AWOL

Hospitality Insolvencies Spike 21%—Is the Industry on the Brink? New data shows hospitality insolvencies jumped by 21% from December 2024 to January 2025, reaching 273 cases. While this figure is only a slight increase compared to last January, the concerning trend reflects a tough start to the year for the sector. According to Saxon Moseley of RSM UK, rising costs, new tax requirements, and economic uncertainty are piling pressure on already struggling businesses. With insolvencies expected to rise further, closely monitoring cash flow is now more crucial than ever for hospitality operators. WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP: If you have a hospitality business, we can help get new customers through your doors for free. Check us out at: www.awolapp.com

UK Pubs Pouring Away £212 Million Per Year According to Avani Solutions, UK pubs and bars are losing a staggering £212 million annually due to beer wastage. With 43% of the 2 billion pints poured each year affected by waste, the problem largely stems from inefficient pouring techniques, poor cellar management, and operational errors. Avani’s new WasteWatchers campaign aims to tackle this issue by helping venues improve their serve quality, boosting profits, and minimizing waste. It’s estimated pubs could save up to £5,000 each by implementing better practices.

THIS EVEN SHOCKED US!!! Some smart café owners have seen a boost in customer retention (and profits) by adding subscription models to their venues. Customers pay a monthly subscription and they get unlimited coffee. This is great for two reasons: and 1) it guarantees a level of revenue every single month. 2) it helps fill the venue, making it seem popular and attracting more customers - crowds attract crowds More hospitality than taking advantage of this.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Turn everything GREEN! #awol #StPatricksDay #HappyStPatricksDay #GoGreen #GreenVibes #StPatricksCelebration #Shamrock #StPatricksParade

BARS, CAFES, RESTAURANTS - LISTEN UP!!! You could be increasing your sales by as much as 30% by just adding a limited-time offer (LTO). You've probably seen an increase in sales on a special menu It is a similar concept. Just put it on steroids

Clarkson Doubles Down: 1,000 Free Kegs for UK Pubs Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand is back with a generous offer: 1,000 free kegs of lager and cider for UK pubs. That’s double last year’s amount, and it’s all part of Clarkson’s effort to support struggling pubs and promote his home-grown brand. Pubs can apply via Hawkstone’s website until March 30. Clarkson’s initiative highlights the importance of community pubs and their need for support during tough economic times. With more than 100 Marston’s sites already pouring Hawkstone Lager, will your pub be next?

70% of UK diners prefer contactless payments… We know that payment systems are expensive and they eat into profits, but seriously, what is the alternative?

Is a Guinness boycott on the cards for pubs in the UK? Diageo’s announcement of a 4.2% price hike on Guinness Draught for on-trade customers has left many pub owners fuming. While Diageo claims the increase is essential to sustain investment and grow the Guinness brand, publicans accuse the company of arrogance and prioritizing profits over partnerships. This comes after last year's Guinness shortages, which already frustrated pub owners struggling to meet consumer demand. Pubs are now left with the tough decision of absorbing costs or passing them onto customers—a risky move in today’s economic climate. With Guinness having few serious rivals, Diageo's control over the stout market allows them to dictate prices. However, some industry experts believe Heineken’s underutilized Murphy’s brand could be a missed opportunity to challenge Guinness’s dominance. Is this price hike a necessary evil to maintain supply and quality, or is it simply taking advantage of market power? How will pubs cope, and will consumers start looking for alternatives? Would you continue to pay more for your pint of Guinness, or will this price hike push you towards other brands?

Many hospitality businesses are tailoring their marketing to target older generations. This is a significant error… The data indicates that it is the younger generations who are dining out more.

The easiest way to make more money is to charge more…(durr) Yet many businesses struggle with this… According to Toast, in a recent survey, 64% of customers are happy to pay more for a meal at a restaurant with exceptional service. Improve your service, increase your prices, and get more customers Simple enough right?