M&C takes five minutes with Kevin Charity, founder and managing director of the Coaching Inn Group (formerly Bulldog Hotel Group) to talk about turning fans into devotees, why the Government should not interfere in wage setting and why he has no plans to succeed Sepp Blatter
What’s your main business priority for the coming 12 months?
Growth! We are in a real exciting area of the sector with great opportunities coming up, however keeping our service and product consistent as we grow & expand is vital to our success. Consistency has always been our secret weapon.
What is the best marketing campaign you have seen this year?
Reds True BBQ - “Reds church of true bbq”. They have impressed me with the way they have turned liking what they do into a faith, using words like “worship” and “pilgrimage” is really effective. It’s a unique way of turning fans into devotees.
Where did you have your best meal this year?
I had the pleasure of trying a Juicy Bastard Burger at “Pub Love’s” Exmouth Arms. The description was not wrong! It was amazingly juicy. Full credit to Ben Stackhouse and his Burgercraft concept.
Which business in the sector provided the best experience?
I called into the Moat House Inn at Alcester recently, the latest Lovely Pubs outlet. Paul Salisbury and his team seem to be able to deliver every time. My visit was faultless
What is your main concern for the sector?
Wage costs. In my view government involvement in setting wage levels does not work. The living wage announcement was a headline grabbing stunt that in the short term we can cope with. My worry is the Government’s obsession of managing their own balance sheet will have a detrimental effect on ours.
Which other business (any sector) would you most like to run and why?
FIFA president once had its benefits, but my heart and soul has always been in hospitality, so this industry is hard to beat. Working with people is what gives me the most pleasure
