Pubs offered free mentor advice at Hospitality Show 2015

The business mentors will appear at the Hospitality Show, which takes place 19-21 January at Birmingham’s NEC.

Through 15-minute one-to-one sessions, they will offer guidance and advice on subjects as diverse as menu innovation, catering equipment, social media and crowdfunding.

Mentors include:

• Jack Sharkey, chairman of the Catering Equipment Distributers Association and managing director of Vision Commercial Kitchens;
• hotel procurement expert Gordon Anderson;
• drinks industry guru Stuart Rosenblatt;
• Steve Cash, owner of consultancy service Yuzu Hospitality;
• hospitality consultant Stephen McManus; hotel profitability guru Peter Hales;
• and Peter Ducker, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality.

Design projects

One of the four mentoring booths will be dedicated to the business of better design.

Visitors will be able to discuss projects in confidence with experts who understand how to create striking interiors that work harder for operators.

Toby Wand, managing director at show organiser Fresh Montgomery, said: “Ask any successful business person about defining moments in their career and you can bet that at some point in their rise to prominence they will have been mentored.”

Wand added: “There may be one or many, but the importance of a figurehead, there to help drive you on, or offer that bellwether piece of advice that you never forget and take with you throughout your career, cannot be understated.”

Innovation Zone

Another highlight of the show will be the Innovation Zone, which will showcase some of the most recent equipment launches.

The Innovation Zone is organised in conjunction with CESA (Catering Equipment Suppliers Association), and its associate director Keith Warren said it will be an opportunity for operators to view the most relevant and up-to-date products the industry has to offer.

He explained: “The Hospitality Show is the largest showcase next year for innovative and energy-saving equipment that will be of huge interest to caterers.

“The CESA Innovation Zone is a great opportunity for our members to showcase what they are developing and what the latest equipment has to offer in terms of user benefits and features.”

Networking dinner

To coincide with the show, a catering equipment networking dinner will take place on Tuesday 20 January at the neighbouring Arden Hotel. The menu will be overseen by Adam Bennett, who is chef director at the Cross in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

The Cross, which opened in 2013, won its first Michelin star in September. For the third year in a row, Bennett will represent Team UK at the Bocuse d’Or chef competition in January.

Known as the Olympics of the culinary world, Bocuse d’Or will be held in Lyon at the end of the month.

The network dinner will also support the British team’s participation at Bocuse d’Or, with TV chef Brian Turner comparing an auction on the night.

Show exhibitors

An array of catering equipment suppliers will be on hand at the Hospitality Show, giving visitors the chance to view and discuss all types of equipment for the kitchen. Several companies, including Smeg, Grant Sous Vide and Nayati UK, will be making their first appearance at the event – while another company, Jestic, will use the show as a platform to launch a new piece of equipment.

Visit the show's website to register for a free ticket​ to the show and to book a place with a mentor.