Making the best of what lies ahead for the local economy. How to recession-proof your business For cafés, restaurants, & other catering businesses, Easter is traditionally seen as the launch of the tourist season, a season on which many are … Continue reading →

In a recent report from one of the country’s most successful marketing experts, it concludes: Most Advertising Does Not Work! Some of the most…

5 Things That Make a Bad Café or Restaurant Unkempt shop front. Old, faded, tatty awnings, faded, dirty-looking plastic chairs, crumbling paintwork, near-dead pot plants & a badly written A-frame with an almost illegible ‘specials’ offering, then I’m sorry, but … Continue reading →

5 Things That Make a Good Café or Restaurant Knowledgeable staff. Even if they’re busy, they notice you on arrival. A smile of acknowledgement is all it takes. They know the basics. If you ask what the soup of the … Continue reading →

One of the common oversights I see, is a lack of understanding of the TOTAL costs of staff when budgeting & pricing in the beginning. What about your contributions to their National Insurance? What about their holiday & sick pay? … Continue reading →

The 65 most common reasons for business failing include:

In a recent publication of the popular Cornwall Today magazine, (January 2010) there was a feature on the highly successful Miss Peapods, a café on the Jubilee Wharf in Penryn, near Falmouth. I talk a lot about USP’s (Unique Selling … Continue reading →