This event is part of a new series from Bristol Food Network and Bristol BID bringing the hospitality sector together to tackle the challenges that matter right now. These sessions focus on practical, real-world solutions, supporting businesses to run more resilient, responsible operations while staying commercially viable. Designed for busy operators, each event creates space to share honest experiences, learn from peers, network and explore what’s actually working across Bristol’s food and drink scene.

Hospitality that works for everyone

Are staff wellbeing and turnover rates affecting your business? The launch event of this new series explores the real challenges behind staffing, retention, and wellbeing, and what’s proving effective in practice.

Join a room full of restaurant owners, managers, chefs, and operators facing the same challenges. Hear honest conversations on what’s working and what isn’t, share experiences, and walk away with ideas you can put straight into action.

You will hear from Dan Ford, Square Food Foundation; Jez Kynaston, The Assemblies; and Tess Lidstone, BOX-E. Together, they will explore what is really driving staff turnover and how to create environments where people really enjoy their work.The session will explore how to engage young people into hospitality, what staff wellbeing looks like in practice, and building environments where staff thrive long-term.

Alongside short talks, there will be a panel discussion with audience Q&A, plus live polling to compare where Bristol businesses are right now on recruitment and wellbeing.

Agenda:

10:00 – Doors open (networking & refreshments)

10:30 – Welcome

10:35 – Speaker sessions

11:05 – Panel discussion + Q&A

11:35 – Networking

12:00 – Close

This first event is about bringing the sector together, building momentum, sharing knowledge, and starting conversations that continue beyond the room. If you run or manage a hospitality business in Bristol, this is for you.