Ian Edward, an industry mentor, investor, and hospitality entrepreneur, discusses his experiences and insights in the hospitality sector. He emphasises the importance of mentoring and providing support to entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in areas such as strategy, property, people, funding, finance, and exit. Ian also shares his thoughts on the different types of investments in the sector, ranging from crowdfunding to private equity, and highlights the significance of finding the right investment partner who can provide not only financial support but also practical business support.

Ian mentions several successful investments in the sector, including Big Mamma Group, a brand that offers a unique and memorable dining experience, and Vagabond, a tech-forward wine business. He also discusses the potential of competitive socialising and the importance of creating opportunities for people to socialise and connect with others in the hospitality industry. Ian concludes by emphasising the need for a strong product, a talented team, and a clear market opportunity when considering investments in the sector.

About Ian

Ian Edward is a highly experienced figure in the leisure industry, boasting a remarkable career spanning over 30 years. As an M&A adviser, Non-Executive Board Director, and investor, Ian has left an indelible mark on the sector.

He co-founded Hippo Inns and serves as a Non-Executive Director for Pizza Pilgrims, Seafood Pub Company, and Thunderbird Fried Chicken. His involvement goes beyond financial contributions, actively contributing to the growth and success of these brands.

Ian's career highlights include significant transactions like the sale of New World Trading Company and Geronimo Inns. His strategic insights and business acumen have earned him recognition and respect in the industry.

Known for his commitment to community values, Ian brings a passion for quality and simplicity to his ventures. As a mentor, he shares his wealth of knowledge, contributing to the success of the next generation in the hospitality sector.

This podcast is sponsored by Vita Mojo.

About Vita Mojo:

The future of your restaurant, built together.

Vita Mojo’s all-in-one platform helps restaurants increase ATV, run more efficiently and deliver an exceptional, fully-branded guest experience. Our restaurant management platform transforms your online and off-premise order sources - including delivery networks -  in one fast, reliable and easy-to-use system.

Vita Mojo is trusted by leading hospitality operators such as LEON, YO! And GAIL’s, as well as midsize and large restaurants across the UK and Europe to continuously innovate - beyond their menu. To find out more visit vitamojo.com/supersonic

Our SIlver Sponsors are:

Airship and Toggle 

https://airship.co.uk/

&

Saved by Robots:

Saved by Robots are passionate about creating compelling brands and memorable experiences through great design, engaging storytelling and genuine authenticity.

Visit Savedbyrobots.com to get in touch

About Mark Mcc:

Mark McCulloch is one of the leading food, drink and hospitality brand and marketing minds in the world. Mark has over twenty years brand, marketing, digital and social media experience holding senior and board-level positions at lastminute.com, Barclaycard, YO! Sushi and Pret A Manger. Mark co-founded multi-award-winning brand and marketing agency WE ARE Spectacular in 2012 which is still going strong today. Mark is now fulfilling his lifelong ambition to live and work by the sea in Brighton where he is a Virtual Chief Marketing Officer and Brand Strategist for the best hospitality, tech and B2B brands in the UK and beyond. Mark is also a popular thought leader, speaker and broadcaster, the highlight of which being in 2018 when Mark began podcasting and his Mark McC Supersonic Food Marketing podcast hosting guests including the greatest digital mind in the world Gary Vaynerchuk plus music legends Fatboy Slim and Alan McGee (the man who discovered rock band Oasis). Mark’s podcast has been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times and has reached the top 10 in the UK iTunes business charts and is a regular Top 100 podcast in multiple countries around the world helping educate, entertain and inspire both the marketing and business community. Mark is also the Campaign Director for Hospitality Rising which is an 'Be The Best' army style campaign for hospitality to help solve the hospitality recruitment crisis forever.

For Brand & Marketing Strategy & Consulting, Non Exec Director, Speaking, Hosting and Podcast queries contact:

[email protected]

07881314385