Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Back to the bar: the reality of reopening

Published: 25 August, 2020

Lisa Riley catches up with a trio of bar professionals after the reopening of the on-trade to get a feel for the ‘new world’ to which they have returned.

Lanchester goes digital with in-venue ordering platform

Published: 09 July, 2020

Lanchester Wines has unveiled its newest technological innovation – an online order and pay tool to help on-trade venues re-open while observing social distancing rules.

One million hospitality staff due back to work in July

Published: 30 June, 2020

Almost 1 million hospitality staff are expected to be back in work before the end of July, according to a new survey by UK Hospitality (UKH).

10 June furlough deadline presents hospitality with difficult call

Published: 09 June, 2020

The 10 June cut-off for entering staff on furlough is presenting some hospitality businesses with a tough decision against an uncertain timetable for a staged reopening of the industry.

Fuller's launches income streaming service for staff

Published: 01 June, 2020

Pub and hotel business Fuller’s has partnered with income-streaming provider Wagestream to give its staff access to their wages - or their furlough pay - ahead of pay day.

Innovation Report: Delivering against the odds

Published: 26 May, 2020

When the health crisis forced the on-trade to shut down overnight, drinks suppliers had to think on their feet to keep their businesses going. Jaq Bayles reports

Hospitality has the UK's highest number of business closures and (almost) the most furloughed staff

Published: 14 May, 2020

A new survey showing how UK business are coping financially with the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the pressures being put on the out of home food and drink industry.

Lawyers urge businesses to “read the fine print” over Job Retention Scheme

Published: 25 March, 2020

Legal advice has been issued to drinks businesses who are now looking to rely on the government’s promise to cover 80% of salaries (up to a limit of £2,500) a month to furloughed members of staff during the current coronavirus (Covid-19) health crisis.

Diageo unveils GB on-trade support package, including £1m pledge for bartender wages

Published: 17 March, 2020

Drinks industry giant Diageo has marked St Patrick’s Day with a pledge via its Guinness brand of £1m to support bartenders in the UK, with similar fund is being set up in Ireland.

Asda workers take to streets as contract row escalates

Published: 16 October, 2019

Asda workers will take to the streets of Leeds this afternoon to protest against the retailer’s decision to impose a new contract on all of its staff.

At the 11th hour, how will a no-deal Brexit affect the wine trade?

Published: 16 October, 2019

As the UK fruit and vegetable harvest gets into full swing in the looming shadow of Brexit, headlines such as The Guardian’s ‘Tonnes of crops left to rot as farms struggle to recruit EU workers’ are becoming commonplace.

Campaign highlights the strengths of Soave

Published: 12 August, 2019

Soave is making a comeback thanks to a new Summer of Soave campaign.

New initiative to tackle skills gap in hospitality industry launches

Published: 15 February, 2019

D&D London will launch My Hospitality World, which it describes as a “pioneering two-week group-wide initiative encouraging young adults into hospitality” on 25 February.

Rigging the game

Published: 06 November, 2018

Less is often more when it comes to turning a profit says consultant Sean Finter, a master at optimising returns from on-trade businesses. Harpers tuned in to his message at Bar Convent in Berlin.

UK hospitality sector continues to grow despite Brexit concerns

Published: 26 October, 2018

The UK hospitality sector has turned over in excess of £100bn for the first time and now employs 2.35 million people.

Tipping point

Published: 17 October, 2018

The government has revealed plans to help ensure hospitality workers get all the tips left for them, but reactions to the news were mixed, reports Michelle Perrett.

Bibendum opens doors on new wine academy scheme

Published: 27 June, 2018

Drinks merchant Bibendum has kicked off a new academy scheme to give newcomers to the industry the chance to gain hands on experience in the wine trade.

You can’t get the staff…

Published: 27 April, 2018

The shortage of good front-of-house staff is undermining a burgeoning industry. Andrew Catchpole considers what needs to be done

Liberty Wines' premium on-trade report has its eye on the high ground

Published: 16 April, 2018

In an exclusive Harpers preview, Liberty Wines has shared its upcoming Premium On-trade Wine Report, identifying where growth opportunities still lie. Andrew Catchpole picks out the highlights

Pushing the premium: The proof is in the training

Published: 18 September, 2017

A WSET study has highlighted the importance of accredited training when it comes to upselling and boosting sales of premium products. Lisa Riley reports