News

Employee engagement more important than ever

Whether the UK is in a recession or not, it’s business as usual at the Purple Palace. Whilst we are keen observers of what’s going on around us, we’ll be applying our usual energy and positivity to the situation at hand, and continuing to help organisations engage, develop and retain their people.

Continue reading 14 April 2008

Strategy Clinic - Persistent Sick Leave

"How can I deal with staff who persistently take sick leave?"

Continue reading 3 April 2008

Leap year: If you're proposing to leap into action?

I'm down on one knee in the middle of a restaurant, asking the Italian waiter Hugo (with a silent H) to marry me. We've known each other for only 30 seconds, but when you know, you know - you know?

Continue reading 28 February 2008

Who Stole all my talent?

Labour turnover within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry is, by conservative estimates, at least 30% - though many believe it to be much higher. One study by Leeds University concluded that the average turnover rate within the licensed trade runs at 188%. The financial cost of poor retention is large and frustrating. In addition to the direct costs of recruitment, training and interim cover, there are significant indirect costs.

Continue reading 22 February 2008

2008 Caterer and Hotelkeeper Awards

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THE PEOPLE'S CHOICES

The winners of the 2008 Caterer and Hotelkeeper Best Places to Work in Hospitality Awards were announced this week. Karl Cushing looks at what the top companies did to impress the judging panel.

Continue reading 21 February 2008

Strategy Clinic - Bullying

"As a hotel GM, I'm worried about the behaviour of the chefs in our kitchen and know that some of the 'banter' probably amounts to bullying. How can I deal with this?"

Continue reading 26 January 2008

The Ultimate Question

Continue reading 25 January 2008

Purple Wave New Years 08

25 January 2008

A-Hunting We Will Go

Last summer, before launching his own restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida, Hollywood actor and funnyman Danny DeVito was spotted at a local restaurant where he was accused of trying to poach the female maitre d'. As it transpired, the maitre d' stayed in her post and the actor's spokesperson neither admitted nor denied the allegation. But whether the story is true or not, the fact is that staff poaching is an everyday occurrence in the hospitality industry.

Continue reading 10 January 2008

Anthony Thwaites

Anthony Thwaites, General Manager of Malmaison London is in the hot seat first in 2008 and reveals his inner self.

1. Anthony, can you give us a brief introduction to Malmaison?

Malmaison is a group of 11 daringly different hotels with a mission to simply bring our guests the best stay possible through our great people. We recruit genuine, bonifide stars that have a passion to deliver great service, be it from our brasseries, bars or bedrooms.

Continue reading 7 January 2008