Issue 17
A global manufacturer of POS hardware, Star Micronics has been supporting restaurateurs for over 30 years with efficient and reliable solutions. At the forefront of product innovation and with a reputation for quality and reliability, Star offers unified hardware to streamline operations across front and back of house, online and table ordering as well as self-service kiosks, ensuring fast and reliable service every time.
• High performance POS receipt printers
• Versatile label printers for takeaway and delivery
• Cloud-connected kitchen order printers
• Reliable self-service kiosk solutions
• Mobile Order and Pay solutions
• Cash drawers, scanners and tablet stands
Publication
James Freeman - 01227 314
Editorial
Katie Jane - 01227 314 325
Graphic
Daisy Shingles - 01227 314 325
Innovative Solutions To Address Food Ordering Challenges in Hospitality
In a progressively diverse operating environment in which businesses are having to navigate an ever-wider range of challenges, innovative technology can help to successfully drive food preparation efficiency as well as provide opportunities to diversify and boost revenue
With food and beverages increasingly ordered via multiple channels, demand for versatile food labelling solutions alongside technology to facilitate remote ordering has surged. By investing in innovative technology and futureproof solutions, businesses have the potential to enhance order accuracy and capitalise on future opportunities.
Given the increase in orders from a variety of channels including restaurant, kiosk / self-service, drive through as well as online collection and delivery, an efficient and accurate ordering process becomes essential, especially given stricter requirements for food labelling, allergies and customer order exceptions.
Printed orders can vastly improve order accuracy and with a growing number of custom orders and order modifications, a printed order that can be sent directly from the POS system, self-ordering kiosk or online app to the kitchen, allows all staff members to see the customer’s requirements clearly, and effectively cuts down on errors. Serving accurate quantities and items first time improves order efficiency, while allowing for increased table and order turnaround.
Tablet and Cloud Connectivity
To optimise operational efficiency and reduce potentially costly downtime in a challenging environment, scalability and flexibility are key. Feature-rich hardware with versatile connectivity to support fixed, mobile and Cloud applications as well as the flexibility
of multi-platform integration across iOS / Android / Windows / Mac / Linux / ChromeOS/Web offers a range of options as the business evolves.
Central to achieving this is technology such as Star CloudPRNT™ which is is built into all of Star’s latest thermal receipt and label printers. Using Star CloudPRNT, food and beverage orders or labels created through web apps and Cloud-based software can be directly printed in the bar or kitchen without the need for an additional tablet or device to input the order, saving time and increasing order accuracy.
In addition to Star’s core CloudPRNT technology, Star’s managed service StarIO.Online, enables businesses to print to any CloudPRNT-compatible device with real-time monitoring and centralised control. Running on securely managed Cloud servers, StarIO.Online allows users to reliably track print jobs, barcode scans, new device connections as well as status
monitoring of printers, scanners, connected cash drawers and other devices in a single or multi-venue environment.
This can prove invaluable for restaurants in terms of deployment, updates and device management, saving time and reducing costs.
New Food Labelling Technologies
With the growth of multichannel ordering accompanied by increasing demand for customer collection, third party delivery and legislation around accurate ingredients and allergy identification, the requirement for efficient and versatile food and beverage labelling is growing. Amongst the range of labelling solutions currently available, linerless labels without traditional backing paper offer both ecofriendly properties and operational efficiencies.
Star linerless label printers allow food orders to be printed onto
variable length ‘sticky receipts’ which can follow the order through the preparation process and can even be used as the final bag seal with customer pick up order number and / or delivery address.
The expertly designed and compact TSP143IV SK linerless label printer is ideally suited for this application featuring a fast print speed while benefitting from an internal power supply and 4-year warranty as standard. Able to print on 40mm, 58mm or 80mm wide linerless restick labels as well as receipts, the TSP143IV SK includes a paper taken sensor to queue multiple orders. The X4 version of the printer connects to USB, Ethernet LAN, Bluetooth, WiFi and includes Star CloudPRNT technology, offering a highly versatile label printing solution.
For businesses that require both food order and label printing solutions, the multi-media Star mCLabel2 and mC-Label3 printers can print traditional pre-formatted die cut labels, high adhesive permanent and semi-permanent linerless labels as well as receipts. This offers the ideal solution for printing different sized and types of labels from 25mm to 80mm wide including permanent food and allergy labels for food storage, customer collection and delivery labels as well as customer orders. And, featuring the same benefits as Star’s receipt printing range including tablet and
Cloud connectivity for ease of setup and multi-estate provisioning, these printers excel in all regards.
Simple Installation and Operation
Hardware that is easy to set up and allows a fast-paced hospitality business to be up and running within minutes and serving customers quickly with minimal technical support required is invaluable. Delivering a new BLE based WLAN and Bluetooth setup designed to simplify wireless connectivity ‘out-of-the-box’, the new X4 version of the TSP143IV SK and mC-Label2 label printers allow users to quickly connect via an auto-generated QR code or via the Star Quick Set Up Utility and be online within less than a minute. For multi-site installations, this also provides simple and straightforward provisioning of multiple printers.
Investment in Technology
Successfully addressing the challenges facing the hospitality industry requires investment in the necessary tools and futureproof solutions. Without a doubt, businesses that commit to such technology will be best positioned to optimise operational efficiencies and in turn boost revenue.
For more information, please visit: www.star-emea.com
Unlocking Big Entertainment Value with HQ.FM’s Quiz & Bingo Software
In a world where entertainment costs can quickly spiral out of control, HQ.FM’s Quiz and Bingo Software stands out as a smart, cost-effective solution for pubs, clubs, and community venues looking to draw in crowds and keep them engaged; all under one budget-friendly subscription
For a low weekly cost of only £20, subscribers get access to a fullfeatured entertainment platform that combines both quiz nights and bingo sessions; two of the most crowd-pleasing formats in one simple subscription. Rather than juggling multiple services or paying individual licensing fees for different games, HQ.FM offers an all-in-one solution that streamlines event planning and maximises value.
What really sets this software apart is its dual-offering entertainment. Hosts can run a high-quality quiz night one evening and a fun, lively bingo game the next—all using the same intuitive system. That variety
alone means you’re getting two types of events for the price of one, giving customers more reasons to come back, night after night. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a tool to build community and create consistent foot traffic.
Even more compelling is the time-saving benefit of HQ.FM’s professionally written quiz content. Each week, subscribers receive TWO brand-new quizzes, carefully crafted to be fun, challenging, and current. This eliminates the hours spent researching and writing questions, allowing venues to focus on hosting and promoting the event. When you factor in the saved labour and creative time, the subscription virtually pays for itself.
Add to that the easy-to-use interface, engaging visuals, and mobile/tablet compatibility, and it’s clear that HQ.FM is designed with real-world venues and real audiences in mind. The flexibility to customise and control the pace of the games makes it suitable for both seasoned hosts and newcomers.
With entertainment budgets under more scrutiny than ever, HQ.FM offers a rare combination of affordability, quality, and versatility. Whether you’re a small bar wanting to spice up weeknights or a large venue looking to streamline your entertainment lineup, the return on investment is undeniable.
For one low weekly fee, you’re not just getting software; you’re unlocking a year-round strategy for driving engagement and increasing revenue.
HQ.FM isn’t just a platform—it’s your entertainment partner.
Contact HQ.FM today to schedule a demo and see how their platform can elevate your venue’s entertainment game.
Find us at: www.hashtagquiz.co.uk
Contact Simon at 07941 322339 or ops@hashtaghosts.co.uk
Rethinking Guest Engagement: Why Hospitality Needs an Always-Reply Future
The hospitality industry is undergoing a fundamental shift. Traditional PMS-led systems are giving way to AIpowered ecosystems where guest communication is no longer an afterthought—it’s the centerpiece of the experience
Yet despite advances in booking engines and guest apps, a surprising number of guest interactions still fall through the cracks. A reply to a confirmation email or a question sent via WhatsApp often goes unanswered. This creates a gap between intention and execution, one that technology must now bridge.
TrustYou, long known for its guest feedback and reputation tools, is taking on that challenge with a new approach: Hospitality AI. This system connects realtime guest feedback, outbound communication, and automated responses into a seamless loop. The goal is simple: to ensure that no message goes unanswered and that every touchpoint—before, during, or after a stay—adds value to the guest experience.
Merge your customers’ touchpoints across all platforms and channels (PMS, guest feedback, loyalty, website, etc.), remove data duplication, and gain unified insights using our AI-powered CDP.
At the heart of this system is a Customer Data Platform (CDP) that centralizes guest data from various systems—PMS, marketing, booking engines, and more. This “golden profile” helps segment audiences, trigger timely communications, and inform every interaction with history and context.
Supporting the CDP is a Customer Experience Platform (CXP) that gathers guest feedback through surveys and reviews. It analyzes sentiment, identifies service gaps, and helps hotels respond quickly and at scale.
Unlike a CRM, a CDP unifies all guest data—from PMS, IBE, marketing, and other systems, not just sales interactions. It acts as the central intelligence layer for all outbound guest communication.
Finally, AI Agents close the loop by handling inbound messages automatically—whether it’s a room request, an upsell opportunity, or a service issue. These agents use the CDP data to personalize responses and act in real time.
The result is not just automation, but orchestration. An integrated approach that turns guest communication into a dynamic, two-way conversation—no matter the channel or time of day.
As hotels adapt to post-pandemic expectations, this kind of responsiveness may no longer be optional. It may be the new standard.
For more information, please visit: www.explore.trustyou.com
How AI is Changing the Face of Hospitality
The hospitality industry has always been about one thing: creating unforgettable guest experiences. But in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, hotels, restaurants, and travel companies are turning to a new ally to make that happen - Artificial Intelligence (AI). Far from being a distant scifi concept, AI is already here, reshaping the way businesses welcome, serve, and delight their guests
Personalisation at Its Best
Imagine checking into a hotel and being greeted by name, offered your preferred room type, and receiving dining recommendations that perfectly match your taste, all without saying a word. That’s the power of AI. By analyzing guest preferences and past behaviour, AI delivers personalised experiences that make guests feel recognised and valued. It’s about anticipating needs before they’re even expressed.
Smarter Operations Behind the Scenes
Much of AI’s magic happens out of sight. Virtual assistants and chatbots handle routine enquiries around the clock, giving staff more time for meaningful, face-to-face service. In the kitchen, AI forecasting helps reduce food waste by predicting demand more accurately. Hotels are also turning to AI-driven predictive maintenance, fixing potential issues before they disrupt a guest’s stay.
Driving Revenue and Marketing Innovation
AI is a game changer when it comes to revenue management and marketing. Intelligent pricing systems adjust room rates in real time to maximise occupancy and revenue. Meanwhile, marketing teams use AI to segment audiences, tailor campaigns, and connect with guests more effectively. The result
is smarter promotions, stronger engagement, and loyal customers who keep coming back.
Supporting Sustainability
With eco-conscious travel on the rise, sustainability is now central to hospitality. AI is helping businesses meet these expectations through smart energy management systems that monitor and reduce energy usage. By optimising heating, lighting, and cooling, hotels can lower costs while contributing to greener operations, a win for both guests and the planet.
The Human Touch, Enhanced
AI isn’t replacing people, it’s enhancing their roles. By taking care of repetitive tasks, AI allows staff to focus on what matters most: delivering warm, genuine hospitality. This balance ensures guests enjoy both the efficiency of modern technology and the personal touch that makes hospitality unique.
AI is no longer a luxury; it’s becoming a necessity. For businesses willing to embrace it, the opportunities are endless: better service, smoother operations, and unforgettable guest experiences that define the future of hospitality.
Hospitality Tech Startup Inntelo AI Raises Over £500k in Pre-Seed Round
UK-based hospitality technology company Inntelo AI has raised more than £500,000 in a preseed funding round to fuel its commercial growth. It follows impressive early traction, with multiple hotels adopting its AI Concierge platform
The £506,000 round was led by venture capital fund Haatch and its partner British Business Bank, with participation from Look AI Ventures. The round also included support from several angel investors, including former executives from Trip.com, DocuSign, and others. It follows an earlier £120,000 investment from Antler, the world’s most active early-stage investor, at the company’s inception.
Inntelo AI has developed an innovative platform for hotels that combines guest and team communication seamlessly, leveraging both conversational and agentic AI to improve the guest experience while delivering real operational efficiencies. The Inntelo AI Concierge automates guest enquiries via WhatsApp or phone and converts them into coordinated tasks, improving team responsiveness across all departments, including housekeeping, maintenance, food and beverage outlets, spas, and any other services the hotel provides.
While all industries are undergoing AI transformation, hotels face unique pressures: growing competition, rising costs, and the need to attract a new generation of workers. At the same time, real estate owners, brands, and operators are re-evaluating their models as AI becomes capable of delivering human-like guest
interactions and improving team coordination at scale.
Inntelo’s solution is built with deep domain expertise and aims to benefit all key stakeholders – hotel guests, teams, brands, and owners. The company has already gained traction with both independent and franchised hotels, including Radisson and Wyndham branded properties in the UK, UAE, and across Europe, with more hotels currently being onboarded.
The seed funding will help accelerate the company’s commercial growth, expanding sales and marketing while supporting ongoing customer deployments and integration with property management systems.
Inntelo AI was co-founded by CEO Asif Alidina, who has previously worked for over a decade in hotel housekeeping and facilities management. The hands-on experience of the startup’s leadership team – combined with a newly announced global advisory board of senior operators, technologists, and academics from companies including Accor, Fairmont, and Hilton – ensures the company’s solutions are aligned with real-world hospitality needs.
Asif Alidina, Co-Founder and CEO of Inntelo AI, said: “Hospitality’s AI transformation must be led from within the industry. Too often, hotels have struggled to adopt new technologies because they were developed without real operational insight. We’re incredibly excited about this new era, where the hospitality sector can not only embrace technology earlier than ever before, but also lead the way for the wider real estate and service industries.
“AI can improve guest experiences and create better working environments for hotel teams. That’s the future we’re building toward, and this round gives us the support to move faster and go further.”
Fred Soneya, Co-Founder and General Partner at Haatch, added: “Inntelo AI has all the hallmarks we look for in a high-potential startup – deep sector knowledge, real operational insight, and a product solving a clear pain point in a large, global market. We’re excited to back Asif and the team as they help hotels unlock the power of AI to transform the guest experience and streamline operations at scale.”
Angelo Burgarello, Partner at Look AI Ventures, added: “At Look AI Ventures, we invest in transformative AI technologies with the potential to reshape entire industries. Inntelo AI perfectly embodies this vision. What immediately stood out to us was Inntelo’s ability to bridge the gap between guest expectations and hotel staff operations, something most solutions address only partially. The result is a unified, elevated guest journey and highly efficient hotel staff coordination. We were particularly impressed by the team’s deep domain expertise and the capabilities of their product. We’re proud to support the Inntelo team on their mission to redefine hospitality through AI-driven innovation.”
For more information, please visit: www.inntelo.com
Tired of room service trolleys lingering in the corridors?
If you want to banish smelly, dirty plates from your hotel’s corridors, get a tried and tested solution. There’s one that’s super user-friendly, gives a choice of notification methods and has, by far, the coolest choice of collection buttons. It’s Dinggly.
Dinggly buttons (Dingglies) connect directly to your WiFi or a cellular network so there’s never a range issue. A tablet programs and tracks buttons from the Room Service/IRD office, whilst staff on-the-move can get calls on their phones or the inclusive Dinggly wrist pager.
All Dingglies are special, but some are extra special. Our flexible designs cater for a wide range of budgets and aesthetics. All are rechargeable.
And if the budget is tight, we’ve QR tiles instead of buttons. So there’s no excuse for lingering whiffs!
Try Dinggly, risk free! Contact us here and we’ll set you up to give Dinggly a go.
Purple Joins Google Cloud Marketplace
Flexible purchasing options offer streamlined access to Purple’s Guest WiFi solutions through Google Cloud
Purple, a global leader in guest Wi-Fi, today announced that it has joined Google Cloud Partner Advantage as a Partner-level partner for the Build engagement model and has made its Guest WiFi solutions, Capture and Engage, available on Google Cloud Marketplace.
Purple’s availability on Google Cloud Marketplace provides Google Cloud users with a simplified way to purchase and deploy its Guest WiFi solutions. The listing includes Purple’s Capture Guest WiFi and offers flexible procurement options through Google Cloud Marketplace.
Key features of Purple Capture Guest WiFi include:
• Actionable Customer Data Capture: Captures first-party customer data to enrich CRM databases and improve customer insights.
• Email Verification: Verifies
customer email addresses to maintain a valid and valuable contact list for marketing.
Wi-Fi Analytics: Provides detailed insights on Wi-Fi usage and venue performance to support data-driven decisions.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to GDPR, CCPA, and other key data protection regulations.
Key features of Purple Engage Guest WiFi include:
• Tailored Communication Journeys: Enables automated, personalized interactions to convert guests into loyal customers.
Customized Access Journeys: Automates guest experiences based on behavior, location, and time to enhance engagement.
• Advanced Wi-Fi Analytics: Provides real-time insights into guest behavior, preferences, and demographics to inform marketing strategies.
• Seamless System Integration: Integrates effortlessly with over 400 connectors, including all top CRMs and loyalty platforms to enrich customer profiles.
• Flexible Add-Ons: Offers
enhanced functionality with optional features like Paid Wi-Fi and customer feedback surveys
“Joining Google Cloud Marketplace simplifies how organizations discover and deploy Purple’s Guest WiFi solutions,” said Bob Koch, Senior Vice President, Global Alliances, Purple. “It gives customers a straightforward way to explore our scalable platform and experience the value and benefits first-hand.”
“Bringing Purple to Google Cloud Marketplace will help customers quickly deploy, manage, and grow the company’s Guest WiFi solutions on Google Cloud’s trusted, global infrastructure,” said Dai Vu, Managing Director, Marketplace & ISV GTM Programs at Google Cloud. “Purple can now securely scale and support customers seeking to leverage the benefits of its Capture and Engage solutions.”
To learn more or access Purple on Google Cloud Marketplace, visit: https://console.cloud.google.com/ marketplace/product/purple-wifipublic/purple-wifi-subscriptionannual-1?hl=en&inv=1&invt=Ab4Fpw
Independent Hotel Show Opens Registration for 2025
Registration is now open for Independent Hotel Show 2025, in partnership with James Hallam, returning to Olympia London on 6–7 October
The Independent Hotel Show is the UK’s only trade show dedicated entirely to the boutique, independent and luxury hotel sector.
Each year, Independent Hotel Show welcomes thousands of hoteliers, interior designers, and hospitality decision-makers for two days of meaningful connection, expert insight and high-quality product sourcing. For anyone invested in the future of exceptional guest experiences, it’s an essential date in the calendar.
This year’s theme, Redefining Luxury, will explore how independent hospitality is responding to shifting guest expectations. From personalised service and sustainable choices to timeless design and emotional resonance, the event will spotlight how hoteliers are reimagining luxury for tomorrow’s travellers.
The 2025 edition of the show will feature a compelling programme of live content across three stages:
The Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with eviivo, will address operational challenges and strategic growth. The Innovation Stage will shine a light on emerging technologies and evolving guest behaviours.
Meanwhile, the Social Business Space, designed by Ches & Co, will give hoteliers a chance to engage in focused, peer-led conversations and interactive workshops designed to support hospitality leaders with practical solutions to implement in their business.
Guests visiting the show will have the opportunity to explore a curated showcase of over 200 leading
suppliers, from tech and linen to furniture, amenities, wellness and in-room experiences, all curated to meet the specific needs of independent hotels.
Whether hoteliers are planning a refurbishment, fine-tuning operations or looking for inspiration, the show provides a one-stop destination for tailored solutions and fresh ideas.
Also returning for 2025, the Independent Hotel Show Awards, in partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, will celebrate the individuals and teams shaping the future of the sector. The awards recognise the creativity, resilience and spirit that make independent hospitality such a vital and vibrant part of the industry, through
categories including Independent Hotel of the Year, Hotel Design of the Year, Hotel Rising Star, and an Outstanding Contribution award announced on the day of the event.
With its focus on quality, community and forward-looking content, Independent Hotel Show 2025 promises to be an unmissable experience for anyone shaping the guest journey, whether through design, technology, service or strategy.
Independent Hotel Show takes place on 6-7 October at Olympia London.
To secure your complimentary trade ticket and learn more about what’s in store at this year’s event, visit: www. independenthotelshow.co.uk
TURN A COCKTAIL INTO A CONCERT
Whether it’s Jazz, Hip-hop, Pop, Rock or Blues, music has the power to uplift, overcome and connect with people in ways no other creative art can.
The right music in a bar or restaurant could help your hospitality business fulfil its potential. But, using music in your restaurants and cafés is about more than just creating an enjoyable atmosphere. When used effectively, music has the potential to enhance your environment, bring people together and help your business stand out from your competitors.
Your customers are diverse, and your play-list can reflect that. Maybe you want them to feel relaxed with some feel-good music as they sit back and enjoy an after-work drink or meal. Or perhaps they enjoy listening to an in-house DJ as the cocktails flow.
Know your customers, involve your team! You could create a venue which is as much known for its music as it is for its excellent food and drinks. It’s all about the experience. Consequently, music can change that experience from good to outstanding!
What is TheMusicLicence?
If you use, play or perform music in your business or organisation, the chances are you need a music licence. Your music licence allows you to legally play music for your customers and employees in your business through the radio, TV, streaming services and of course, live performances.
Not only can TheMusicLicence benefit your business, but it also helps to protect the future of music. After our business costs, fees from TheMusicLicence are distributed to all those involved in making music via our parent companies PPL and PRS for Music.
This means that those people who write, perform, compose, record, or publish music are fairly rewarded for their talent and creativity.
(8am-6pm, Mon-Thurs & 8am-3pm Fri)
agree that music lifts the mood and creates a more welcoming atmosphere* 93%
85%
agree that background music helps them to feel more comfortable & relaxed.*
MUSIC FOR YOUR
Rightsify provides you with custom rights included. No more
YOUR HOTEL
custom music for hotels with all more license fees to PRS/PPL
Unlocking Your Digital Ordering Potential
- Why It Pays to Ditch Those “minimum”
Basic
Offerings
In the competitive hospitality industry, implementing an advanced, scalable, and guestfocused mobile ordering system is essential not only for enhancing revenue but also for building brand loyalty and ensuring operational efficiency
Basic or “free” mobile ordering solutions bundled with POS systems often lead to fragmented guest experiences and limited functionality, failing to meet the demands of today’s traveller.
IRIS, the global market leader in digital F&B ordering, guest directory and concierge solutions for hotels highlights the advantages of opting for a more robust Mobile Ordering platform:
Platform Agnosticism and Flexibility
A leading mobile ordering platform, such as IRIS’s system, integrates seamlessly with various POS providers and operates across all major devices and operating systems. This eliminates friction and fragmentation, ensuring guests enjoy a consistent and smooth experience regardless of the hotel they visit within a group.
Consistent Guest Experience Across Portfolios
The system supports a unified guest experience across a group’s diverse portfolio, reinforcing brand identity and loyalty through standardised service and presentation, irrespective of local POS providers.
Direct Integrations for a Connected Ecosystem
Direct integrations with hotel POS, PMS, SOS, and payment systems enable real-time synchronisation of orders, payments, and guest profiles. This minimises staff workload, prevents data duplication,
and enhances the accuracy of guest information.
Revenue-Boosting Features
Innovative capabilities include advanced ordering options, digital staff ordering, upsells, loyalty program integration, flexible billing, and rich content management, all designed to increase guest spend and operational efficiency.
Unified Guest Directory and OnDemand Service
The platform acts as a digital concierge, providing guests with easy access to hotel amenities, maps, menus, local attractions, events, and policies - streamlining check-ins and reducing pressure on front desk and concierge teams by enabling mobile service requests.
Scalability and Centralised Content Management
Hotels can scale the platform effortlessly across new properties
or brands, maintaining brand and service consistency. A centralised, easy-to-manage content management system ensures realtime updates and accurate guest information across the portfolio.
Mark Horne, IRIS CEO comments, “In today’s fast-paced world, disconnected systems leads to fragmented guest journeys, inconsistent brand experiences, and operational inefficiencies. While free solutions may seem attractive, they lack advanced features and group-wide capabilities necessary for long-term success. That’s exactly why more hotel brands are choosing IRIS - a multi-functional, guest experience platform built as an open platform for secure performance at scale.”
Start your journey with IRIS and unlock the full potential of your F&B operations today.
Please visit: www.iris.net.
Lolly Announces Exclusive Partnership with 125 Data & Insights to Drive Guest Satisfaction
New ‘freemium’ guest feedback tool available only to Lolly customers
Lolly, the UK-based hospitality technology specialist, has announced a new partnership with customer insight experts 125 Data & Insights, offering its clients exclusive early access to 125’s industry-leading guest feedback and reporting platform.
For the first time, Lolly customers can activate a six-month freemium trial of the 125 solution, enabling them to effortlessly deploy branded surveys, gather real-time customer feedback, and turn insights into measurable improvements. This marks the first exclusive rollout of its kind for 125, previously known as Feed It Back, and further strengthens Lolly’s mission to equip hospitality operators with smart, scalable tools that drive performance.
The solution includes readymade, high-performing surveys, NPS tracking, topic analysis, and the popular 125 Daily summary
of performance, empowering operators to identify trends, respond to customer sentiment, and benchmark their results. With survey completion rates averaging 80%, clients can generate powerful data to guide operations, improve satisfaction, and boost repeat visits.
Harriet Gribble, Product Manager at Lolly, commented, “This is a winwin for our clients. The 125 platform adds immediate value by turning customer feedback into action, and the six-month freemium offer means there’s zero barrier to trying it out. It’s another example of how we’re making smart technology simple, accessible, and impactful.”
The partnership offers dual value to both new and existing customers. New users will be invited to activate the feature during the onboarding journey, while current Lolly clients will be able to access it via a simple sign-up and ready-to-use survey templates.
Luci Cunningham, Sales Director at 125, added, “We’re absolutely thrilled about our new partnership with Lolly. Their dedication to supporting Food & Beverage operations aligns perfectly with our mission to empower businesses through actionable feedback. By combining Lolly’s operational excellence with our data and insights capabilities, we’re confident this collaboration will lead to happier customers and increased repeat visits.”
The exclusive trial went live in July, with the opportunity to continue using the service after the six months for a low-cost monthly fee. For Lolly clients, this collaboration delivers new opportunities to strengthen guest experiences and make informed business decisions without the complexity.
For more information, please visit: www.itslolly.com
How TISSL Swift Can Save You Time and Money During Peak Hours
We love the buzz of a busy restaurant, or a pub teeming with happy customers. And at these peak times, we need to know we can rely on our software and systems to see us through to the end of service. TISSL Swift is built for these moments.
TISSL Swift is a handheld POS device that enables you to do everything you need to do, wherever you are. Create orders, take payments, make adjustments, and manage your tables from anywhere, helping to speed up service and alleviate pressure.
Fewer complications, faster service
Speed of service is always key in the hospitality industry. You need to be able to see which tables are available and easily identify any customers that are waiting to order or pay.
TISSL Swift makes this a reality. The handheld device in your pocket enables you to quickly see whether customers are between courses, or finished with their meal, meaning staff don’t need to wait around to take an order or bring someone the bill. You can easily take payments on your POS device, with the capability to split the bill or add a custom tip all included.
This means tables can be turned at record speed, keeping your restaurant running smoothly and making the most of peak times by seating and serving as many guests as possible.
Less errors, more happy customers
Spending time correcting errors can often lead to more issues, slower services and dissatisfied customers. In hospitality, keeping the customer happy is key to a successful service – and we understand that limiting errors is paramount to this.
The TISSL Swift device enables
you to add modifiers, additional courses or bespoke notes onto each individual order, vastly reducing the chance of a mistake being made. You can note down allergens for specific customers, add guest reasons for dining and register substitute ingredients to guarantee everything is communicated properly to the kitchen, and the food that reaches the table is exactly what your customer requested.
By reducing errors, you keep diners happy and in turn, help to maximise the efficiency of your restaurant. All this helps to contribute to a faster service and higher revenues.
Lower costs, higher revenues
When a guest is ready to pay, the last thing you want to do is keep them waiting while you retrieve another device to take the payment. This can affect their experience and make some customers less likely to leave a tip.
With TISSL Swift, you already have your payment terminal there in your pocket. Our cutting-edge handheld POS device lets you do everything from one device, which not only speeds up service and keeps your customers happy, but saves costs in your venue too, by not having to invest in multiple devices for different functions.
With TISSL Swift built as an extension of your existing TISSL systems, you don’t need to invest as much in software, meaning more to spend in other areas of your business. In turn this enables you to maximise your revenue opportunities elsewhere, capitalising on your high-earning areas, safe in the knowledge that you have one device that will service them all.
TISSL Swift – the difference maker for your venue
Staff and customers alike will immediately see the benefit of this state-of-the-art tableside POS device. Give your staff the
gift of mobility with POS by their side whenever they need it, while speeding up service, maximising quality and increasing your sales.
To find out more about TISSL Swift, explore the page on our website, or you can reach out to your account manager for more information. Integration is quick and easy for existing TISSL users, getting you up and running within hours, with our friendly and UK-based support team always on hand to help if you need them.
Don’t delay – join TISSL Swift today and experience the difference it can make to your venue.
For more information, please visit: tissl.co.uk
SWURF and Kew Green Hotels Partner To Revolutionise Hybrid Workspaces Across The UK
As the future of work continues to evolve, SWURF, the innovative app that connects remote workers with inspiring hospitality venues, has announced a strategic partnership with Kew Green Hotels, one of the UK’s leading hospitality management groups
This collaboration marks a significant shift in how professionals work, socialise, and connect, while unlocking powerful new revenue streams for the hospitality sector.
With over 24 million people in the UK now working remotely at least twice a week, Swurf is meeting a growing demand for flexible, local, and community-driven workspaces. The app empowers users to discover hospitality spaces that welcome them and are productivity ready, with the option to book meeting rooms while enjoying exclusive offers.
The partnership with Kew Green Hotels will see a national rollout of SWURF’s platform across a range of hotel properties, giving thousands of “Swurfers” access to dynamic, hospitality-led environments designed to support hybrid working.
Nikki Gibson, Founder and Director of SWURF, said:
“Remote work is here to stay, but so is the human need for interaction and belonging. SWURF enables professionals to escape the isolation of home working, without the constraints of a traditional office. By
partnering with Kew Green Hotels, we’re not just offering workspaces, we’re helping the hospitality industry reimagine its own value proposition.”
The collaboration also delivers a compelling commercial opportunity for hospitality venues: By repurposing underused areas, like quiet lounges and lobbies, venues can now monetise space that often sits idle during daytime hours. This enables hotels and restaurants to attract a new, professional customer base, driving incremental daytime revenue and footfall without disrupting their core operations.
Wendy White, Director of Sales and Marketing for Kew Green Hotel Group, commented:
“We see this as a forward-thinking solution for hospitality. The SWURF partnership supports our commitment to workplace innovation and aligns with our own investment in making our hotels more than just places to stay. With hybrid working becoming the norm, this model enables us to generate new income streams from spaces that are underused, while providing a much-needed service to remote professionals.”
Together, SWURF and Kew Green Hotels are creating a blueprint for the hospitality industry, demonstrating how venues can thrive in the hybrid era by blending work and social environments in flexible, accessible ways.
For more, please visit: www.swurf.co/
SIHOT Consolidates Digital Guest Journey with EasyConnect
Hotel management system simplifies guest communications at each touch point of the hotel’s digital experience
SIHOT, one of the leading hotel management systems, has launched EasyConnect, a fully integrated smart platform to make the digital guest journey seamless.
Addressing the need to simplify the management of digital guest touchpoints, EasyConnect brings together the different products within the guest journey where hoteliers can manage guest communications and track all guest engagement in the PMS. EasyConnect provides an access point to adapt guest communication for multiple channels such as email and SMS, and in future Whatsapp, to keep engagement consistent, yet personalized for guests.
As part of the development, SIHOT has implemented a number of consumer-ready features and security controls including; simple authentication to assist in deduplicating data by consolidating guest profiles with social logins via Google and Apple; tailored communications with HTML template designs and personalized upsell opportunities; and reservation confirmations integrated into mobile wallets for seamless property access and check in experiences.
Full tracking gives hotels greater visibility of each guest’s engagement at each touchpoint to analyze the guest lifecycle from
booking to post-stay feedback. EasyConnect can also manage and administrate multiple properties to ensure brand consistency.
Carsten Wernet, Chief Executive of SIHOT said, “Our goal is to give hoteliers transparency of the digital guest journey - to understand what works for each customer and tailor the experience accordingly. The seamless networking of all SIHOT systems involved in the entire digital guest journey centralizes the management of communications and data. Not only is this improving work flows for hotel staff, but it’s offering valuable insights on guest behaviour which can feed back into the overall commercial and operational strategy of the hotel.”
Further developments are on the roadmap including integrations with Whatsapp and additional communications channels, as well as mobile keys in smartphone wallets.
Earlier this year, SIHOT published “Making it through the digital jungle” – a comprehensive guide to digital transformation to support hoteliers with digital developments to redefine and elevate the guest experience.
For more information, contact SIHOT or visit: www.sihot.com
