Greene King has recruited its 1,000th apprentice this year, putting the company ahead of schedule in its pledge to recruit 2,000 apprentices in the year to March 2016. Greene King, in partnership with national apprenticeship provider, Lifetime Training, has helped support over 5,500 apprentices since 2011, in its efforts to promote opportunities for young people in the … [Read more...]
Consumer spending outshines the weather in July
Consumer spending growth hit 4.6 per cent in July year-on-year, but it was a month of two halves thanks to the weather, according to the latest analysis of UK consumer spending by Barclaycard. High temperatures at the start of the month brought consumers out onto the high street and helped drive up spending on clothing, in department stores and on electronics, leading to … [Read more...]
Spoilt for choice: over 11,000 UK Real Ales now brewed
New research released today by organisers of the Great British Beer Festival shows there are now more different real ales being brewed in the UK than ever before. With more breweries per head than anywhere else on earth, and an average of eight core beers now being produced by brewers - a staggering 11,000+ in total – there has never been a better time to be a British beer … [Read more...]
Simply the Fest: Tourism takes centre stage at Edinburgh Festivals
As the Edinburgh Festivals get into full swing this weekend (8-9 August), VisitScotland is celebrating the impact the annual showcase of the best of music, arts and culture has on the tourism industry. Latest statistics reveal that domestic visitor numbers to Scotland’s capital increase by two thirds during peak festival season. On average, 290,000 domestic visitor trips are … [Read more...]
Search begins for Northern Ireland’s Hospitality Stars
The search to discover Northern Ireland’s best pubs, hotels and restaurants is getting under way as the new look annual Pub of the Year Awards are launched for 2015. In recognition of the widening scope of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, a record fourteen Awards are up for grabs, each designed to highlight the very best that the sector has to offer. With the … [Read more...]