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testing and refinement before ever reaching a guest. He adds,“ We have talented chefs everywhere, and we want ideas to come from our individual kitchens, not just our central food team.”
Investment and innovation
That balance between structure and creativity paid off this year when Signature took home Gold and Best in Class in the Meat & Potato category at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray. The winning Outlander Pie, developed by Group Food Development Manager Emma Clark-Szabo, drew on one of Scotland’ s best-known flavor combinations but presented it in a new way. Emma says,“ The inspiration was to take the classic Scottish trio of haggis, neeps, and tatties then turn it into something more refined and creative, because honestly, what isn’ t better in pastry?”
But inside the business, the win mattered less as a trophy and more as proof that a disciplined development process can deliver products that resonate with customers and still make commercial sense.
Signature’ s investment goes beyond venues and concepts. The group has made workforce development a strategic priority because people drive the next phase of growth.“ We’ re still investing heavily in our people. Hospitality is a people business, so attracting great talent, developing them, and building true career paths in the group is just as important as investing in bricks and mortar.” That mindset drives the company’ s People Powered Growth program, which the leadership team plans to make more central across the business. He continues,“ Another priority for 2026 is really establishing our People Powered Growth program. Success in business comes from our people and from
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