A businesswoman hoping to launch her new venture at the end of the year has called a recruitment crisis in the hospitality sector a “real obstacle”.
Debbie Tams has spent the past few years planning a new luxury beauty salon, mini-spa and restaurant in Basford, in Stoke-on-Trent.
Her business, called Beauty and the Bistro, has already encountered various setbacks including the loss of a funder.
But help from local firm Signature Funding Solutions enabled her to get back on track, and newly-appointed builders Sneyd Construction are pressing on with the plans.
Now the recruitment of a head chef is the next obstacle to overcome.
Debbie, who has invested over £2 million in the business, said: “The labour shortage is creating massive problems in our industry but, as a new business, it seems even harder to get the right staff.
“Wages for chefs have doubled in the last few years because there are so few of them. With that and the increased cost of ingredients, it is no wonder menu prices have gone up and we’re in a cost-of-living crisis.
“The restaurant will be a key part of the business and it is imperative we find the right person to help with menus, strategies, suppliers and partnerships before we open.
“I knew things were tough in recruitment but I never envisaged they would be this hard.”
Building work is due to be completed in August or September, then the fit-out can begin.
Around 50 full and part time jobs should be created when Beauty and the Bistro, on Etruria Road, is fully open. The beauty quarter is expected to launch first.
Debbie added: “I’m utterly delightful that things are progressing with us again and can’t wait to open.
“With today’s busy lifestyles, it is ideal to have an urban day spa that you don’t need to book a weekend away for.
“People will be able to pop in for a few hours in the morning or after work.
“The restaurant will serve quality dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, whilst keeping the prices as sensible as possible.
“We just really need that all-important chef.”
ONS labour market figures released yesterday, 11 July, show the UK unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points for March to May 2023.
Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said the organisation is concerned about the persistent tightness in the labour market, adding to the costs and difficulties facing businesses.
She also said: “Staff shortages continue to damage growth and business activity.
“Our research shows that three quarters of firms (73%) are facing skills shortages, and in some cases, this means turning away new business.
“Fierce competition for skills, wage demands and candidates’ expectations leave many businesses with job vacancies they can’t fill.
“All of this, on top of rising interest rates, and stubbornly high inflation, makes it a perilous environment for business.”
- Interviews for the job at Beauty and the Bistro will take place on 21 July. Anyone interested in applying can find out more here.
