GS Systems was delighted to co-host October’s ALMR Autumn Debate’s Retail Tour around Manchester and would like to thank everyone involved for their help in making the evening such a great success….. especially the person who poured this potent little number for Niels (apparently it is a French Martini)…. 
On the move ….hospitality delegates from the ALMR Autumn Debate went on a fact finding tour of a selection of Manchester’s leading venues after the conference at the Bridgewater Hall on 16 October 2014. GS Systems managing director Niels Nielsen (third right) co-hosted the evening’s activities alongside the ALMR.
Many of the UK’s leading multiple hospitality operators visited the Slug & Lettuce, Brew Dog, the Botanist, Artisan, Oast House, the Bierkeller and the Dog Bowl as guests of GS and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers. The ALMR is the only national trade body dedicated to representing the interests of licensed hospitality operators. Its membership of pub, club, bar and casual dining operators run 16,500 outlets and employ over 375,000 employees.
Taking a well earned breather after a successful afternoon conference and debate are event organisers (left) Mark Freeman, (third left) Rebecca Lee (both Red Beetle) and Crystal Law (ALMR). Sharon Dickinson (Propel Info) has her back to camera.
Complimentary drinks included this very potent brew created by the creative team at Living Ventures’ Alchemist bar.
Living Ventures newly opened Botanist bar in Deansgate, Manchester, was one of the venues visited by the ALMR. Pictured from left are Alex Hazard (Bierkeller), Richard Tarran (GS), Kate Nicholls (ALMR), Daniel Davies (CPL Training), Ryan Lowry (GS) and Mike Chung (GS).
Good to talk (part 1)- right Rod McMillan (Quiz the Nation) chats with a fellow delegate.
Good to talk (part 2) – from left Niels Nielsen and Richard Tarran (both GS) with James Almond (Almond Family Pubs) discuss the merits of water versus very strong French-based cocktails…..
Good to talk (part 3) about the burning issues of the day concerning VAT, business rates, apprenticeships, benchmarking, allergen labelling, tax cuts …. and the ….
…growing number of beards (above and below) sported by hospitality operators as very proudly modelled by (right) Darren Somerton (Whiting & Hammond) and admired by (left) Anthony Lyons (Kuits Solicitors) who says it is all perfectly legal….and in the best possible taste…
Anthony, Shaun Goode (IWS) and Niels discuss non-hirsute matters
Good to talk part 5 – Paul Pavli (Punch Taverns) with Glyn Holland (BOC).
Good to pose rather than talk (sometimes) – eyes open lads – Ben Stackouse (Love Pubs), Fahim Choudhary (Better Reach) and Glyn Holland (BOC).
Eyes open Mike…open.
ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls shares a joke with and Dave Wigham (Punch Taverns) Ryan Lowry (GS)…. before the really serious competition starts…. bowling at Dog Bowl…
The secret is 101% calm and concentration according to (centre) Curtis Paxman (Brewfitt) and Mike Chung (GS)… (notice how the ALMR’s Matt Steinhofel (left) studies two very different techniques) …
…before they both hurl the bowsl as fast and hard as they can towards the skittles.
Lucky strike – no chance …. Elle Emmanuel (CPL) confidently turns to her audience to say genius doesn’t need extensive training….while David Fitzgerald (Venners) focuses on his two remaining skittles…(thanks to Jade at the ALMR for spotting David so quickly…).
…although if you’re male or female you don’t need to be a genius to make sure you read the writing on the wall if you’re rolling in at 4am in the morning…..
GS Systems works closely with independent multisite pub, bar and restaurant companies wanting to grow their businesses and expand their estates. Our bespoke EPOS and business management solutions help control costs, increase profits and add value to the customer experience. All our technology solutions run on traditional EPOS terminals, PCs, smartphones and tablets. They can be accessed anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Our systems are built around our core MAX offering, an evolving modular, fully-scalable software suite of digital business tools. MAX cleverly automates and simplifies manual tasks with procedural-led processes, streamlining businesses, improving efficiencies, accountability and margins. Technology, combined with watertight procedures, safeguards businesses from human error, bad practice and theft because all transactions, purchases and stock movements are transparent, trackable and traceable. MAX digital technology tools can also boost sales revenue opportunities and highlight both under performing sites and those that are exceeding expectations. GS supports clients with on-going managed services, training and proactive consultancy to ensure multi-site enterprises optimise the EPOS and digital technology at their fingertips, now and in the future. Expanding multiple clients currently benefiting from long-standing working relationships with GS include Baa Bar, Black Dog Ballroom, Living Ventures and the San Carlo Group. ALMR members wanting to discuss how EPOS and digital technology can impact on their bottom line should contact GS Systems managing director Niels Nielsen 0800 655 6264. The photographs from the ALMR event were taken by Jennifer Amelia Veitch of JAV Productions.
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