As SAVVY Collective enters its next stage of growth, we believe there is real value in creating more opportunities for hospitality leaders to share experience, challenge thinking and explore what comes next for the sector. This September, we will be hosting a series of Hospitality Industry Conversations: The Future of Independent Hospitality across the Lake District, Liverpool and Manchester. The events will bring together hospitality owners, operators, investors, advisors, s

Image By Andrew Ward Photography A year ago, Foxxy Foods did its very first event at Deva Fest 2025. At the time, none of us really knew exactly where the business would go. We had a van, a concept, a lot of enthusiasm and, most importantly, two people who were willing to get stuck in and make it work: my son Scott and Dill, who is our Head Chef at The Chester Townhouse. They are the ones who run the van day to day, prep the food, travel to the events, deal with the customers

Deva Fest 2026 was its biggest and best year yet. But behind the headline numbers is a story about owner vision, complementary expertise, investment and knowing when the right people around the table can help take a business further. Around 10,000 people a day. Major headline performances. More than 50 traders. Hundreds of people involved in delivering the event. And an estimated £3.5 million contribution to the Cheshire and surrounding economy. On the surface, these are impr

Andy Burnham’s government has announced a further 20% reduction in business-rates bills for pubs, social clubs and eligible live music venues in England from April 2027. The measure is expected to benefit almost 32,000 properties and save a typical pub around £1,100 a year. For an industry that has spent years calling for reform, this is a welcome announcement. Pubs and live music venues are more than places to buy a drink or watch a performance. They are employers, community

Marcus Magee, Operations Director Stephen Miles, Development Director SAVVY Collective has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of two experienced hospitality leaders, naming Marcus Magee as Operations Director and Stephen Miles as Development Director. The appointments come as the Chester based collective, founded by award winning hotelier Steven Hesketh, continues to build out the team behind its support for owner led hotels, leisure and lifestyle ve

For years, hospitality has talked about the same challenge. How do we attract more people into the industry? How do we change perceptions? How do we show young people that hospitality is not just a part-time job, but an industry full of careers, creativity, confidence, people skills, food, travel, leadership and opportunity? For us, the answer starts earlier. It starts in schools. That is exactly why Bee Our Guest was created. Bee Our Guest was designed to support children’s

Well, here we are talking politics….again And what a week it has been. With Keir Starmer announcing his resignation, the focus has very quickly shifted to Andy Burnham. At this early stage, it feels less like a leadership race and more like a clear pathway being made for him. Unless something changes dramatically, he appears to be the standout candidate and, realistically, the man most likely to become our next Prime Minister. Now, I will be honest. I have always liked Andy B

L-R Marcus Magee, Operations Director | Steven Hesketh, CEO | Stephen Miles, Development Director SAVVY Collective has revealed a new brand identity and expanded vision - cementing its position as the trusted partner for small to medium-sized owner-led hotels, leisure and lifestyle ventures, who need serious expertise without losing the character that makes them special. Founded by award-winning hotelier and operator Steven Hesketh, SAVVY Collective combines management, consu