Hospitality for the Future

Hospitality for the Future is a series of events from Bristol Food Network and Bristol BID, bringing the hospitality sector together to tackle the challenges that matter right now. These sessions focus on practical, real-world solutions, helping businesses build more resilient and responsible operations while staying commercially viable. Designed for busy operators, each event creates space to share experiences, learn from peers, and explore what’s working across Bristol’s food and drink scene.

Hospitality that works for everyone

This first session will explore the realities of recruitment, retention and staff wellbeing, sharing practical insights and approaches that are making a difference on the ground.

You’ll hear from:

• Dan Ford, Square Food Foundation, on opening up routes into hospitality and engaging young people
• Jez Kynaston, The Assemblies, on what staff wellbeing looks like in practice
• Tess Lidstone, BOX-E, on building a workplace where people stay – from four-day weeks to fair pay and shared decision-making

Together, they’ll explore what’s influencing staff turnover – and how to create environments where people want to work and stay.

Alongside short talks, there’ll be a panel discussion with audience Q&A, plus live polling to compare where Bristol businesses are right now on recruitment and wellbeing.