Summary

In this conversation, Chris Simmance interviews Matt Barnwell, a seasoned consultant in the hospitality and leisure sector. Matt shares his journey from working in corporate environments to becoming a serial entrepreneur, detailing his experiences in managing various hospitality venues and the lessons learned along the way. He discusses the importance of understanding business metrics, the challenges of profitability in the hospitality industry, and the evolution of his consultancy business, Independent Hospitality Solutions. The conversation also touches on the future of his ventures and the valuable insights gained from his experiences.

Takeaways

Matt Barnwell has extensive experience in the hospitality and leisure sector.

He emphasizes the importance of metrics in business management.

Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurial ventures can be challenging but rewarding.

Understanding profitability is crucial for success in hospitality.

Consultancy work involves providing actionable insights, not just data analysis.

Developing staff is more beneficial than doing tasks yourself.

Customer feedback should be taken with caution; not all feedback is valuable.

The hospitality industry is currently facing profitability challenges.

Future plans include launching a website and expanding consultancy services.

Learning from past experiences is key to business growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matt Barnwell

04:52 From Corporate to Entrepreneurial Ventures

11:29 The Evolution of Business Management Skills

19:02 Lessons from Managing Nightclubs and Bowling Alleys

21:55 The Birth of Independent Hospitality Solutions

23:50 Consultancy in Competitive Socialising

28:48 Understanding Profitability in the Hospitality Sector

34:17 Future Plans and Business Growth

36:04 Advice and Insights from Experience