EP Insights & Action

COMMENT HOSPITALITY
The theory of
equality of respect
Aren’t you bored hearing that Hospitality is not a profession?
Over the last few weeks we have seen a new momentum to the old discussion piece that says that
the Industry is not viewed as a profession and as result loses out. This is an argument of the past.
A
number have approached us
arguing that they are frustrated
that the Industry is not viewed
as a profession as with other
disciplines. Over the last year we have
spent a lot of time with investors, corporate
finance, lawyers and accountants and there
is one truth we have learnt – they respect
hospitality greatly and really enjoy the
dynamics of the sector. The one group
that needs to understand that the industry
is respected is the industry itself. We are
fortunate enough to work in one of the most
exciting of industries where professionalism
is displayed by the great chefs, waiting staff
and managers across the country.
Moreover, we would argue that Hospitality
leaders are as honourable a group as one will
find. It really is time to put away this argument.
The whole debate does remind one of the
perspective put forward by Viscount Thurso
many years ago about the theory of equality
of respect which says that it is important
that people are judged by the quality of their
work, not the money that they earn – and
he is absolutely right. It is the bedrock of
Hospitality as there are many great employees
that can make the Industry excellent.
The Industry does not need to look over
and envy at any other sector. It just needs to
believe in itself and its people.
Industries are judged today by performance,
innovation, service and people and Hospitality
scores highly in all these areas.
There are other sectors that face greater
crisis but just don’t lack in self-confidence.
The irony is that Hospitality will often
be better.
The Industry is one of the leading employers
in this country. It contributes significantly to
both the economy and back to shareholders. It
has become central to daily life and to society.
“It is important that
people are judged by
the quality of their work,
not the money that
they earn.”
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However we do need, it can be argued,
to earn the ear of government better but
Government wants to find solutions to
problems and the industry has always worked
to solve its own issues.
Our challenge is to ensure the ground is
laid for the next generations and we do really
support young talent. We also do need to tell
our story better. For whatever reason we have
struggled to sell our story but we do need to.
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