In support of the hospitality community in the South, Bournemouth University returned to the Hotel and Catering Show for the third year running. This impressive event brings people and organisations together to find solutions for sourcing skills, products and services; and business networking, specifically serving the hospitality sector.

Claire Main, Business Engagement Consultant for the School of Tourism commented: “We are committed to supporting the industry and it is a great opportunity for the University to get involved with the show and engage with the public. It is also an ideal time to talk to businesses about our range of services, including bespoke accredited courses and other cost effective services to gain a competitive edge be it through consultancy, student placements or funded projects. One of our latest clients is New Forest Biscotti, a local company requiring support to develop new products.”

This year, two University academic experts were invited to speak at the event. Dr Charles McIntyre and Professor Dimitrios Buhalis entertained and informed visitors with their latest research and advice. Charles outlined how small changes in hospitality space design can increase customer satisfaction and improve an enterprise’s spatial attractiveness. Dimitrios revealed ways in which the industry can take advantage of new technological opportunities, most significantly social media.

For more information on business services and to engage with the BU academic team, contact Claire Main – cmain@bournemouth.ac.uk.