By Andrew Carr , Operations Director, ETC Finance Margins are tight, costs are rising, and every decision now has a bigger impact on the bottom line. That’s why the new Employment Rights Act coming into effect in April isn’t just an HR issue, it’s a commercial one. If you employ people, these changes will affect your risk, your costs, and how you run your business. To be fair there’s a lot to pay attention to as this is the biggest shift in employment law I’ve seen in a long

By Lana Gasimova, Head of Business Development, ETC Finance   I come from hospitality, not finance. I’ve worked the floor, managed pressure, dealt with last-minute curveballs and made decisions in real time, often with a guest standing right in front of me. So, when I talk about finance, I don’t talk in spreadsheets. I talk in service, standards, and survival. ·      Do I comp that table to save the relationship? ·      Do I bring in an extra staff member to protect service?

By Lana Gasimova, Head of Business Development, ETC Finance Valentine’s Day is usually all about flowers, grand gestures and promises of “forever”.But in business? The relationships that matter most aren’t built in a day - they’re built on trust, consistency and showing up when it counts, just like partners do. At ETC Finance, we see it every day. Behind every successful hospitality group, restaurant brand or growing venue is a financial relationship that works with the busin

By Lana Gasimova, Head of Business Development, ETC Finance I’ve spent my entire career in hospitality - working alongside operators, founders and leadership teams in an industry where decisions are made fast and the margin for error is small. Over the years, one thing has become very clear to me - hospitality teaches you about risk in a way few other industries can. I didn’t learn about risk from textbooks or financial theory. I learned it through real conversations with peo

By Lana Gasimova , Head of Business Development, ETC Finance  As we step into 2026, the UK hospitality sector faces both challenges and opportunities.  Rising costs, staffing pressures, and fluctuating consumer demand mean businesses must be strategic. Setting clear resolutions for your business - now - can make the difference between just surviving and truly thriving this year.Use the quieting downturn of January to reset your mindset, focus on your goals for the next 12 mon

Andrew Carr ,   ETC Finance Last Sunday, my wife and I made our annual visit to Waddesdon Manor  to enjoy the Christmas Market and the lights display. It’s a National Trust property we’ve been visiting for more than 30 years now – first as a couple, then as a family, and now once again as a couple. And, of course, no visit would be complete without my traditional treat of the old fashioned sweets - Pineapple Chunks. Walking around, I found myself reflecting on how the busines

Today, 17 December 2025, The newly reported figures on inflation offer some small relief for the hospitality sector.  At ETC Finance, we are analysing the implications of this situation and how it impacts you. This comes with the expectation of an interest rate cut next week, which should offer some relief to the hospitality sector. 1) Demand & Pricing: Falling inflation helps real incomes, but growth is still fragile What’s changing: Headline CPI fell to 3.2% in Nov-25; food

ETC Finance is delighted to announce the appointment of Lana Gasimova as its new Head of Business Development, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the company. As the firm expands its operational capability and strengthens its internal infrastructure, the London based financial consultancy is now primed to welcome a broader and more ambitious portfolio of clients. Gasimova’s appointment signals ETC Finance’s commitment to elevating its impact across the hospi

Currently, the primary concern for most executives appears to be the impact of artificial intelligence on their businesses. We’ve been collectively considering where ETC is on this curve, if that’s the best description, and what and how we need to move further into the world of AI to see how it can assist ETC and our clients. At ETC, we believe in the power of building genuine relationships. We make it a priority to connect with clients and potential customers, taking the tim

By Andrew Carr , ETC Finance All views shared are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ETC Over the weekend, I found myself celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary in a charming Cotswold pub. As I enjoyed a beer or two with my wife and family, the pleasurable experience reminded me of a recent BBC article about the trend of adult-only pubs. It made me pause and reflect. Having worked in the hospitality sector for the most of my career, I have seen t

By Andrew Carr,  Operations Director, ETC All views shared are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ETC Recent political events have shown how quickly the landscape can shift at the highest levels of government. In that sense, the hospitality sector is, for now, somewhat fortunate: the Chancellor remains in post and will deliver her next budget on 26th November . Interesting timing in the sense of how close that is to the peak season for hospitality

Making the most of the glorious sunshine this weekend, I took the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing pint in my local pub garden and take some uninterrupted thinking time. About Christmas. Future planning is essential for businesses, as it enables them to anticipate challenges, adapt to market shifts, and position themselves for long-term success.   In the hospitality industry the festive season can literally make or break a business.  The next 6 months from September to March

Whilst taking a well earned break recently I was in the fortunate position to spend some time in France, and was considering the potential impact of a Young Persons Movement Scheme for people under 30 from the UK to the European Union. Free movement  between the UK and the European Union ended on 31 December 2020 and on 1 January 2021, the UK implemented a points-based immigration system that prioritises skills and talent over where a person comes from. Since the end of free

As a hospitality business owner, effective accounting practices are essential for managing your finances, making informed decisions, and ensuring the financial health of your business. Hospitality accounting comes with its own unique challenges, but with the right strategies in place, you can streamline your financial processes and maximize your profitability. We’re sharing some of our top tips to help you find your footing in the world of hospitality accounting. Many of the

In a recent article published by Propel, a spotlight is cast on the ever-evolving nature of the hospitality industry in the UK. The data...

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving leisure industry, businesses have a need to constantly innovate and find ways to stay competitive....