From Cuba to Christmas

Speciality Bites with

Paul Hargreaves

Chief executive of Cotswold Fayre

• Becoming a B Corp
• Top trend predictions for Christmas 2021
• Self-sacrifice: The importance of building a leadership legacy centred on others
• Undercover Boss
• Can/should bosses really be close friends with their staff?

I last wrote at the beginning of my time in Cuba, and then missed last week due to being manic catching up when I returned

A week after returning from Cuba a few reflections.  No doubt there is huge potential in this small island of 11 Million people.  It has so much going for it in terms of tourism that has only just started to be tapped into.  Unfortunately many that currently go are staying in all-inclusive hotels and a) don’t see much of the country and b) don’t benefit the local people.  The government who still employ 95% of the population either directly or in government-owned companies are keen to foster trade links with the west.  In meetings there I met with most of the food and drink buyers for the government-owned companies, including some set up primarily for the tourist sector.

As I was on a UKTI trade mission, there is usually drinks at the ambassador’s residence as part of the deal.  Nice pad it was to, with its own indoor swimming pool.  That was no surprise, that in a poor country the ambassadors have a luxurious lifestyle.  What was more surprising was that Fidel Castro’s son turned up at the party!  If only my Spanish was better, I could have had a conversation.  Me: “So what do you do for a living then?”  Him: “Oh nothing much, I am a revolutionary and communist leader’s son.” Me: “Oh I see, any tips to pass on?!”  Strangely I did find out that he owns a house in Oxford!

As I promised last time, I did get some thinking in for 2013 and have some good ideas I am now researching.  Coming back I find that our sales team are reporting optimism amongst the independent retailers, with many reporting year-on-year sales better in the pre-Christmas period.  Several have had taster evenings and are saying attendance is markedly up than at this time last year.  That’s all very encouraging, let’s hope it continues.

In the run to Christmas, there are plenty of products that you can stock up on without being scared you are going to be left with them after Christmas. Look for products that are gifty without having santas and snowmen all over them or stocking filler type products that will equally well double as impulse buys in the New Year.  Ask your suppliers whether the shelf life lasts through the spring as many confectionery products will continue to sell in the seasonal occasions after Christmas.

Have a good week.