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about amplifying the voice of the Scottish hospitality sector by raising awareness of the current challenges and calling for necessary action. Amidst the plethora of problems, however, Signature continues to thrive, having set an exemplary example throughout one of the UK’ s most difficult times.
“ During COVID, we led by example. We decided that we would be the gold standard and do everything to the letter of the law,” Louise reveals.“ Incidentally, it gave us great publicity because the Scottish Government acknowledged what we were doing. When Nicola Sturgeon reopened hospitality, she came to our Cold Town House venue to announce its reopening because we were so committed to opening in a safe, responsible way. Our strategy meant that people felt confident and reassured, even though they were perhaps scared. It helped us to come out of the pandemic stronger and more profitable than we could have with a different strategy.
“ Then the cost-of-living crisis hit, and the governments have completely turned their back on hospitality. Neither the English nor Scottish Governments seem to care about our sector at all. We sit in meetings, write papers, try to influence policy, but it has become apparent over the years that we’ re on our own. We’ ve had to put our prices up a bit, but we’ ve pushed the quality of our menu. I
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