Seeing Plymouth Through The Lens Of The Devon Business Show 2019...

Why are hospitality entrepreneurs, local businesses and our community so intertwined..?

Plymouth Pavilions was home to a monumental annual event yesterday here in Plymouth; The Devon Business Show 2019; hosted by the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Of Commerce.

A sensational event that I’m always so thrilled to attend; not just to share news on Strathmore House Apartments and the New Continental Hotel, but to meet new and old friends and see familiar faces!

What I love...

Our city is a sensational one. I am madly, deeply and truly in love with every aspect of it. It is characterised not only by the amazing vista, rich history and sensational things to see and do; but by something which I think is most important of all...the people.

In my opinion, what makes our city so very remarkable is the people that care so much about it. People who are invested, passionate, innovative, brave, bold and curious - but also people with a true sense of pride for our shining city by the sea.

Why people in Plymouth matter...

People matter because they bring things alive. Their personality is what helps separate businesses from their competition, but it’s also what puts destinations on maps, places in people’s hearts and things to do on bucket lists!

This is applicable to most industries, but let’s takes hostility and tourism as an example:

We are a customer-service driven sector whereby our employees are our brand ambassadors...and Plymouth’s too! A single member of staff could be the difference between a happy customer and an irate one; or a customer that spends locally and returns year on year verses a customer who never comes again! 

Our staff care because they want to ensure guests have the best experiences possible, making sure they see and explore as much of our city as they possibly can. Engaging with customers can ensure they are getting the truest and best possible impression of our city and its greatness before they wave goodbye. 

Like our staff; people have to want to make Plymouth's tomorrow better than today, at The Devon Business Show, the room was alive with personalities and people that care –people with pride.

What comes to mind...

When you think about the hospitality sector; what is it that comes to mind?

The answer will no doubt depend on the relationship you have with it; as with anything, it’s your relationship that creates your perspective.

For a customer; hospitality will conjure up images of hotels and restaurants, travel and relaxation.

For an employee; it will be a sector that you love, in a city you care about, doing a profession which is more than just a job!

What about for the local Business Community..?

Walking around the Business Show yesterday, what really struck me were the bonds, ties and connections that the people behind the businesses had with each other, and how intent everyone was to share their success, to grow success and to create partnerships NOT simply make transactions.

It was clear that businesses there understood that by working together, sharing sector knowledge, resources and customers, together we could create robust and long lasting relationships that show no signs of losing momentum, but every sign of gaining it.

We need celebrate...

We need to celebrate the people! Plymouth is beautiful ...but look at who it’s home to.

Whether it’s someone walking down the cobbles and smiling, a member of staff so satisfied with their work place and life that they WANT to help, or a business owner who is defeating the challenging social and economic landscape by positive actions and a powerful vision.

We ALL are what makes our city great and we are what will continue to make it greater.

The economic and social fortunes of our city and communities are determined by the people – those who seek to bring benefits for all. A good local economy is one where there are strong networks across all sectors. Networks and leadership which stewards investment, so that it brings a range of economic, social and environmental benefits.

People in Plymouth will be what attracts good fortune...

I truly believe it's the people that bring customers back to a community. It is the people that will bolster tourism and business and contribute to the local vibe.

Whether you are selling locally made goods, houses or bus tickets – together we are all in the hospitality business really.

Because ultimately hospitality is simply the desire for one person to take a personal interest in ensuring another person has a good experience - no matter what the product or service.

Yesterday showed that our community, our city and our businesses united are what helps bring personality to our very beautiful city by the sea.

Thank you to Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce once again for putting the perfect lens over our perfect city through great business. 

If you would like to work in partnership with Strathmore House Apartments or the New Continental Hotel - I would LOVE to hear from you.