Region's rich offer celebrated at Hospitality Hook-Up
"With passionate contributions from across the sector, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, tailored support, and amplifying the region’s unique offer to both domestic and international audiences."
Hospitality professionals, business leaders and support organisations combined to deliver a vibrant event when they gathered at Dhillon’s Brewery for the 'Coventry and Warwickshire Producers' Network' (CWPN) - a local initiative from Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council supporting food and drink producers across the region.
Focused on a 'Hospitality Hook-Up' the event spotlighted regional voices, shared insights, and explored opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Gordy Mazvihwa of Dhillon’s Brewery shared the story behind the business, highlighting its roots in Coventry and its strong ties to Coventry City Football Club. Attendees were invited to take part in an optional brewery tour and tasting session, offering a first-hand look at the venue’s unique character and craft.
Stephanie Kerr delivered a compelling presentation on the hospitality sector, celebrating the success of the Leamington Food & Drink Festival which attracted over 25,000 visitors and remains a cornerstone of the town’s calendar. She emphasised the importance of place-making, creative collaboration, and business-led partnerships.
Stephanie’s call to action urged stakeholders to advocate for tailored support for hospitality, distinct from retail, and to prioritise business security and sustainability a positive call for the sector to advocate for itself in a challenging climate.
With business support agencies including Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Coventry & Warwickshire Growth Hub offering guidance on funded programmes, grants, exporting, skills development, and recruitment including those funded by Warwickshire County Council, the event was closely focused on audience need. Coventry City Council outlined the Business Energy Advice Service, led by the County Council in Warwickshire, which is open to Warwickshire-based businesses.
Vicki Zamudio-Senghera of Shakespeare’s England showcased its work in an engaging presentation on how global tourism markets view the UK and Warwickshire and how to be seen, including:
- What visitors are looking for: experiential offerings, excellent customer service, and local distinctiveness, with insights to overseas markets and news of an upcoming visit to China that will showcase the offer.
- The importance of understanding the customer journey and place relevance in a global market.
Attendees were encouraged to list their events on Shakespeare’s England and take advantage of regional marketing opportunities and support available via membership organisations.
For business tourism, the audience were reminded of Destination Coventry, which manages the region’s conference bureau.
The Hospitality Hook-Up was a celebration of local enterprise, resilience, and innovation. With passionate contributions from across the sector, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, tailored support, and amplifying the region’s unique offer to both domestic and international audiences. 2026 meeting dates will be announced shortly
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