Aug 18, 2016
Calum Hendry- Central Manchester
Having previously worked as a Pub Supervisor, Calum joined Stephensons in 2011 and has worked in both our Customer Services department and Cash & Carry; he will now assist John Pedley as a Territory Manager in Manchester.
Over the past 12 months, Calum has undertaken sales training with the objective of becoming a Stephensons representative. Alongside his amiable personality, Calum has excellent product knowledge and is thriving in his new position.
Favourite Glassware Range: Artis Hobstar
Favourite Crockery Range: Villeroy & Boch New Wave
Tom Bentham- Stockport South
Tom joined Stephensons in 2015 as a Cash & Carry Assistant. Tom previously worked his way up to become Sous Chef at The Alderley Edge Hotel and most recently worked as an Assistant Pub Manager in Bramhall.
With plentiful experience of the catering and hospitality industry, Tom is excited to build customer relationships across his territory. He is a knowledgeable and friendly character and we wish him every success in Stockport South.
Favourite Glassware Range: Chef & Sommelier Reveal’Up
Favourite Crockery Range: Churchill Stonecast
Aug 3, 2016
When Pokémon Go was released in the UK last month, it quickly became the most downloaded app EVER. Pokémania has been sweeping across the country and catering businesses have been using the game to their advantage.
So, what is Pokémon Go?
Pokémon Go is a free-to-play augmented reality game that users can play on their smartphones and tablets. Based on the popular Nintendo games of the 90’s, users can catch and train Pokémon in real life…almost.
Pokémon Go uses Google Maps to track the locations of gamers as they travel around the real world. Pokémon characters appear to users in various locations who can then catch, train and battle them. Some Pokémon are very common, some rare and others almost impossible to find.
In order to be successful, users must visit Pokéstops to collect pokéballs, potions, eggs and stock up on various other goodies.
How to use Pokémon to draw in customers
Users can purchase an in game accessory called a Lure Module. A single Lure Module costs 79p and lasts for 30 minutes. This accessory entices Pokémon to the area for a limited time and is the only way to guarantee Pokémon activity.
Lure Modules can be placed on Pokéstops which are usually local landmarks, points of interest, parks, cafes and pubs. If cafes and pubs put a Lure Module on their local Pokéstop, players will be attracted to that location to catch their Pokémon.
Promote your Pokémon activity
Share photographs of the Pokémon in your establishment on social media and promote the days and times that you plan on placing a Lure Module. Be prepared to interact with customers on Facebook and Twitter and encourage them to send you pictures of their latest finds on your premises.
Offering free wifi is a great way to enhance your offerings; gamers are always interested in free internet and this is a clever way of ensuring customers come in rather than just playing the game outside.
If you can build a reputation as a Pokémon hotspot or meeting place for gamers, it could be a lucrative endeavor.
Is it worth it?
Costa Coffee reported a 30% increase in footfall across its stores during the first week of Pokémon Go’s release claiming that their free wifi and tasty drinks are irresistible to Pokémon players.
Five Guys have been sharing pictures of Pokémon in their restaurants on Twitter and gaining some positive interaction with customers, expanding their online presence.
Pokémon themed pub crawls are regularly being organised in which players travel between pubs catching Pokémon. Pubs are finding success by promoting themselves as Pokémon-friendly and attracting more customers.
Maxwell’s Bar & Grill in Covent Garden saw a 26% increase in customers in the first week of the game’s release. Maxwell’s even assigned a member of staff to monitor their Lure Modules and have extended their offerings to include Pokémon themed ‘freakshakes’. The venue have arranged a Pokémon Go Lure Party and already have 400 confirmed guests.
What’s next?
If your establishment is not a Pokéstop or near a Pokéstop, don’t worry. Pokémon Go creators Niantic are planning on introducing sponsored locations, according to The New York Times.
The Pokémon craze doesn’t look like it’s going to die down anytime soon so download the app, stock up on Lure Modules and get going!
Aug 2, 2016
Inspired by provenance menus and designed to offer imperfect style, Dudson Harvest is a popular collection of rustic crockery.
- Dudson unveil new range: Dudson Harvest White
- Unadorned alternative to rustic Harvest colourways
- Features the same shapes and styles as original Dudson Harvest
- From Stephensons catering equipment suppliers
Previously only available in rural, natural colourways, Dudson have released an exciting new addition- Dudson Harvest White.
With the same organic shapes as the coloured alternatives, Dudson Harvest White offers a simple backdrop that allows food to take centre stage.
This white colour variant does not feature the sponge painted rims or purposeful paint blemishes that exist on the original Harvest shades, but rather provides a blank canvas that oozes purity and cleanliness.
Alongside its charming aesthetics, this collection maintains the durability and quality that is synonymous with Dudson.
Crockery in this collection is dishwasher safe, microwave safe and meets the British standard 4034 for product quality. Furthermore, round plates, bowls and saucers in the range feature Dudson’s Lifetime Edge Chip Warranty.
To see the full collection, please visit our Dudson Harvest Category.
Jul 27, 2016
Stephensons are delighted to announce the unveiling of an advertising board at Edgeley Park, the home of Stockport County Football Club. The Stephensons board will be in front of the Danny Bergara Stand for the duration of the 2016/17 season.
Simon Dawson, Stockport County Commercial Manager, said, “Stephensons are well known across the North West and among the largest employers in Stockport, so we’re delighted to have them onboard.
“I have personally worked with Stephensons in the past and know them to be very professional and easy to work with.
“It’s great to be working alongside a company with the interests of Stockport at their heart and I am looking forward to a long relationship between Stephensons and Stockport County.”
Originally referred to as the Main Stand, the Hardcastle Road terrace was renamed in 2012 in honour of former manager, Danny Bergara. Born in Uruguay, Bergara became County manager in 1989 and led the Hatters into the Third Division.
The Danny Bergara Stand contains 2,020 seats (including 405 executive seats) as well as the player’s changing rooms, boardroom, various staff offices and several bars. The team dugouts and substitute benches are positioned in front of this stand.
