Strategic Hospitality Growth & Exit Specialist
Over 30 years of hospitality business ownership and innovation.
Pressure is Part of the Game. Chaos Doesn't Have to Be.
Pressure is Part of the Game. Chaos Doesn't Have to Be.
Real Hospitality Experience Matters
I bring practical experience, straight-talking insight and proven methods to help hospitality businesses perform, become more resilient, profitable, and get the very best from their people.
When I was an operator I would never hired a consultant, because I thought I knew my business better than anyone. And I did! But I wish I’d known in years 1-10 what I’d learnt by year 30 in the hospitality industry.
What Changes When We Work Together
My value is in aligning creative vision with commercial reality. I work closely with restaurant and bar owners, operators and groups to examine how their businesses function at every level; identity and brand, commercial, operational, and within the team, identifying weaknesses that can quietly erode performance, as well as highlighting untapped opportunities.
How I Work
How I work with each operator is bespoke to the individual circumstances, dependent on the particular needs, ambition and timescales.
— DISCOVERY
I listen. And then we decide on the level of support, from a Mystery Customer report with a review and basic recommendations, to a full analysis of every aspect of your operation.
— DIRECTION
We talk. And then we agree an action plan, complete with timelines and an implementation process. I love to keep things simple, practical, and with a clear set of goals, so that progress is achievable and measurable.
— DELIVERY
We act. I can be hands-on, embedding change within your team and implement our action plan, or hands-off and oversee, available to support whenever needed.
It’s not an Easy Time for Hospitality
With the current economic and political climate, giving one blow after another, operators are under more pressure than ever before to survive. I’m committed to utilising all my years of experience to help my clients weather the storm and win. It has never been more important to be ‘match-fit’, and not lose touch with everything that’s great about this industry.
As the founder and previous owner of The Dial Restaurant and Bar, I built, developed and led the business for 24 years. I created a venue known for quality, innovation, standards, customer loyalty and a strong team culture. The business was a managed operation, and achieved a successful business sale. This was the result of developing a strong team, and a venue that was not just loved, but commercially solid and sustainable.
Hands-on, detail-focused, and people-driven, with real ownership experience across operations, leadership, and financial performance.
Grounded in Experience, Proven in Practice
Who This Is For
For owners who are looking for confidence and peace of mind their venue is efficient, optimised and with a solid offer and brand identity, providing the tools for a successful, managed business. From fine tuning to complete overhaul.
For owners
For operators
For operators wanting an independent eye on any aspect of their venue/s, to improve standards, get the offer right, raise quality, grow reputation, improve staff retention and performance, and enhance overall guest experience.
New & growing
Whether launching, scaling, or stabilising, this is for owners who want operational discipline to match creative vision, and identify emerging market trends. The goal is not survival, but controlled growth built on strong, commercial foundations.
Testimonials
-
- Phil Whitehead, Molson Coors, President & CEO (EMEA & APAC)
James and I have known each other for the last 20yrs through the relationship that The Dial has with Molson Coors. Throughout this time James has constantly demonstrated an ability to evolve the consumer offering, refresh the look and feel of the outlet, and bring innovation and thinking into his business, with a relentless focus on incredible execution and service.
James and the team have hosted many senior events for Molson Coors including Global Board meetings and his attention to detail, warmth, compassion and hospitality experience makes everybody feel very welcome in his company.James is also somebody who has developed people and given them opportunities to build their career with him and into the wider hospitality industry. If I was running a premium outlet or about to purchase one James’ experience and capability would be the first I would call upon.
-
- Nick Bashford, Molson Coors, Regional Sales Controller
I had the pleasure of working with James for nearly a decade, during his ownership of The Dial. Throughout that time, we built a successful partnership, one that was based on collaborative working focusing around driving both businesses forward.
James understood the value of partnership. He consistently created a premium environment that brands wanted to be associated with, ensuring that product quality, staff training and brand execution were delivered to a very high standard. Indeed, some of James’ staff have gone on to have successful careers in Molson Coors.
James combines strong commercial acumen and understands the hospitality sector throughout the many successful years of running a premium outlet.
I would happily recommend him to operators that are looking for some guidance and experience to move their business to the next stage.
Contact James
Share a few details about your new or existing venue/s and the challenges you’re currently facing, or any support you may require. Every enquiry is reviewed personally and handled with discretion.
james@jamesweeksconsulting.com
07971850521
