Why London? Why this year? Abi gives us the answers…

“Can you help us find a GM for London?”

‘I’m sorry we only cover the north’

I answer. Always frustrated that I was unable to help. But I was steadfast that our success would come from regionalising our operation, building a network and knowing our patch like the back of our hand.

Why only now are we looking to London?

To be northern-centric was a conscious decision I had made from day one. To me, it was shady of so many recruiters to claim a UK-wide network, some even setting up local phone numbers to give the impression of regional offices. I’d seen the big boys open regional offices and close them and also questioned the authenticity of a network in a city they have no physical presence.

So Sixty Eight was built in the north. Manchester as a hub, ensuring regular visits, events, training and interview days in the other powerhouse cities.

Truth be told, I’m not sure exactly when we decided to do London. Was it when we realised so many of our clients had sites there and asked for our help? Was it when the hundredth person asked me when we were doing London? Or was it when someone said ‘ there was nothing like this down here’? I don’t know.

How will London help our vision?

Our vision remains unchanged. To build the biggest hospitality network on the planet and use it as a force for good – how can we attempt that without cracking the capital?

So, with our vision in mind, the 18th April sees the opening of Sixty Eight London. An office, a small team and a big dream.

We come down with humility. Not arrogance. We come knowing we have a lot to learn about the places, the operators and the people. The scope of this project is not to be underestimated. But we hope that with hard graft, a thirst for knowledge and our values led approach we can begin to build a community the industry deserves.

What’s next?

The next few months will be a journey of discovery. Building a network. Getting to know our new patch. Doing what hospitality folk do best – chatting, eating, drinking and learning. Fortunately, our MD Charlotte served many of her hospo years in the big smoke, something I’m sure will serve us well as we make the big move.

Our first stop is building a team. We are very lucky that Mathew David Powell will be relocating to head up the squad for our first 6-12 months. Coupled with Charlotte and myself covering 80 % of the working week in the capital. To succeed we must replicate our culture and that means being present, this isn’t a side hustle.

But we need help…

We’re looking for a team of people who share our ways of working and purpose.

We are looking for like minded, hospitalitarians looking for an opportunity to revolutionise the industry through people. To help build the biggest hospitality network on the planet and use it as a force for good.

So there you have it. Announcement made. Shit got real . Here we go. Who’s in?