Suffolk Supply Chain’s Post

In the fast-paced world of corporate hospitality, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers—occupancy rates, ADR, RevPAR. But are we remembering the humanity that should underpin it all? When a hotel is built under a major chain flag, it becomes a part of the local community. It’s wonderful to see participation in chamber of commerce events, fundraisers, or community clean-ups, but are we practicing that same sense of community within our day-to-day operations? Think about it: if a local couple frequently supports our bar or restaurant staff, are we showing them our gratitude? Maybe by occasionally buying them a drink, offering free parking, locals' night, or reserving a table when they want to share their experience with out-of-town guests? Small gestures like these go a long way in fostering loyalty and connection. They remind our community that we value them as more than just customers—they’re part of our extended family. Corporate hospitality has so many opportunities to build meaningful relationships beyond transactional ones. Let’s not lose sight of the heart of hospitality: making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed—whether they’re visiting from afar or just down the street. #hilton #marriott #hyatt #wyndham

Incredible news! Tee Fabikun, a fearless and formidable pillar of our community, has been honoured with the prestigious Kings Award for #Voluntary #Service. This recognition, bestowed upon only 13 individual organisations in the country, underscores Mama Tee's unwavering dedication to the Carpenters community and beyond. For over three decades, Mama Tee has been an integral part of the #Carpenters #Estate, selflessly engaging and contributing to the betterment of our neighbourhood. Her impact has been nothing short of remarkable! This achievement highlights the invaluable role of community pillars in guiding the transformation of our areas. Here are some key insights: 💫  Prioritise understanding: In community engagement, it's crucial to seek understanding before explaining. By listening to community members first, we can uncover valuable insights that inform our initiatives. 💫  Foster meaningful discussions: Engaging communities in conversations about what works and what doesn't in their neighbourhoods can unveil hidden opportunities for transformation. 💫 Support existing efforts: Not every community needs ‘fixing’. Sometimes, it's about building upon and amplifying the work that's already being done to benefit residents. 💫  Acknowledge consistency: It's essential to recognise and appreciate individuals who consistently contribute to their communities, regardless of the scale of their efforts. Let's celebrate Mama Tee's well-deserved recognition and continue to uplift and support our community pillars! London Borough of Newham #kingsaward #voluntaryservice #communitydevelopment #communitywealthbuilding #communitypillars #regeneration

Building a Café Community 📢 Attention Café Owners! Your café can be more than a business—it can be a hub for connection. Host events like book clubs or trivia nights. Display local artists’ work to support the community. Create a “wall of fame” for your most loyal customers. A sense of belonging keeps customers returning. How do you foster community spirit in your café? #CafeOwners #BusinessGrowth #CustomerRetention

Produced in Kent is encouraging residents and businesses to support local enterprises, especially after the recent weekend weather significantly impacted many local businesses and events. Jill urged the community to amplify messaging around the importance of shopping locally to help businesses recover and thrive during this crucial period. To make it even easier to support locals, Produced in Kent has launched a Christmas Directory, featuring a curated list of local producers, retailers, and festive events. This directory provides a one-stop resource for finding unique gifts, seasonal treats, and experiences from local suppliers. By shopping locally, residents not only support independent businesses but also contribute to the region's economic resilience. For more details, click here👉 https://bit.ly/49JFkon

MEET RORY… 🐝 As the founder of Bee, Rory Laffan has been leading the way for over 20 years. The friendliest man in the industry, he has built great, genuine relationships with both people and brands. Rory is obsessed with food and even launched his own pizza business, Fired Up, which operates at some of the best summer festivals in the UK. Understanding the challenges of running a business firsthand, Rory is dedicated to easing his clients' lives with smart introductions and long-lasting connections. Rory has recently set up Punt & Dine - an extravaganza of a day in Cambridge primarily for people within hospitality. Join him on Wednesday 10th July for a slap up meal at Jesus College and a punt down the River Cam. Proceeds go to charities that mean a lot to Rory: Only A Pavement Away , Wintercomfort for the Homeless and Arthur Rank Hospice. DM us to get your tickets. In the meantime, here are Rory’s top tips for London:   🍴 Favourite restaurant? This is a tough one because I have a few favourites, but I absolutely LOVE Manteca. It's always buzzing, the food is delicious, and you don’t need to spend a lot to have a great meal. Recently, I was also blown away by the flavours at Kolae. 🍺 Favourite pub? Okay, so it's not exactly a pub, but it has that vibe and is my go-to spot for an after-work beer before I jump on the train home: The Double Standard next to our office in Kings Cross. 🔥 Place you're desperate to try? There are so many, but if I had to choose one, it would be The Ledbury. I've only ever heard amazing things about it, and I would love to experience it myself. Also, Crisp Pizza—I'm obsessed with pizza, and these guys are killing it. 🔮 What opening are you most excited about in London? I really want to try Roe because some of their dishes look incredibly clever. Also, I’m excited for when my friend Liam opens Marceline in Canary Wharf. I know how much love is going into everything, so I can't wait to see it and get down there. #beehospitality #recruitment #London #hospitality

If you didn't know I am letting you in on the secret. The must not miss event of VenueConnect is the DILC Celebration for a Cause. It's an opportunity to spend time with the best in the industry for a great cause. There is laughter, dancing, drinks, and stories you would only believe if you attended. Many of you may not know but one of the responsibilities of the DILC committee is to provide over $20K in scholarships to IAVM educational opportunities to individuals in underrepresented populations. The majority of the funds raised for these scholarships are done with dollars we raise during this annual event. Since 2020 the donations have started to become smaller and smaller. I am reaching out to my network to help spark the giving. We are asking for individual donations of $67. If 300 people donate $67 we can hit the $20K before we even have the event. I have over 3K connections. This should be an easy ask. You don't have to be an IAVM member to donate. You don't have to attend VenueConnect or the event to donate. You just need to take a moment to click the link and make the donation. I know at least 1k of you who have spent more on a bar tab. 😏 CHALLENGE!!! If you have received a scholarship from DILC previously, here is your opportunity to give back. I challenge you to make a donation. If you have ever attended a conference or educational opportunity with me. I challenge you to donate. If you are a member of an underrepresented group in the industry. I challenge you to donate. If you know someone who would be an amazing corporate sponsor or donor to help us create next-level inclusive content. I challenge you to inbox me with more details and then donate. 😁 Donation Link: https://lnkd.in/eXtxZYm6 Always with LOVE...

Advocate for Local Businesses 🛍️ When someone comes to you asking for recommendations about… Holiday gifts? Tell them to visit local shops. Special holiday meals? Encourage them to enjoy local restaurants. Fun activities to do with the family? Point them towards local sites. This holiday season, we’re challenging you to Keep It Local and support greater Arlington businesses. We’ll be sharing different ways you can show your support. Help us by sharing our posts and spreading the word. View the Keep It Local catalog at keepitarlington.com. #TogetherWeSucceed #ChamberofCommerce #ArlingtonTX #KeepItLocalArlington #SmallBusinesses #SupportSmallBusinesses

Business networking at its best.

 Reward Local Support 📢 Attention Café Owners! Your local community is your strongest ally. Partner with nearby businesses to cross-promote. Offer discounts for customers who shop locally 🛍️ Host events to bring the community together 🎶 Strong local connections lead to loyal customers. What’s your strategy to engage your neighborhood? #CafeOwners #BusinessGrowth #CustomerRetention

Engage Your Community: The Key to Local Business Success Building a beloved local institution starts with community involvement. We discuss how sponsoring events and partnering with businesses enhances your presence, fosters loyalty, and drives positive word of mouth, turning your restaurant into a thriving part of the neighborhood. #CommunityEngagement #LocalBusiness #CustomerLoyalty #CommunitySupport #BusinessGrowth #NeighborhoodEvents #Partnerships #RestaurantSuccess #PositiveImpact #LocalInstitutions