News
Brand Britain in a post Brexit UK
June 23rd 2016 changed the course of British history forever. The closely-fought, and sometimes bitter, referendum campaign proved to be a watershed moment, not only politically, but socially and economically. Its impact, both now and post the UK’s eventual exit from the European Union, will undoubtedly be felt on both sides of the channel.
As the UK begins its journey into a post-Brexit world, forward-thinking home-grown hospitality brands and organisations are looking at how they can capitalise on new opportunities. Some of these will be coming together at a special Brexit Roundtable discussion at H&C Expo.
Chaired by Lin Dickens, marketing director at bartlett mitchell, a leading independent caterer, the roundtable will bring together new UKHospitality CEO, Kate Nicholls, alongside leading figures from the industry and branding experts to discuss the issue.
Covering a wide range of businesses within the sector, all will offer a broad perspective on how companies can exploit ‘Brand Britain’ in a post Brexit world.
Lin, will facilitate a discussion which will explore how can brands discover new relevance by leveraging a ‘Brand Britain’ Proposition.
She says: “This is not a pro or against Brexit debate. As an industry we are by necessity nimble, resilient and able to think on our feet. Marketing departments will be central to businesses and brands rising to the challenge of embracing this brave new world.
“We want to assemble a panel of marketers and leaders from UK H&C businesses to debate and discuss the topic.
Kate Nicholls, CEO, UKHospitality, adds: “The hospitality industry is determined to take on the challenges it is facing with a proactive and positive approach to ensure future growth. A post-Brexit world will no doubt offer businesses new and exciting opportunities to take advantage of and it will be interesting to see what solutions and ventures will be put forward at this year’s H&C Expo.”
Jade Brennan, head of marketing, Sustainable Restaurant Association, said: “It’s an important and timely conversation for the hospitality industry, and one which reflects the SRA’s view that the supply chain of British food service businesses should be rooted in locally sourced products. This supports our sustainability framework of sourcing, environmental and societal impact.”
The EXPO takes place at Celtic Manor in Wales on 17thand 18th July.
The full list of attendees is as follows:
Lin Dickens, Marketing Director, bartlett mitchell (chair)
Kate Nicholls, CEO, UKHospitality
Aoife Kenny, Commercial Director, Enterprise Foods
Daniel Nevitt, Group Marketing Director, Armourcoat
Claire Lincoln, Sales Director, The Vintner
Natalie Maher, Partner and CEO, Pollitt & Partners
Jade Brennan, Head of Marketing, The Sustainable Restaurant Association