Meet the team behind the expert hospitality insights at Excel Recruitment. Answering some of the most pressing questions with regards to recruitment and the hospitality industry. Highlighting the the main trends and challenges within the sector in 2024.
Neil Redmond, Hospitality Recruitment Consultant
2 Quick facts about Neil:
› 4 years in recruitment
› 18 years working as a chef in 4 & 5 star hotels
What makes your approach to recruiting chefs stand out and uniquely positions you in the culinary talent market?
My unique approach to recruiting chefs is rooted in my extensive background of 18 years working as a chef myself. Starting from a young age, I honed my culinary skills through hands-on experimentation and professional experience in renowned establishments, working under the guidance of accomplished Chefs such as Dylan McGrath and Ryan Stringer. This journey allowed me to run my own restaurant, earn awards and contribute significantly to the opening and success if various high-profile properties. After spending years of my life in the hospitality industry, I’ve come to intimately understand the ups and downs faced by both chefs and establishments. The shift into hospitality recruitment industry felt like a natural next step, fuelled by my genuine passion for connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. Getting to know chefs isn’t part of the job for me – it’s something I genuinely enjoy. Having walked in their shoes, I grasp what they truly want from their careers and in a time where staffing shortage are widespread, my understanding of this industry allows me to bridge the gap between what individuals seek and what businesses need. It’s not just about placing; it’s about making connections that make sense for everyone involved and this is what helps me to excel when recruiting chefs for busy establishments.
Elaine Sherry, Galway Branch Manager
2 Quick facts about Elaine:
› 6 years in hospitality recruitment
› Over 20 years working across the 4 major players in the contract catering industry
What significant transformations have you observed in the contract catering scene since you started?
Having worked in contract catering since the 1990’s, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation within the sector. Gone are the days when the workplace “canteen” languished in the basement, relegated to the shadows of the building. Today, workplace food services are not just an amenity but a pivotal employee benefit, recognised as an integral part of the business by employers. The evolution has been nothing short of phenomenal. Catering companies now orchestrate a symphony of services, adapting to diverse service times, culinary offerings and choices. This transformation stems from the changing landscape of workplaces, driven by increased diversity, a growing appetite for healthier and sustainable dining experiences and the advent of hybrid working models. The Covid-19 pandemic, far from impeding progress, prompted caterers to innovate and offer versatile solutions, tailor-made for diverse workplace environments. From co-working spaces to traditional offices, contract caterers now tailor their services with precision, addressing the unique needs of each client. The adaptability displayed during these challenging times has showcased the resilience and creativity of the industry. Intriguingly, the sector has become a magnet for top-tier talent seeking not just a job, but a career path characterised by continuous growth. Forward-thinking companies in this space understand the value of their employees’ contributions and invest wholeheartedly in continuous learning and development. Professionals within the contract catering sector now adeptly manage high-volume businesses, seamlessly blending quantity with quality. Their prowess in keeping the wheels of Irish industry turning every day is not just a testament to their skill but also to the sector’s indispensable role in the broader business landscape.
Kevin Marren, Hospitality Recruitment Consultant
2 Quick facts about Kevin:
› 2 years in recruitment
› 25 years working in hotels and bar groups
What do you anticipate as the key trends shaping the hotel industry in 2024?
In 2024, the hotel industry is likely to witness a significant shift in the labour market dynamics, driven by evolving preferences and expectations of workers. With the recent substantial increase in the minimum wage and the commitment to further align it with the living wage over the next two years, we can anticipate a growing emphasis on benefits and perks within the workforce. As employees increasingly prioritise factors beyond basic salary, hotels may experience a surge in demand for comprehensive benefit packages. This includes not only financial considerations but also perks such as health insurance, retirement plans and flexible work schedules. The adjustment to a higher minimum wage can act as a catalyst for businesses tore- evaluate and enhance their overall compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Employees are becoming less inclined to adhere strictly to traditional working hours, seeking a better work-life balance. Hotels that are able to offer flexible scheduling options and perhaps even explore innovative arrangements like compressed work weeks may find themselves more appealing to prospective employees. In response to the changing landscape, hotels are expected to go beyond conventional benefits and explore creative solutions as salary hikes can only go so far. Having spoken to many of our clients, we have seen an increase in the standard benefits being offered to their staff, like pensions, extra holidays, 4-day weeks, etc. As the competition for skilled and motivated staff intensifies, staying tuned to these emerging trends will be crucial for hotels seeking to maintain a competitive edge for the coming year and beyond.
Jennifer Maher, Director of Hospitality
2 Quick Facts about Jennifer:
› 15 years in recruitment
› 12 years working in bars, hotels, restaurants and front of house
What should the industry focus on amidst challenges?
Without a doubt, the biggest threat facing the hospitality industry in 2024 is the spiralling cost of employment. In 2023, businesses faced many closures due to challenges such as rising energy and staff costs, interest rate hikes and severe staff shortages, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors. While the government extended the 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity until October 2024, it’s a broad measure and may not address the specific needs of struggling businesses. The hospitality and tourism sector, in particular, has been hit hard, with the VAT rate reinstated to 13.5% in September 2023. This has led to increased prices for hotel stays, meals and entertainment, causing people to cut back on discretionary spending. The combination of the 13.5% VAT rate and other impending government measures could be detrimental to businesses in this sector. One potential solution is reinstating the reduced 9% VAT rate for the hospitality and tourism sector, extending it to other small businesses and providing relief to those struggling to stay afloat. Additionally, addressing staffing shortages is crucial. The current Stamp 2 visa model for international students is not fit for purpose as it limits their work hours and hinders their contribution to alleviating staff shortages. Adjusting the visa system to allow students to work more hours would benefit both their financial situation and industries relying on their labour force. Skilled staff are harder to come by, which has created a candidate-driven market and our business salary survey found that over 68% of respondents are struggling to attract and retain talent and will be utilising the services offered by recruitment agencies daily for permanent hires, temporary and contingency workforce in 2024. Excel boasts a pool of over 2,500 ready-to-deploy temporary workers and have assisted numerous businesses in similar scenarios. We welcome enquiries from both prospective candidates and clients, leveraging our experience to effectively meet your staffing needs. Looking ahead, the Government need to clarify the increased employment costs faced by Irish SMEs as a result of rises in the national minimum wage, the introduction of the planned living wage and other measures proposed to improve working conditions in Ireland, and they also need to put in place far greater business supports than those that are currently available to ensure a smooth transition for all.
If you need assistance with hospitality recruitment solutions, please contact the team today on 01 871 7676 or email info@excelrecruitment.com. You can check out all of our live hospitality roles here and chef roles here.
