Wales Week London event shines spotlight on Welsh hospitality sector

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Image credit: Sophie Jordan/Hospitality & Events Network Wales

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The founder of Depot has told Businessin Wales he’s expecting a tough year ahead for many hospitality businesses in Wales.

Nick Saunders was among the panellists at a Wales Week London event organised by Sian Morse & Katrina Cookson, co-founders of Hospitality & Events Network Wales.

Speaking about the importance of the event, Saunders added: “It’s great to be invited up here. [Wales Week London] is a hugely important part of the business calendar now.

“It shows people in London a real spotlight on what Wales is doing.”

The panel brought together figures from across the hospitality sector to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

The discussion, titled ‘The Wales Effect: More Than a Destination… A Collaboration,’ was held at The Ivy Club in Covent Garden and sponsored by The Celtic Collection.

It was held in front of an audience made up equally of business leaders from Wales and London.

Saunders was joined by former Wales captain and Deputy Chair of UEFA Women’s Football Committee Professor Laura McAllister CBE, Bar 44 co-founder Owen Morgan and Rachel Phillips of The Celtic Collection.

Saunders continued: “It’s a great panel of guests to speak about all things hospitality in Wales. Everything from what we do with the concerts to hospitality in the restaurants, the hotels, and Laura is here to talk about all things to come with football in 2028.”

Despite headwinds, Saunders said Depot is preparing for one of its busiest seasons yet.

He said: “This summer, we’ve got 29 events in total, five in our new site, the Blackweir site, which we launched last year, and 24 shows in Cardiff Castle.

“It’s exciting times ahead for us. There’s lots of hard work still to be done but we’re looking forward to it.”