UK Hospitality Figures to Convene in Manchester for Sector-Focused Summit

Manchester will host a major gathering of hospitality professionals this month as the industry seeks to address ongoing challenges and identify future opportunities.

The Great Art of Hospitality Conference, scheduled for 26 February at the Treehouse Hotel, will bring together operators, investors and sector leaders for a day of discussion and collaboration.

The conference is being delivered jointly by Hospitality Hero and Downtown in Business, representing their first shared stage event. Organisers say the timing reflects continued pressure on businesses from staffing shortages, increased costs and shifting customer behaviour.

One of the central sessions will feature Brendon and Jason Manders of Lumberjaxe Food Company, who will discuss their progression from start-up to established brand.

Following their appearance on Dragon’s Den, the brothers expanded their concept into a nationally recognised food business. Their presentation will examine brand identity, resilience and growth in a competitive market.

Hospitality Hero founder Steven Hesketh said the event is designed to combine practical learning with sector advocacy.

“Hospitality is at a crossroads,” he said. “We’re battling recruitment challenges, rising costs, squeezed margins and changing consumer behaviour, while still fighting for the recognition the industry deserves. And yet hospitality remains one of the best industries in the world for creativity, people development, confidence building and community.

“The Art of Hospitality exists to fight for that truth loudly.”

Mr Hesketh, owner of the Townhouse Hotel in Chester and Hotel Wrexham in North Wales, said the conference is intended to encourage collective action.

“This is a conference, but it’s also a statement,” he said. “It says hospitality deserves respect, investment and leadership. The people behind it deserve celebration and support. If we want the industry to be better, we have to stop waiting for someone else to fix it and start building it together.

“If you’ve ever said hospitality needs to change, this is where you show up and be part of it.”

The event will include sessions on the relationship between hospitality and placemaking, the contribution of sport and culture to tourism and the practicalities of business expansion.

Speakers confirmed include Jamie Christon, Louise Stewart, Victoria Braddock and Thomas Hetherington.

Mr Hesketh said the conference is intended to be inclusive for those entering the sector as well as established operators.

“If you’re just starting out and trying to find your place in hospitality, this event is for you,” he said. “If you run a business and you’re trying to grow it, protect your culture, recruit better or simply stay excited, this is for you.

“If you’re a supplier, stakeholder or someone who relies on the visitor economy, you need to be in this room. And if you’re simply passionate about the future of hospitality and want to be around people who care as much as you do, you’ll find your people here.

“This isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about building something better together.”