The world's largest hotel firm, which boasts more than 5,500 venues and 1.1m rooms worldwide, has been created as Marriott has acquired Starwood Hotels & Resorts for $12.2bn.
If ever there were a case of excellent corporate social responsibility, it's former Manchester United stars Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs agreeing to let squatters found in their yet-to-open hotel to stay put during the cold winter months.
Adam Rowse, head of business banking at Barclays, discusses the challenges faced by seasonal businesses and how to overcome the downs by seizing the rich prospects available to small firms.
Adam Rowse, head of business banking at Barclays, discusses the challenges faced by seasonal businesses and how to overcome the downs by seizing the rich prospects available to small firms.
The power of the internet was demonstrated in August, according to Visa Europe, as online retailers experienced the fastest year-on-year consumer spending growth ahead of the high street – while the recreation & culture industry also made solid gains.
The UK's SMEs – with up to 249 employees – expect to see an average revenue growth of 37 per cent in the next five years, according to Santander Corporate & Commercial Business Growth, and small firms are more optimistic.
Spending among British shoppers has risen and the amount spent on hotels, restaurants and bars was the greatest at an increase of 8.6 per cent, according to Visa Europe's UK expenditure index.
American business ShopKeep, which provides iPad point-of-sale services to small independent companies, has secured a $60m Series D investment round and will use the money to conquer the UK.
Independent hotel chain Travelodge experienced a 17.9 per cent year-on-year revenue growth in H1, which has prompted the company's owners to consider packing its bags with a £1bn sale.
With Busaba featuring in the Real Business 2015 Hot 100 list of fast-growth companies, we decided to get under the skin of the restaurant business and find out just what is making it such hot property.
Making the customer experience unique is a tough proposition, but one which can transform a company’s potential. Whether a high street retail outlet or an out of town call centre, good customer service – and the customer experience offered – goes a long way to determining business success.
