Propel celebrates tenth birthday – Part Two: This week, Propel is celebrating its tenth birthday. All week readers and customers have been sharing their feedback on the first decade. Steve Richards, chief executive of Parkdean Resorts and chairman of UKHospitality, said: “When Paul set up Propel it seemed like the sector didn’t need another dedicated daily journal and conference organiser. But of course that’s history and Propel has proved its dedication, insight and value many times over. The ALMR (now UKH) will always be grateful for the support over the past ten years and look forward to working closely over the next ten.” Hugh Osmond, sector investor, said: “The hospitality industry is one of the UK’s largest employers, particularly of millions of younger people, as well as a major contributor to the UK economy and tax revenues. To those of us trying to make a living in it, it is therefore critical that we can keep abreast of the latest developments. For ten years now, Propel has been providing a brilliant news service to this vibrant and important sector, with finger always on the pulse and stories that are bang up to date, but well-informed and accurate. Well done.” Paul Wigham, chief executive of All Our Bars, said: “Happy Birthday! You have done brilliantly – in absolutely no time you became the de facto source of business news for the hospitality sector and have then maintained that position ever since. No mean feat and a testimony to the effort, vision and hard work that you and the guys have put in.” James Watson, chief executive of Mosaic Pub & Dining, said: “Many Happy Returns to you Jo and the team, Paul! Propel is a fantastic resource and essential daily reading. Congratulations on creating one of the leading industry reference points in just ten years.” Paul Chantler, founder of FrogPubs, said: “Is it really only ten years, Paul? It feels as if you’ve been around forever! Well done on creating and building such a comprehensive and well-liked business.” Michael Ingemann, chairman of THINK Hospitality, said: “Happy tenth anniversary! You have been my key introduction to the sector as I have refocused my own professional life from general consulting to working with hospitality and there’s no other source I trust for the insights and latest news. Well done and good luck with the next decade.” Stuart McLean, chief executive of Zonal, said: “A huge Zonal congratulations on ten years of Propel, of which we are a very proud partner. If the last few years have taught us anything, it is what a collaborative industry we work in and the Propel team are an integral part of that, sharing insight and expertise to help operators grow their businesses and to support the industry. We are privileged to have been part of the journey so far, so it’s a big thank you from all of us – and here’s to the next ten years!” Hugo Murphy, Head of Business Marketing at STINT, said: “It’s an absolute privilege partnering with Jo and the Propel team. The wealth of knowledge and experience they share with us as a new starter in the industry us invaluable. Every event we’ve attended, sponsored and supported has been smooth running, provided us with a considerable opportunity and they’re always among the most enjoyable, must-attend, events of the year! We wish the whole team at Propel a happy tenth birthday and can’t wait to see what the next ten years (and beyond!) brings them.” Oliver Thain, founder of Cambscuisine, said: “Congratulations Paul and team, terrific effort. Your constant voice through-out the hard covid times was particularly comforting.” Zoe Bowley, managing director of PizzaExpress, said: “Trustworthy information is priceless – the last two years have proved that beyond all doubt. So I’m hugely grateful for all the expertise and effort that Mark and the team deliver. Propel is one the threads that binds our industry together – the morning briefing is one of the first things that we all read every day- but it so often goes unpraised. Across our industry, we’re all moving at pace to ensure our teams have everything they need to give our customers a great experience and delicious food, so we need timely news and analysis that tells us everything we need to know. Congratulations and thank you, Propel, for all that you’ve done for us in the last ten years. Here’s to the next decade!” Richard Morris, chief executive of Tortilla, said: “Always insightful and accurate on the hot topics and stories of the day – a fast and easy way of keeping up with all the movers and shakers in the sector.” Jane Holbrook, executive chair at Cote, said: “Propel is the first thing I look at in the morning. Invaluable!” Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said: “Propel is a valuable and trusted source and my ‘go-to’ for the very latest updates, analysis and opinion pieces from across the sector. Over the past decade, the Morning Briefing has become the breakfast ‘must read’ for hospitality businesses, and it’s not hard to see why. Informative and fuss-free, it hits my inbox at just the right time each day, with unmissable headlines, industry news, and just the right amount of content. Happy tenth anniversary and congratulations to the Propel team.” Nick Mackenzie, chief executive at Greene King, said: “Congratulations to Propel for ten superb years of breaking the latest hospitality news to the industry each and every day. The team at Propel always has their finger on the pulse and the Morning Briefing is the go-to for the day’s most important news.” Charlie Gilkes, co-founder of Inception Group, said: “Propel provides a fantastic insight into hospitality sector news and they have their finger firmly on the pulse breaking all the key stories as they happen. Throughout covid their videos were hugely informative and also comforting as a sector we all navigated very choppy waters together.” Steve Owens, Christie & Co managing director of pubs and restaurants, said: “Congratulations on reaching such a milestone Propel! We have been lucky to work very closely with the team and we’d like to thank you for being such an intrinsic voice for our industry over the past decade. Where would we be without our Morning Update filled with all of the latest news and insights?” Steve Cash, owner of Yuzu Hospitality, said: “Many and sincere congratulations Paul. All I can tell you is that for all those ten years it has been the first thing I’ve read every morning, and it’s exclusively the only thing I read about hospitality.” Rob Liddiard, chief executive of Yapster, said: “When we co-founded Yapster (a secure mobile messaging platform for hospitality teams) in 2015, one of the first and best pieces of advice I received was to subscribe for Propel in order to gain an ‘insider’s’ understanding of UK hospitality movers and shakers. Now, more than half a decade on, I am grateful to trace many cherished friendships and customers back to our partnership with Propel.” Industry veteran Ian Neill, said: “In the last ten years the Propel team has made an outstanding contribution to our hospitality eco system. Rapid communication of news and ideas, the popular Propel Multi Club combined with informed analysis and opinion have made Propel a must have.” Mel Marriott, managing director of Darwin & Wallace, said: “Propel is the go-to source of industry insight news information and balanced respected commentary and invaluable resource for operators of any scale. The new databases are a superb addition providing valuable insight and business information in a one stop shop encompassing people, business metrics, new openings and a valuable guide to trends.” Stephen Gould, chief executive of Everards, said: “Propel is a rich source of information for us. It’s great to start the day with the news round-up – a broad range of stories conveniently delivered in one email. There are also regular thought-provoking opinion pieces. Propel continues to evolve and deliver – congratulations on the first decade!” Scott Oakes, commercial manager at St Pierre Groupe, said: “Happy tenth Birthday to Propel! This is now our second year of sponsorship and have been extremely impressed by their knowledge, insights and support of the industry. The Multi Club has delivered talks from industry specialists that we normally wouldn’t have access to and next year’s events look to be even more impressive. Well done, Jo and team!” Kris Gumbrell, chief executive of Brewhouse & Kitchen, said: “The Propel Premium Updates are my daily go to reference point for what is happening in our sector, it is a must have in my inbox, well written, balanced and always on the money, congratulations on your first ten years guys!”