The British summer paired with the success of the world cup has resulted in the pub trade thriving and revelling in an increase in sales across the UK. However, there’s still the challenge of attracting and luring in millennial’s, the Morning Advertiser discussed how a few pubs have also cashed in on the popularity of shows such as Love Island drawing in as many as 3.4 million viewers each night to catch up on the latest drama from the villa where single individuals battle it out to win both a cash prize and (hopefully) a partner.

Not only is Love Island on our TV’s, it’s trending on twitter, appearing on our Instagram explore pages with constant memes mocking the islanders and of course taking over our topics of conversation wherever we are. The clear assumption is you either tune in or you look completely gormless when your friends ask what you think of the latest ‘recoupling’.

Pub owners rub their hands together at the idea of opening their doors and allowing a stamped to come flooding in for any popular sporting event but are they missing a trick for not streaming popular reality shows that have the nation hooked?  With the final looming and just like the World Cup people itching to join forces to watch after dedicating two months of 6 episodes a week, it seems foolish for pubs to not cash in if they haven’t already.

The Zonal and CGA GO Technology report found that almost a quarter of 18 to 34 year olds cite lack of trust as their biggest barrier to engaging with a brand. Therefore, it’s important for venues to build a relationship, get to know their audience and understand the best way to appeal to them. Further to this, 42% of people are likely to use some form of technological innovation while drinking or dining out and with the show taking over all social platforms why not get your venue mentioned for joining in the fun?

Zonal is the leading provider of integrated hospitality management solutions to over 15,000 leisure and hospitality businesses across the UK. With solutions for every step of the customer journey such as iServe, Loyalty, order and pay and many more your customers can come to your venue take a seat and know their going to receive an exceptional level of service. So when you are contemplating the idea of a Love Island event at your venue make sure you have the technology to accommodate.

With universities closing for the summer it is the prime time to start reviewing the effectiveness of EPoS around campus to ensure come September you have a fast, efficient and easy to use system ready to accommodate the stampede of new freshers.

Having multiple entertainment venues on campus all hosting a variety of promotions at certain times to cater for students ranging from meals, fresher nights and time sensitive drink deals it’s pivotal to be well equipped. Speed of service is essential, especially in a university setting, with each year bringing more tech savvy millennials wanting everything at a touch, tap or swipe of a button.

We change our smart phones more regularly than we change our tooth brushes and as a result of this, the number of consumers using their mobile to pay has doubled in the space of two years.

According to Zonal’s GO Technology research, 30% of 18-34 year olds have downloaded a bar or restaurant’s app and 44% of consumers have said the appeal is the regular offers and rewards that coincide with it. 73% of consumers want the option of a loyalty scheme with offers tailored to their preferences. With a loyalty module incorporated into your EPoS solution you can run customer programmes around preferences, frequency of visits and products purchased enabling you to maximise your ROI on promotions.

GO Technology ‘Need For Speed’ research found that nearly half (47%) of consumers claim food not arriving quickly enough is their number one frustration when eating out. With an onsite student union drawing in students from all years due to it’s hard to resist price list, Universities need to make sure they are processing orders, serving and taking payment as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Zonal’s customer, Luke Delderfield Licensed trade manager at the University of Hertforshire said:

‘We were impressed by Zonal’s EPoS solutions that included integrated chip & pin functionality as well as having a comprehensive support structure in place, giving us the confidence to move forward’

Zonal’s Aztec stock solution offers a sophisticated reporting and stock management functionality, providing complete visibility of current stock holding, bestselling products, waste and replenishment. Aztec enables stock management to be divided between multiple sites with separate reports for comparison of what site sells more or less of different products to reduce stock holding and increase margins.

Luke Delderfield went on to say:

‘The Aztec EPoS system has provided us with central control and access to data rich sales analytics which is key to identifying our customers’ spending habits.’

Ultimately this varied range of reporting capabilities enables universities like Hertfordshire to streamline their process and never run the risk of shortfalls on popular food and drink choices at multiple sites on campus.

Zonal has become the trusted solution for well respected universities such as Hertfordshire and The University of Edinburgh. Specialising in delivering tailored systems to fit the exact requirements of the client to provide immediate results.  Zonal offer a solution to cater for each step of the eating and drinking journey, so you can deliver a quick and seamless service for the students wanting a study break. Find out how Zonal has been the choice for so many other businesses by viewing our case studies.

The Zonal team will also be exhibiting at the NUS Trade Show 2018 at the NEC Birmingham on Thursday 5 July, so come and find out how we can help you with all your hospitality requirements.

Christmas is fast approaching, and as you’re starting preparations for the busiest time of the year, so too are your customers. So catch them now, during their Christmas preparations and solve their present planning woes with a branded Gift Card from your venue – the perfect present idea for their friends and family!

Branded gift cards is a growing industry and has become more popular than ever. The UK gift card market has continued its strong performance, with 2016 showing an overall growth of 5.06% in gift card sales.

It’s a win-win all round, with guaranteed, up-front revenue for the business, new visitors to your venue and one less Christmas present that your customers have to think about buying.

EASY TO CREATE, EASY TO USE

With minimal operational impact to the business, seamless integration with Aztec EPoS and a low up-front cost, creating a branded gift card for your business couldn’t be easier.

KEY FEATURES

• 4-6 week lead time, including card production*
• Create an unlimited number of fixed or variable value cards
• Loaded and redeemed at the PoS
• Enable or disable card expiry
• Liability reporting and balance check available at the PoS

Revenue generated over the festive period doesn’t have to be limited to party bookings and set menus. So why not lock-in guaranteed, up front revenue this year with a branded gift card from Zonal.

*Card production is not managed by Zonal, however we can provide details of our preferred partners