#106 - Conrad Brunton Discusses Hospitality Challenges

In Episode 106 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous sits down with Conrad Brunton, the founder of Tonic Talent, a specialist recruitment company catering to the hospitality and catering sectors. This engaging conversation covers a range of pressing issues faced by hospitality businesses, from staff shortages and wage increases to the importance of creating a positive workplace culture.

One of the episode's most notable parts is Conrad's journey from bankruptcy to building a thriving business. He shares how his early experiences in hospitality, including owning a fish and chip shop, have shaped his approach to recruitment. Through Tonic Talent, he's worked to disrupt the traditional recruitment model by taking a more hands-on approach with both clients and candidates, ensuring a deep understanding of both the company culture and the individual needs of workers.

The conversation touches on the significant shifts in the labour market, particularly within hospitality. Conrad discusses the impact of Brexit and the pandemic, which left a gap in the workforce that has yet to be filled. A striking quote from Conrad sums up the current state of the industry: "The pool of talent in hospitality is shallower than it ever has been before." This underscores the challenge many businesses face when finding and retaining skilled staff.

One of the most thought-provoking moments in the episode comes when Conrad explains the importance of treating staff as well as customers. He suggests that businesses should focus on the customer journey and the staff journey, creating an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. This approach could be the key to attracting and retaining the best talent, especially in an industry known for its high turnover.

Conrad also touches on the generational shift in work culture. He discusses how younger workers, particularly from Gen Z, are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to work for companies that align with their values, like sustainability and making a difference. Conrad's insights into developing a supportive work environment and encouraging passion for the job are key takeaways for any business owner in the hospitality sector.

Suppose you're a business owner or manager in hospitality. In that case, this episode is packed with valuable insights on improving staff retention, creating a better working environment, and understanding the new dynamics in recruitment. Conrad's experiences and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the current challenges in the industry.

To learn more about Tonic Talent and Conrad's strategies to help businesses find the right staff, tune in to The Ceres Podcast, Episode 106. Don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights and discussions on business and hospitality topics that matter to you.