Peach 2010 Business Leaders Survey

David Martin

The market in 2010: a clear view of the opportunities, but still an uncertain environment

It’s all about the customer. Service levels and food quality will be this year’s top investment priorities for industry bosses, according to Peach Report’s 2010 Business Leaders survey. They believe what customers require most is quality of experience and service. David Martin analyses the results

Industry leaders provide a clear consensus on the major opportunities for the UK eating and drinking-out market going into 2010, but still worry about the effect of external factors, in particular consumer confidence and the economy.

The views of over 60 senior executives from operating companies, over 60% CEOs, reveal real clarity about their business priorities in the coming year and beyond. There is a sharp focus on people issues – both on enhancing the quality of the customer experience and on investing in their own people.

However, it is an industry that is unsure about the consumer in 2010, and one that is far from unanimous on what the general election result could mean for business.

Our survey covered diverse businesses – food-led, drink-led, and those with a balanced profile. We covered young and developing companies, as well as the long-established, and from the smaller operators to the large-scale.

We looked at business and investment priorities, at sector prospects, and at the direction of customer marketing. We asked our respondents for a ‘self-assessment’ of key operating capabilities, and we asked them which of their competitors they most admire.

So, what did we find?

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