has shown. A number of businesses which are expected to be affected by the games trialled TfL's new draft Code of Practice and asked their suppliers to do the same.Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:24:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/06/341469/tough-year-ahead-for-regional-hotels.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/06/341469/tough-year-ahead-for-regional-hotels.htmLondon hotels may ride out the gloomy economic forecast, but 2012 is forecast to be another tough year for many properties outside the capital, according to accountancy firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:43:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/05/341442/brakspear-invests-500000-in-london-pubs.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/12/05/341442/brakspear-invests-500000-in-london-pubs.htmOxfordshire-based pub company Brakspear has spent £500,000 on its London pubs in the past 18 months, ahead of the Olympics. Although the company is best known for its pubs around Henley-on-Thames, it has 25 pubs lying within the M25, including a handful in central London areas.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:13:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/30/341389/profiting-from-2012-smooth-operators.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/30/341389/profiting-from-2012-smooth-operators.htmPlans are already being put in place to ensure that hospitality businesses continue to operate as smoothly as possible during the busy Olympic period. But with 11.8 million expected visitors, will even the best plans be enough? Elly Earls reports Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/30/341390/profiting-from-2012-business-tracker-operators-gear-up.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/30/341390/profiting-from-2012-business-tracker-operators-gear-up.htmChristmas preparations are in full swing at our Business Tracker operators, while Olympic preparations are also taking shape. With new acquisitions, menu planning and training initiatives on the agenda it's shaping up to be a busy December. James Stagg reports Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/28/341330/hoteliers-fret-over-olympic-room-allocations.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/28/341330/hoteliers-fret-over-olympic-room-allocations.htmHoteliers are concerned that continued economic turmoil will mean many of the rooms reserved for next summer by Olympic organiser LOCOG will be returned. With three months to go until LOCOG is due to reveal the final number of rooms it will require, the bedbank scheme is losing support.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:29:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/22/341185/keith-prowse-warns-of-bogus-hospitality-providers.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2011/11/22/341185/keith-prowse-warns-of-bogus-hospitality-providers.htmHospitality provider Keith Prowse has issued a warning to UK businesses to beware of being mis-sold corporate hospitality. Suppliers looking to cash in are already trying to sell hospitality packages for the World Athletics Championships 2017...Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:05:00 GMT