Get to Grips With Your Daily Labour Spend
Following significant challenges over the last two years, hospitality is endeavouring to bounce back as restriction-free trading sees a new dawn for...
May Experiences High Growth Rates for Hospitality
Hospitality sales during May increased by 10% on 2021 levels.
April Sales Experience Growth Compared with Pre COVID-19 Levels
Hospitality sales during April increased by 3.7% on 2019 levels (pre-Covid-19).
Hospitality Sees Another Uplift in Sales
Hospitality sales figures during February increased by 4%.
Only A Pavement Away and S4labour Partner for New Café Initiative
The charity is preparing to open training Cafés across the UK and are launching this Spring.
Employee Profile vs. User Profile
A User Profile grants access to the management and funtionality side of the s4labour system. A persons user level will determine what they can see...
January Sales Reveal Some Much Needed Stability for Hospitality
The first month of 2022 has seen stable sales across the sector.
Week-on-Week Growth Spells Some Positivity for the Sector in a Time of Need
Sales were up 4.5% on the previous week.
The True Cost of Lack of Visibility and Poor Employee Management
Employee turnover in the hospitality industry is a problem. It’s higher than most other sectors, and we are behind the curve on giving a proper focus to engagement and retention.
Hospitality Industry Continues to Experience Shortfalls in 2022
The first full week of 2022 saw hospitality sales fall by 30%.
Key Festive Dates Suffer Significant Sales Slump, following a Difficult December for Hospitality
Christmas Eve sales down 38% in London.
Christmas Hospitality Sales Take a Concerning Decline
Hospitality sales decline by 30% when compared to 2019 levels.
Hospitality in London Suffers 30% Decline in Sales
London is down 30% on last week’s sales.
Hospitality Sales Experience Decline Amidst Plan B Announcement
Speaking to customers, operators have experienced hundreds and hundreds of lost covers and cancellations.
Hospitality Sales Experience Slight Decline during November
November’s like-for-like hospitality sales dropped by 4%.
Customer Satisfaction—Getting It Right
How do we nail our customer satisfaction?
A Strong Month for Hospitality Sales
October’s monthly like-for-likes are up 13.5%.
Malvern Inns—Current Challenges
Firefighting has taken over from innovation.
Hospitality Like-for-Likes for September Are Up
September 2021 has seen total hospitality sales increase by 8% when compared to September 2019.
Another Positive Week for Hospitality As Like-for-Likes Are Up for a Fifth Consecutive Week
Hospitality sees like-for-likes rise yet again.
Positive Hospitality Like-for-Likes for the Fourth Consecutive Week
Hospitality like-for-likes are up for the fourth week in a row!
CJRS – News Flash
An update from the Payroll Team.
Like-for-Likes Up for Third Consecutive Week
The third week in a row where sales have been up on 2019 levels.
September’s First Week Boasts Positive Like-for-Likes
Hospitality sales rise by 12% when compared to the same week in 2019.
Hospitality Like-for-Likes See Slight Increase during August
Hospitality sales in August 2021 increased by a small 1.6% when compared to August 2019.
Final Week of August Sees Like-for-Likes Rise by 5%
August’s concluding week saw sales increase by 5% when compared to the same week in 2019.
Hospitality Like-for-Likes Down 5.5%
Hospitality like-for-likes were down 5.5% last week when compared to the same week in 2019
Oakman Inns and Restaurants
The Derby Arms, Beech House Solihul, The Navigation
Mowgli Street Food
Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Wymeswold
Brunning & Price
Plough & Harrow, The Armoury, The Inn at Shipley, Roe Deer, The Oakley Arms, Hand & Trumpet
Bistrot Pierre
Coventry, Brierley Hill, Rutland, Sutton Coldfield
Mid-August Sees High Like-for-Likes at 7.7%
As we start to enter mid-August, S4labour’s research shows there to be high like-for-like figures at 7.7% as well as a gradual increase in...
July Tips into Growth Off the Back of a Big Final Week
After 3 weeks of decline in July, the final week has led to sales being up by 1.7% in hospitality compared to July 2019
Our Staffing Challenge
The staffing challenge in the hospitality industry, probably amongst others, is a fascinating challenge for both our industry and the government. ...
Chief Financial Officer
Type: Finance - Location: Banbury - Job purpose: As S4labour continues to grow it seeks to recruit a highly commercial Chief Financial Officer. Not...
Hospitality sales up on last week but still down on 2019 by 4.9%
Following the lifting of restrictions, S4labour (the people, productivity and payroll software provider for hospitality) analysed last week’s...
Business Development Manager
Type: Customer Success - Location: Banbury / Remote - Role Description: As a Business Development manager, you’ll identify new business...
Marketing Data Analyst
Type: Marketing - Location: Banbury - Role Description Writing the weekly and monthly hospitality sales reports, using the internal database, in...
Product Manager – H.R.
Type: Product - Location: Banbury - Job Purpose: As a Product Manager, your role is to develop a market-leading HR product for hospitality...
Marketing Manager
Type: Marketing - Location: Banbury - Job purpose: To develop, manage, execute and measure an effective marketing plan to support the growth of our...
Product Marketing Manager
Type: Marketing - Location: Banbury - Job Purpose: As Product Marketing Manager you will be responsible for developing...
Strategy & Pricing Manager
Type: Customer Success - Location: Banbury - Job Purpose: This is a newly created role reporting into our Chief Customer Officer. As Strategy and...
Business Analyst
Type: Product - Location: Banbury - Job Purpose: Reporting directly into the CEO, this newly created role will be responsible for the production and...
Hospitality Sales Down 9%
According to analysis from S4labour, the people, productivity and payroll software provider for hospitality, like-for-likes fell last week by 9.6% compared to the same week in 2019. Drink sales were down 17.7%, with food sales down 0.8% compared to the same week in 2019.
Technical Updates – HMRC employer bulletin
CJRS Update For periods in July 2021, Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants will cover 70% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up...
A Stay-At-Home Euros sees a fall in industry like-for-likes by 3.9% last week.
A Stay-At-Home Euros sees a fall in industry like-for-likes by 3.9% last week. According to analysis from S4labour, the hospitality people and...
Revving Up the Engine
When I go on holiday for two weeks, I always find the first day back pretty tough. Having switched off my mind a little for that period, I find...
Sales in June up 4.4% on 2019 figures despite on-going restrictions.
The latest sales data from S4labour shows that hospitality sales for the month of June were up 4.4% on the same week in 2019. This is made up of a...
UK’s Hospitality Embraces Staff Across The Globe.
UK’s Hospitality Industry resonates as a leader with a plethora of international staffing. A good 20.4% of its workforce is non-British. The...
Half Term Like-for-Like Sales Up by 11.5%
Half term presented a great opportunity for families to explore hospitality venues last week. This helped to boost sales by 11.5% compared to the...
Staff Shortages and High Demand Causing hospitality businesses serious problems
Data from S4labour, shows a reduction in the size of the hospitality workforce of 29% since February 2020 (pre-pandemic). Coupled with the...
Sunny Late Spring Bank Holiday Drives 63% Increase In Like For Like Sales
As The U.K. recorded it’s hottest May Bank holiday last weekend, hospitality experienced a significant 63% jump in like for like sales, comparing...
Indoor Re-Opening Sales Figures
Hospitality like-for-likes sales UP 9% on indoor re-opening week. In the first full week since operators were able to serve guests indoors since...
Hospitality Indoor Reopening Sales Figures – Day 1
Hospitality sales down over 10% on first day of indoor trading. Sales from Monday, the first day operators were allowed to serve guests inside, were...
Re-Opening Sales Figures – Week 4
Hospitality sales continue to tumble, DOWN 23% week on week. Hospitality sales continued their decline last week, sliding 23% compared to the...
Re-Opening Sales Figures – Week 3
Hospitality week on week sales down 1.2%. According to analysis from S4labour, last week’s hospitality sales were down 1.2% on the previous week....
Re-opening Sales Figures – Week 2
Hospitality Like-for-likes down 10.5%, with 70% of sites trading at similar or above 2019 levels. According to analysis of more than 150...
Hospitality Re-Opening Week Sales Figures
Hospitality like-for-like sales up 9.1% but 45% of sites remain closed resulting in total sales decline of 25%. According to an analysis of more...
9 Things To Know About The New Tax Year
Personal Tax Allowance change from £12,500 to £12,570; basic rate 20% bandwidth £1 to £37,700. New employees on RTI submission before 2nd March...
April Re-Opening Forecast
Hospitality industry forecasts 70% of normal revenue to return when outdoor service resumes on the 12th of April.
Covid Hits Hospitality Sales for £89 billion
As the grim anniversary of the beginning of the first lockdown approaches, analysis from S4labour shows that the hospitality industry lost just over £89 billion in revenue through the full year since March 23rd 2020, when the hospitality industry was first instructed to close. This is equivalent to 68.9% of annual revenue, representing an average decline of half a £million per site across the U.K.
Important changes to NLW and NMW
Important changes to NLW and NMW National living wage increases have become a metronomic feature of the financial year, and while this year's...
Re-Opening Resources
As hospitality slowly reopens, we have created some helpful resources to ensure you are ready for a high intensity return to amazing hospitality.
Training in 2021
Training in 2021 It's been a strange year for everyone, particularly a lot of us in hospitality and every area of our businesses have been turned...
Hospitality suffers 540,000 jobs in 2020
Hospitality Suffers 540,000 job losses in 2020 and is on the verge of losing a significant amount more.There are many industries that have suffered...
The True Cost of Furlough
Furlough costs the UK Hospitality industry in excess of £542 million a month during lockdown - The True Cost of Furlough Furlough has been a...
2020 Full Hospitality Sales Report
2020 saw revenue decline of 51.38% overall, characterised mainly by a 98.3% decline in Q2 driven by lockdown 1. In the first two months of the year,...
A heavy decline in sales, and a 50% discount for S4labour customers for January.
Following a heavy decline in sales, S4labour writes to all customers promising 50% discount in wake of new low point for the industry. Analysis...
Christmas takings in pubs, bars and restaurants fall almost 80%
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/dec/28/christmas-takings-in-pubs-bars-and-restaurants-fall-almost-80 Analysis from S4labour shows that...
Dec 2020 sales to date
Analysis from S4labour shows that sales are down 64.3% year on year for Tier 2 venues, for December to date. As a result of the restrictions places...
Tenzo & S4labour – covid sales effect
Joint Research Between S4labour and Tenzo identifies 98% rise in takeaway sales, but has little impact on overall decline of hospitality like for...
Sales by Tier, coming out of lockdown 2.0
Tiers 1,2 and 3 down 30%, 39.2% and 77.8% respectively. Analysis from S4labour shows that sales in Tier 1, 2 ad 3 venues are down 30%, 39.2% and...
The Future of Hospitality
The future of hospitality – we are part of the solution and not the problem by Alastair Scott I am surprised the quote from Mark Twain of: “There...
Hospitality industry loses 94% of sales over lockdown
Hospitality industry loses 94% of sales over lockdown Analysis from S4labour shows that through lockdown 2.0, hospitality sales in sites that were...
December sales forecast
S4labour downgrades hospitality sales forecast in December to -45% in wake of toughened tier restrictions. S4labour have undertaken research to help...
Lockdown 2
Take-away sales during lockdown 2 Analysis from S4labour shows that just 25% of sites have stayed open after lockdown, with 75% closing during the...
Hospitality sales up 39.1% yesterday, versus -75% on the last day of trading in March.
Lockdown 2 versus lockdown 1 Analysis from S4labour shows that sales in the hospitality sector this week, Monday to Wednesday, were up 3.1%, 35.3%...
Extended Furlough
Extended Furlough In Propel's Friday’s Opinion I published our guidance on the Job Support Scheme (JSS) that was due to start on the 1st...
The Job Support Scheme – How Does It Work
How does the new Job Support Scheme (JSS) actually work, S4labour’s Richard Hartley explains all.
The effect of the curfew on hourly sales
Analysis from S4labour shows that hospitality sales are 18.27% below what they were before the curfew, comparing week 37 & 38 to week 40 &...
Last week’s sales like for like %
Analysis from S4labour shows that hospitality sales from last week were down 12.8% compared to last year, however when we take a closer look, sales...
A second look at sales, after the curfew was introduced.
Analysis from S4labour that hospitality sales from last week were down 21.2% compared to the week before the curfew (2 weeks prior), with sales of...
FT – September sales like for like %
For the full article by S4labour, please go to https://www.s4labour.co.uk/a-first-look-at-year-on-year-sales-after-the-eotho-scheme/
A first look at year on year sales, after the EOTHO scheme.
Analysis from S4labour shows that hospitality like for like sales in September were down 4.3% compared to the same month last year. With consumer...
A first look at the impact of the 10pm curfew on hospitality sales.
10pm curfew drops sales by 12.9%. Analysis from S4labour shows that sales over Thursday to Sunday when comparing the week prior to the curfew with...
How to keep labour costs firmly in hand
As published in BII New normal, same old same old 2020 has brought a wave of challenges, some expected (April’s minimum wage increase),...
Hospitality Sales Figures Press Release from S4labour
Weekly hospitality sales down 9% on last year but remain 10.4% on pre EOTHO levels. Analysis from S4labour shows that in the first full week...
Weekly hospitality sales up 19.9% on pre EOTHO levels.
Weekly hospitality sales up 19.9% on pre EOTHO levels. Analysis from S4labour shows that last weeks hospitality sales were up 19.9% on pre EOTHO...
Hospitality Like For Likes bounce back in August
Analysis from S4labour shows that hospitality like for like sales in August were flat, down just 0.4% compared to the same month last year. The Eat...
Hospitality Like For Likes bounce back in August
Analysis from S4labour shows that hospitality like for like sales in August were flat, down just 0.4% compared to the same month last year. The Eat...
Labour Ratios
S4labour release labour percentages since lockdown ended Short story Industry Labour ratios increase by 10% in first month of trading as operators...
Brat opens pop-up restaurant
Last month we spoke to Brian Hannon from Super 8 restaurants about how he transformed an outdoor space into Brat, in just a few weeks...
Eat Out Sales Figures
Week on week sales jump 20.5% on the back of Eat Out Scheme. Analysis from S4labour shows a leap in like-for-likes sales of 20.5% on last week. The...
Impact of the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Eat out to help out sees sales increase by 70.9% over the first three days of the week. Sales numbers taken from S4labour have shown that the Eat...
Week on week like-for-like sales UP a further 13.4%
Analysis of sales from operators who were open last week showed that overall sales were up 13.4% on the previous week, with sales of food up 22.2%...
Re-opening Sales Figures
Like-for-like sales down 30% year-on-year in first full week of trading since regulations ease: Last week we reported that like-for-like sales were...
Like-for-likes down 30% year-on-year in first full week of trading since regulations ease
The week that preceded opening weekend saw a 30% drop in like-for-like sales compared with the previous year. Data from S4labour, the online...
Employee challenges and latest unpicking of furlough by Alastair Scott and Richard Hartley
Following on from the announcement on Tuesday (23 June) pubs, restaurants and hotels can reopen with a reduced social distancing of “one...
‘Giving furloughed staff holiday could save industry £4bn bill it can ill-afford’
Richard Hartley, chief operating officer of S4labour, the online labour-scheduling management system from Catton Hospitality, has suggested...
Government clarifies holiday position for furloughed staff
The government has confirmed staff on furlough continue to accrue holiday in line with their contract. This can be varied if agreed with the...
S4labour – change in criteria for furlough scheme means some staff may no longer be eligible
S4labour, the online labour-scheduling management system from Catton Hospitality, has warned the change in criteria for employee eligibility on...
Latest on the CJRS by Richard Hartley
Following a number of updates from the government on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) we have updated our advice and want to highlight a...
Furlough pay by Richard Hartley
The government released new guidelines yesterday on how to handle furlough pay (see link below for full details). We are creating a furlough pay...
Propel launches BeatTheVirus campaign
Propel has launched BeatTheVirus to help operators through the covid-19 crisis. We have teamed up with Propel Multi Club conference series partners...
BeatTheVirus – S4labour offers advice on furlough pay
Richard Hartley, chief product officer of S4labour, the online labour-scheduling management system from Catton Hospitality, has offered readers...
February 2020 Like For Like Sales Figures
Like for like sales figures jump 4.4% for hospitality providers in February. According to analysis of more than 1,500 sites using S4labour...
We spoke to Brian from Super 8 Restaurants…
Last year we spoke to Brian Hannon from Super 8 restaurants about how he uses S4labour to run his three amazing restaurants...
March Shows and Events
During March, S4labour will be at multiple events, showcasing the system and speaking to existing and future customers. We would love to catch up...
January 2020 Like For Like Sales Figures
Like for like sales figures bounce 5.5% for hospitality providers in January. According to analysis of more than 1,500 sites using S4labour...
How being a “grabber” was a spring board to great things.
People that know me are always shocked to hear that I suffered with lack of confidence when I was a younger. It was while doing a culinary course at...
Why Training Matters In Hospitality
Getting people to change the way they do things is no easy task, often a simple change feels impossible. It can be easy for us as leaders to see the...
2019 Like For Like Sales Figures
Like for like sales figures up 1.7% for hospitality providers in 2019 compared to 2018. According to analysis of more than 1,500 sites using...
December 2019 Sales Figures
-Like for like sales figures flatline for hospitality providers in December 2019. According to analysis of more than 1,500 sites using...
Advice for a Successful Christmas
The festive period is a bustling time of year for hospitality businesses. It's not just an opportunity to boost your sales, providing customers with...
November Sales Figures
Like for like sales figures grow 6% for hospitality providers in November 2019. According to analysis of more than 1,500 sites using S4labour...
October Sales Figures
Like for like sales figures grow 1.1% for hospitality providers in October 2019.According to analysis of more than 1,500 restaurants, pubs, bars,...
September Sales Figures
August Sales Figures
Why are the small companies more successful than big ones?
Why are the small companies more successful than big ones? In the hospitality sector the progressive small companies are outperforming the large ones to a significant extent.While of course the hospitality sector is just as much about site economics as scale economics, I have long puzzled about why this is the case. As a […]
July Sales Figures
5.4% rise in food and drink sales in July 2019. According to analysis of more than 100 restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels and cafes that use S4labour software, sales of both food and drink were up 5.4% in July 2019 compared to July 2018. Both wet and dry led operations saw positive like […]
Tronc, Tronc Pots and the Troncmaster
June Sales Figures
3.3% fall in like for like hospitality sales in June 2019. According to analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4labour software, sales of both food and drink across the sector took a hit this June. Tough trading condition coupled with lower temperatures, higher levels of rainfall and being compared to the […]
New Landing Page
A new Landing page to increase sites visibility. We know that people are busy, so getting the right information at the right time can make all the difference. The new landing page will increase visibility of sites and help focus attention where it is needed most. Switch View
May Sales Figures
Drink sales drive a 1% rise in sales for hospitality revenues in May 2019. According to analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4labour software, a spike in sales at drink focused venues drove an overall 1% rise in sales across the sector. The latest sales figures show a resilient bounce back from […]
April Sales Figures
0.7% Fall in Sales in April Despite Good Easter Weather According to analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4labour software, operators had slightly weaker sales than in the same month the previous year. Whilst the first quarter of 2019 had seen resilient figures for both food and drink, A sunny Easter bank […]
Benefits of PS4payroll
Payroll For Hospitality Providers Data from S4Labour directly feeds PS4payroll; reducing time, effort, and any potential for error. There’s no need to collate, migrate, or manipulate data. Payroll, pensions, and payments are all completed without hassle or stress. Payroll data feeds from the S4Labours scheduling and HR functions, so your team are paid right […]
March Sales Figures
Buoyant Sales performance for Hospitality Operators In March 2019. According to an analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4Labour software, operators had strong sales during March 2019, with food sales and drink sales up in both dry-led and in wet-let sites. Going into April’s annual National Price Hike Day and an […]
Propel Multi Club – What We Learnt (Part 2)
Following on from the previous post about the March Propel Multi Club event, we have continued to consider what lessen could be learnt form the speakers and the people we met. Part 2 – The sector is changing and quality is key Against a backdrop of media reports that some sectors are currently suffering, it […]
Propel Multi Club – What We Learnt (Part 1)
What a success the March Propel Multi Club was this year! The team from Catton Hospitality had a great day speaking to a spectrum of people and were proud to be one of the event sponsors. Taking to the stage this year were a variety of industry experts, each with serious pedigree in their fields. […]
February Sales Figures
Buoyancy in the hospitality sector, according to recent figures from Catton Hospitality. According to an analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4labour software, operators bounced back from the January blues to see strong sales figures in February 2019 compared with like for like figures from February 2018. Overall, sites achieved an encouraging […]
Another exciting opportunity to join the Catton team
As we continue to expand, we are recruiting for a Developer in addition to four other roles. The successful candidate will join the in-house development team at our Banbury headquarters in creating and maintaining cutting edge labour management software for the hospitality industry. Please see full details for this and the other roles below. We […]
We’re Recruiting – Great New Opportunities to Join Catton Hospitality
Due to our continued success we are currently looking for positive, professional and fun people to join us! We have six open vacancies: Client Support Coordinator Product Manager Business Manager – Hotel & Specialist Product Manager – Forecasting/Reporting Training & Implementation Manager – Customer Success If you think any of these roles might be for […]
January Sales Figures
According to an analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4Labour software, operators faced challenging condition during the month of January. Against the back drop of Dry January, Blue Monday and Veganuary, there was a slight 0.9% drop in like-for-likes sales. Following on from a strong Christmas period, wet-led venues bore the brunt of […]
We’re Recruiting – Four Great Opportunities to Join Catton Hospitality
Due to our continued success we are currently looking for positive, professional and fun people to join us! We have four new vacancies: Product Manager Business Manager – Hotel & Specialist Product Manager – Forecasting/Reporting Training & Implementation Manager – Customer Success The full job descriptions for these positions can be found below. If you […]
Top Tips for a Successful Dry January
After an indulgent festive period, many will aim to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and limit their alcohol intake for “Dry January”. Studies estimate that over 4 million people plan to stop drinking for the first month of 2019. A cut back on spending and calories from customers makes it a difficult time of year for […]
Impressive December Sales for S4Labour Customers
December was another excellent month for operators. Following strong November sales, December like-for-likes were up 4.5%, according to an analysis of more than 100 organisations that use S4Labour software. Wet-led venues enjoyed a 3.9% boost in sales, thanks to a 6.5% increase in food sales. Meanwhile, food-focused businesses were the biggest winners overall with a […]
Top Tips- Making the Most of the Festive Season
Christmas is the “most wonderful time of year” for hospitality. After quieter Autumn trading, the festive season brings a surge in demand and a chance to drive repeat custom. The festive atmosphere marks an increase in footfall and a boost to profits. The best operators will exploit this further to maximise revenue in preceding months. […]
Strong Growth in November Sales for S4Labour Customers
November was an excellent month for hospitality, as like-for-like sales were up by 4.7% compared with 2017 levels- according to a study of over 100 hospitality organisations that use S4Labour scheduling, HR and Payroll software. Drink sales were the main driver behind the strong results; the hospitality industry saw a 6.5% increase on 2017’s levels, […]
What we Learned at the Propel Autumn Conference
Recently, we were lucky enough to sponsor the Multi Club Conference, the latest in a series of exceptional Propel events. This year’s autumn conference was filled with enlightening talks from a variety of speakers across the hospitality industry. It was a pleasure to spend the day with passionate leaders who genuinely care about what they […]
Dip in October Sales for UK Hospitality
Recent growth in UK hospitality revenues has ceased as October brought a 1% dip in average sales, according to our latest research. Analysis of over 100 organisations that use S4Labour software found the decline was driven by lower food sales, with operators typically seeing a 2% fall. Following a summer of high spending, its likely […]
The Labour Misconception
The labour misconception by Alastair Scott Our CEO, Alastair, highlights the tough period ahead for the hospitality industry. He reflects on “Worrying times”, an article written by Ann Elliott, chief executive of Elliotts, a leading integrated marketing agency in the hospitality and leisure sector. Ann Elliott’s recent article in Propel’s Friday Opinion series was a […]
Rise in September Sales
Food sales drive rise in September sales for S4 Labour customers Like-for-like sales in September were up by 0.5% compared with 2017 levels, according to a study of over 100 hospitality organisations that use S4Labour scheduling and HR software. Food sales were the driving force behind this rise as these operators saw an average 3.5% increase across their […]
Top Tips – Efficient Sunday Lunch
Top Tips for Efficient Sunday Lunch Service At this time of year, people are seeking comforting food in a cosy atmosphere. Autumn brings about a high demand for Sunday lunches and this can be critical to overall profitability. Here’s our top tips for an efficient Sunday lunch service. Staffing up the curve We often speak […]
We’re Recruiting – Great Opportunities to Join Catton Hospitality
We’re expanding, and are delighted to be able to advertise for new positions at our Banbury headquarters. There is currently a vacancy for the role of Account Controller, within our Customer Success team. The full job description for this position can be found below. To apply for the role please send a CV and covering […]
Top Tips – Driving Sales
At S4Labour we are often approached by operators who ask for help controlling costs in their venues. While we can certainly oblige in this, an often overlooked yet equally significant factor in promoting the overall health of a hospitality business is driving increased sales. Here are our top tips. Forecast Sales to Deploy Efficiently Avoiding […]
August Sales Soar for S4Labour Customers
August was another excellent month for S4Labour customers, and the wider UK hospitality industry, our latest research has found. Like for like sales were up on average 3.9% compared to 2017’s revenues, as businesses across all sectors and trading styles enjoyed an increase in both wet and dry takings. Drink sales were the main driver […]
Top Tips – Preparing for the Sales Downturn
Recent months have been hugely positive for the UK hospitality industry. Our own analysis revealed that, bolstered by fine weather and the World Cup, average June revenues were up 5.4% on 2017. This followed equally impressive May trading and will mean many operators are heading into August feeling flush. As pleasant as it would be […]
Quieter July for UK Hospitality
Following a superb early summer, July was a quieter month for UK hospitality. May and June both saw like for like sales up in excess of 5%, but this rising trend has been arrested, according to our latest research. Analysis of over 100 organisations using our S4Labour software across all industry sectors found on average […]
What We Learned At Propel Multi Club Summer Conference
We were privileged to sponsor the Propel Multi Club Summer Conference that took place a couple of weeks ago. The day presented a range of insightful talks from industry leaders and entrepreneurial talent, whilst the evening offered a chance for networking with peers, new and old. Exploring untapped markets, expanding at carefully considered rates, and […]
Great British Pub Awards Nominations for Eight S4Labour Customers
No fewer than eight venues using S4Labour have been nominated as finalists across six categories for the Great British Pub Awards 2018. The latest round of judging has now been completed, and representatives from the eight venues will now take their place at the prestigious awards night in September, hoping to scoop category wins ranging […]
Impressive June Sales for S4Labour Customers
June was a superb month for sales for S4Labour customers, our latest analysis has found. Research into over 100 organisations across all industry sectors revealed that average like for like revenues were up 5.4%. Recent fine weather and the start of the World Cup are likely factors in the increase, with drink sales 6.7% and food sales […]
Wake Up and Smell the Better Labour Deployment
S4Labour is equally effective across all styles of hospitality business. We recently rolled out S4Labour into BEAR, a fresh hybrid concept where chic cafe meets lively bar with a side order of delicious home-cooked food. BEAR, who recently opened their third venue, have grand plans for expansion, and will use S4Labour to provide the foundations […]
Top Tips for World Cup Success
Nothing captures the imagination of the British public quite like the World Cup. The month-long festival of football – inevitably bringing disappointment in England and delight for fans in other parts of the UK – never fails to create a sustained party atmosphere. The potential for hospitality operators to capitalise is huge, especially those in […]
We’re Welcoming Three New Recruits
S4Labour is expanding quickly. We enjoyed 60% sales growth in last year and have recently helped high-profile operators including Revolution Bars, Oakman Inns & Restaurants, and Butcombe Brewery roll out our software. As our business grows, we are committed to bringing in the best people to work on our team. This ensures we will continue […]
Excellent May Trading for S4Labour Customers
May was an excellent month for the UK hospitality industry with like for like sales across the industry up 5% on 2017 levels, our latest research has found. Analysis of over 100 organisations using our S4Labour scheduling and HR software revealed that strong drink sales – likely bolstered by fine weather and the Royal Wedding […]
We’re Recruiting – 2018/2019 Graduate Scheme
We are now accepting applications for our 2018/2019 graduate scheme No idea what you want to do? Were your best memories of university in the pub? Go no further. Our graduate scheme offers a 12-month experience in a range of business areas, including sales, marketing, customer success, IT development, and HR, after which you are […]
Staffing for Fine Weather – Our Advice
After a winter that seemed to last a lifetime, with Artic conditions punishing hospitality operators well into March, spring is finally here. Britain is basking in warm, sunny weather and the fine days are set to last into the weekend, giving the industry a golden chance to make proverbial hay. But simply throwing open the […]
High Profile New Clients Drive S4Labour Growth
S4Labour is leading workforce management software for the hospitality industry. Since 2011, its innovative visual analysis of hourly sales data, taken direct from EPoS integrations, has allowed operators to optimise staff deployment, resulting in lower costs and increased sales. The feature-rich package also significantly reduces administrative time for its users. The fully-integrated HR module, covering […]
We’re Recruiting – Business Development Manager
We’re growing. In the last year we saw a 60% increase in turnover, and rolled out S4Labour into over 30 new organisations, totalling over 300 sites. As we grow, we are eager to recruit the best people to help drive our continued success. As such, we are currently advertising for the position of Business Development […]
What We’ve Done to Ensure GDPR Compliance
On May 25th, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect. The new laws oblige businesses to amend the way they interact with data in a world with an increasingly technological outlook. As such, we have reviewed, audited, and documented our processes, and have made appropriate changes. How the GDPR affects S4Labour and its users. […]
S4Labour Clients Scoop Publican Awards
The champagne corks were popping for two S4Labour customers, who claimed category wins as the prestigious Publican Awards last night. Seafood Pub Company, who manage twelve sites in the North West of England, saw off stiff competition to secure the coveted Best Food Offer prize. They pride themselves on an ethos of sourcing quality local produce […]
“We Couldn’t Have Done it Without S4Labour” – Life & Soul Case Study
Life & Soul is a multi-site hospitality operator based in Cheshire. Its directors previously ran the DV8 cocktail bars brand and following the sale of two sites last year established Life & Soul as a new entity. The company has flourished since, with its Rumba Macclesfield venue claiming the Best Turnaround prize at the prestigious […]
What We Learned at the Propel Multi-Club March Conference
Last Wednesday we were lucky enough to sponsor the Propel Multi-Club March 2018 Conference. With a line-up of industry experts delivering talks on a variety of topics, we were eager to hear what they had to say. The talks were of a high quality, with speakers combining their experiences with opinion on the current market […]
S4Labour Featured in Propel’s Friday Opinion
S4Labour CEO Alastair Scott was featured in the latest edition of the always excellent “Friday Opinion” series of articles published by Propel Info, one of UK hospitality’s most respected institutions. In response to a previous piece written by the Thai Leisure Group’s James Hacon, Alastair discussed the challenges and opportunities that define the burgeoning relationship […]
February Like for Likes Up for S4Labour Customers
Analysis of over 100 organisations using S4Labour showed positive sales growth for the majority of operators last month. Our latest research into revenues at operators across all sectors of hospitality revealed an average increase in sales of 0.2% on February 2017 levels. This was primarily driven by wet-led businesses, which enjoyed on average a 4.8% […]
First Class Multi-Site Operators Join S4Labour
2018 has already seen a number of superb multi-site operators begin using our industry-leading S4Labour workforce management and HR software. Increasingly, business leaders are recognising the value our systems bring them to reduce costs, increase sales and service levels, and improve processes, and are eager to come on board. Our newest clients include Butcombe Brewery‘s 24-strong […]
Our Advice On How To Fall In Love With Valentine’s Day
Hospitality venues can look forward to Valentine’s Day as an opportunity for increased footfall and boosted sales. However, Valentine’s Day isn’t always a day that managers love. Here’s our advice on how to make this year’s event a success. Boost Sales Valentine’s Day is a great way for operators to drive increased sales. Being a […]
Our Research Featured in the Morning Advertiser – Christmas Day Significance Grows
By working intimately with some of hospitality’s biggest and best operators, we are able to gain valuable insight into the industry’s trading conditions and trends. Taking data from over 100 organisations who use our S4Labour labour management software, our new research, which has been featured in the Morning Advertiser, has revealed that Christmas Day is […]
Top Tips for Upselling
January brings a sharp decline in sales across hospitality, and optimising sales revenue is a hot topic once again. Our recent analysis found that certain industry sectors have suffered as much as a 60% drop in sales this month compared to December trading. If businesses are to thrive at this barren time of year, upping […]
Our Research – January Sees Sharp Sales Decline
2018 is now two weeks old. January, typically the hospitality industry’s quietest month, is half gone, and the impact to sales for many venues has been dramatic. Trading Style Trend from Dec (Nov) Late Night -60.8% (-28.2%) Hotels -40.6% (-21.1%) Food-Led Pubs -35.5% (-9.9%) Restaurants -32.8% (-14.7%) Wet-Led Pubs -32.4% (-21.3%) Taking data from our […]
Junior Developer Vacancy
As we continue to expand, we are recruiting for a Junior Developer. The successful candidate will join the in-house team development team at our Banbury headquarters in creating and maintaining cutting edge labour management software for the hospitality industry. Please see full details below. To apply, send a CV and covering letter to info@cattonhospitality.com. […]
We’re Exhibiting Soon…
February promises to be an exciting month, as S4Labour are exhibiting at two of hospitality’s biggest trade shows in London. First up is Pub18, the UK’s only dedicated pub industry show, which opens its doors at Kensington’s Olympia on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th. Two weeks later we will be taking our place amongst […]
Top Tips for Writing an Efficient Rota
2018 is upon us, but for hospitality operators, the new year is all too often not a happy one. After December’s glut of sales, January can feel like a famine. With the public watching their waistlines and looking after the pennies once more, footfall at most sites will be down causing revenue to suffer. More […]
Our Advice for Business Success During Dry January
After a few too many pigs in blankets and countless celebratory Christmas drinks, January is viewed by many as a chance to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and reduce spending on food and drink after an indulgent festive period. Over 3 million people have said that they plan to give up alcohol during the first […]
S4Labour Partners with Tahola to Deliver Integrated and Innovative Solutions
We are delighted to announce that we have established an integration with leading data and business analytics providers Tahola. We will work together with Tahola to provide the hospitality industry with a solution that meets organisations’ labour management and business intelligence requirements. This will result in reduced costs, improved processes, and increased revenue for operators. […]
S4Labour Customers Nominated for Publican Awards
Congratulations are in order for three S4Labour clients who have been confirmed as finalists at the 2018 edition of the prestigious Publican Awards. Seafood Pub Company will vie to claim the hotly-contested Best Food Offer category, an accolade they previously won in 2015, while Anglian Country Inns beat off stiff competition to take their place […]
Our Advice for a Successful Christmas
The festive period is a bustling time of year for hospitality businesses. Within it lies an opportunity to impress your customers and boost your sales. Providing customers with exceptional service during December is a sure-fire way to drive repeat custom during the following months. Here’s our advice on how to make this Christmas a roaring […]
How to Reset your S4Labour Password
We often hear from S4Labour users who wish to reset their password, either because they wish to change it or because they cannot remember the original. Resetting a password is a quick and simple process which can be done by following the process below: Step One On the S4Labour login page input your email address […]
Staffing for December – Top Tips
December is a blessing for hospitality. Bookended by autumn’s dwindling trade and a cold, baron January, the “festive season” represents a sparkling opportunity. Increased footfall and a party atmosphere mean a revenue-boost is all but guaranteed. The best operators will exploit this further, both by maximising immediate profitability and using December to promote the long-term […]
Improving your Sales Forecasting
With the festive season just around the corner, it is important for hospitality businesses to strategically plan for the increased demand during the weeks and months ahead. Accurate sales forecasting will ensure operators get the most from this busy period. Accuracy is Key Many businesses will under-forecast in order to keep labour costs low, and […]
An Integrated Solution is a Better Solution
At S4Labour, we are proud that our labour management system was created by operators for operators. Our people have a wealth of experience gained from backgrounds in all sectors of hospitality, and we continue to manage three food-led destination pubs, two with bedrooms. These provide the perfect environment to ensure our products stay at the […]
S4Labour Featured in Welcome Systems Podcast
At S4Labour, we understand the wide range of systems that contribute to the successful running of a modern hospitality business. We have an active integration with Welcome Systems, market-leading providers of Property Management software. This allows optimisation of scheduling in sites offering overnight accommodation, with demand for housekeeping and food service staff driven by room occupancy rates […]
What we Learned at the Propel Multi Club Autumn Conference
On Wednesday we were fortunate enough to sponsor the final Propel Multi Club Conference of the year. With industry leaders and entrepreneurial talent from a range of sectors scheduled to speak, we were eager to hear what they had to say. With an abundance of knowledge in their respective areas, we were provided with real […]
We’re Sponsoring the Propel Conference
S4Labour are continuing our sponsorship of Propel events with the final Multi-Club Conference of 2017. The conference will take place on Wednesday 1st November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London. We will have a stand in the refreshments and networking area and will be available throughout the day to discuss controlling costs, driving greater […]
Six Reasons to Work With S4Labour – Quotes from the Best Operators
At S4Labour we work with over 100 of Britain’s best hospitality organisations, ranging from award-winning single site and small multi-site operators right up to some of the country’s best-loved national brands. There are numerous reasons why they find us to be the perfect partner in ensuring their sustained success, but don’t just take our word […]
The Future Looks Bright for S4Labour’s New Graduates
Following the appointment of three new senior employees, S4Labour are delighted to welcome to the company the four members of our graduate programme for 2017. The quartet, who took up their positions at our Oxfordshire head office earlier this month, are Ross Atkinson, Ben Nestel, Jess Stacpoole, and George Tuvey. They were selected from […]
Staffing After Summer – Our Advice
The kids are back at school, there’s a chill to the air, and while we may still be blessed with the odd fine day, autumn is in the air. For most in hospitality, the end of the summer season brings renewed staffing challenges. With sales likely to drop, tightly controlled labour spend once again […]
We’re at the Bar & Pub Show 2017
S4Labour are exhibiting at the Bar & Pub Show at Olympia, London, from October 2nd – 4th. The three-day event, part of the wider Hospitality Show 2017, will bring together professionals from all sectors of the industry. We are exhibiting from stand WF51, situated right next to the Bar & Pub Hub at the […]
S4Labour Clients Win at Great British Pub Awards
The champagne corks were popping as two S4Labour customers saw off stiff competition to take wins at the Great British Pub Awards 2017. City Pub Company’s Temple Brew House, in London, came out on top in the prestigious Beer Pub/Bar of the Year category, while Rumba, in Macclesfield, part of DV8 Bars, was crowned […]
Experienced Trio Joins S4Labour
We are delighted to announce the appointments of three new senior members of the S4Labour team. This news was also reported in industry-leading publication Propel Info. S4Labour is the fastest-growing labour scheduling solution for the hospitality industry. As more and more first rate operators are realising the value it brings to their business, we are dedicated […]
Guide to Setting Up Users in S4Labour
As new people join your business, or are promoted internally, there will be a requirement to create new higher level users within S4Labour. This is a simple process that typically takes under 30 seconds and can be carried out by any Level 5 (head office) level S4Labour user following the steps below. Step One […]
Expanding Your Empire – Our Advice
Are you looking to take on new sites to grow your hospitality business? If the answer’s a resounding “yes!”, you’re in good company – 60% of UK pubs are now managed by multi-site operators, while in recent years the restaurant sector has seen a rise in the number of chain operators coupled with a decrease […]
Six Ways S4Labour Can Save You Time
S4Labour is the fastest growing labour solution for the hospitality industry. It is intuitive and user-friendly software designed to optimise scheduling of staff, as well as manage HR functions. In addition to significantly reducing operating costs, the system saves its users valuable time, allowing site managers to focus on doing what they do best – […]
S4Labour Case Study – Barons Pub Company – Helping the Best Get Better
Barons Pub Company is a collection of food-led pubs in the south of England. It was founded by Clive Price in 2000 and has grown healthily since. Averaging a new site acquisition every two years, Barons expanded outside of its Surrey heartland for the first time in early 2017, opening The Black Boy near Reading. […]
Top Tips for Summer Holiday Success
School’s out for summer, and for our industry that means there are a host of opportunities for operators to maximise sales. Doing this well can provide an even greater boost to turnover at a time of year that typically sees the strongest trading, setting your business up for success into the autumn and beyond. Here […]
What we Learned at the Propel Summer Conference
Last Thursday, we were lucky enough to sponsor the latest in a long line of excellent Propel events. This year’s summer conference, complete with evening party, as ever saw a programme packed with illuminating speakers from all areas of hospitality. Across those on stage, we saw a common theme – strong, genuine people with a […]
Helping the Best get Better
Congratulations are in order for no fewer than eight of our valued customers who have had sites nominated for awards in this year’s Great British Pub Awards across five different categories. The awards night is due to take place in London and September, and we will certainly be rooting for plenty of outright category wins, all […]
Ambience and “Site Flow” – the Key to Modern Success?
Ten years ago next month, the smoking ban came into effect across the UK.Opponents at the time argued that the ban would critically harm the pub sector, viewing drinking and smoking as too closely linked Opponents at the time argued that the ban would critically harm the pub sector, viewing drinking and smoking as too […]
Top Tips for Employee Efficiency
Last month we brought you our Top Tips for Management Time-Saving. This time round, we turn our attention to those people who compose nine-tenths of our workforce, team members. With over 25,000 now registered on S4Labour, it’s high time they were given some consideration. Here are our top five tips to help employees work more […]
Employee Recognition for a Motivated, Efficient Workforce
Our industry truly has people at its heart. Paradoxically, many employees in it feel no love for the work they do. Some studies have found employee turnover in the sector to be as high as 80%, while a 2016 report found that poor staff retention costs UK hospitality businesses £272 million a year. It seems […]
Top Tips for Management Timesaving
Time is always precious, but seldom more so than for managers in our industry. Tasked with balancing the business-building side of their role against the less glamorous administrative processes required to promote efficiency, for these people any opportunity to save time is a golden one. Here are our top tips on how to do just […]
Playing Happy Families
This week, a survey by the Morning Advertiser revealed that a huge 64% of British families visited a pub or restaurant on last month’s Mothers’ Day. A 2015 study by bighospitality.co.uk reported that three-quarters of families are now eating out more regularly than they were five years ago. With figures like this, it’s easy to […]
Top Tips for Summer Efficiency
With Britain basking in spring sunshine this week, it’s easy to believe summer is just around the corner. Here are our top five tips for how to make summer 2017 efficient and profitable. Restructure the bar The summer season brings a prime opportunity to restructure your product offer behind the bar to optimise efficiency. We […]
Get Ready for Summer
It’s a stretch to say that summer is just around the corner, but the days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and spring’s first daffodils are here. In the hospitality industry, however, there is rarely time to stop and smell the flowers. Smart operators are already turning their attention to the challenges and opportunities […]
Top Tips for Event Planning
Mothers’ Day is almost upon us, and will be swiftly followed by Easter, May’s bank holidays, and the busy summer season. Making the most of these opportunities on an annual basis can be essential to the success of many hospitality businesses. Here are our top tips on how to do just that. Scope out the […]
Guide to User Access Levels
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Our Research Featured in Industry-Leading Publications
As the labour management solution of choice for many first rate operators, we are superbly positioned to provide unique insight into the challenges faced by the industry. Our research into the impact of living and minimum wage increases was recently featured in both Propel and The Morning Advertiser.
Top Tips for Reporting
Reporting is an important aspect of modern hospitality management, with operators benefiting from a wealth of illuminating information. Here are our top tips on how you can make reporting work for your business. Daily Reporting To stay on top of their business performance, it is important for site managers to have quick, easy access to key […]
Preparing for Valentine’s & Mothers’ Days
With January behind us, the hospitality industry is looking forward to brighter times ahead. This time of year brings several events that for most pubs and restaurants ensure some of the busiest days of the year. First among them comes Valentine’s Day, a time for amorous pampering that tends to spread into a week-long festival […]
Improve your Management Processes
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.cattonhospitality.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/january-top-tips-1.pdf” title=”january top tips”] Featured image by Peoplecreations – Freepik.com
Our Guide to Perfect Staff Levels
In any hospitality business, having the right number of people working, both on any given shift, and in terms of total team size, is important to ensuring great service levels, constant brisk trade, and more money in the till. We’ve all been to pubs and restaurants where there simply aren’t enough people working. The staff […]
Turning Christmas Visitors into Year-Round Regulars
Customers are at the very heart of every successful hospitality business. We often see pubs, bars, and restaurants referring to their “valued” customers, and many a manager has opined that “customers pay the bills.” But how often do we think about how much a customer is truly worth us in financial terms? In an industry […]
Help Us to Help You
Our dedicated support team members are labour management experts and committed to assisting your business. Please help them help you use S4 by including as much detail as possible when raising support tickets, either through the “Support” widget on S4 or by sending an email to s4labour@cattonhospitality.com. To support you most efficiently, we need to […]
S4Labour’s Living Wage Research
S4Labour’s research on the National Living Wage Read about S4Labour’s research in today’s Story of the Day in Propel.