Zonal has taken another step in solidifying its hotel sector tech by fully integrating loyalty and data reporting into its Property Management system (PMS), High Level Software (HLS).

The integration of loyalty platforms to HLS allows venues with accommodation to create and improve their guest loyalty programmes, offering guests the opportunity to accrue and spend loyalty points across both accommodation and F&B. A move which offers the best possible guest experience as well as vastly improving operational efficiency.

The new integration also utilises Zonal’s Dimensions+ data function and HLS’ PMS technology, giving operators digestible data and analytics across all business channels, to make informed strategic decisions about their business, improve customer experiences and boost spend.

On the development, Rhys Swinburn, Managing Director, HLS comments: “These latest integrations add further value to our PMS offering. Giving consumer guests the option to accumulate more loyalty points when spending time in venues improves their overall experience which can lead to repeat custom and loyalty. For our customers, understanding the spending habits of their guests allows them to make informed decisions to drive revenue and profit. Alongside our mobile guest journey, EPoS integration and payment solutions, we’re thrilled that we can now deliver a fully connected guest experience.”

The collaboration builds on Zonal’s ongoing commitment to form meaningful partnerships with selected technology providers and key industry bodies in order to support the whole hospitality industry.

About High Level Software

Cardiff based HLS joined the Zonal Group in 2016. Since its launch, HLS has developed an impressive reputation for its cloud-based hotel management system, featuring a real time online booking engine, extensive property management capability, insightful reporting and innovative integrated rewards system. Its clients include Drakes of Brighton, British Country Inns and Glenmorangie.

To find out more about how Zonal’s Property Management System can help your business, or for information on any of our other products, please get in touch with our team!

Zonal was officially recognised at this year’s s1jobs Recruitment Awards as 2020 winner of the ‘HR Team of The Year’ category.

The award ceremony, which highlights the achievements of companies, individuals and sector leaders across Scotland, had been delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, so it was overdue but deserved recognition for our HR team headed by Catriona Dick.

Scrutinised by an expert panel of judges – who were looking for businesses that deliver a great candidate experience and an innovative approach to recruitment – the prestigious awards were hosted virtually by stand-up comedian and presenter, Joel Dommett.

Cat said: “It’s been a tough 18 months for everyone, so to finally be able to officially celebrate our 2020 win with this year’s cohort was an honour and delight.  This recognition celebrates Zonal’s move towards being a really progressive HR function and our success in supporting the business in its growth through talent acquisition and staff engagement.”

Gavin Mochan of s1 Jobs alluded to the “outstanding” quality of entries across the board and praised entrants for displaying innovative recruitment campaigns as well as their dedication to developing their staff.

The award follows a time of growth for Zonal, due to the increase in demand from consumers for technology solutions in hospitality, such as Order & Pay apps. As a result, recruitment is at an all time high with a wide range of roles available.  To find out about careers at Zonal and how you can shape the future of hospitality click here.

Zonal has appointed Olivia FitzGerald as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and James Taylor as Chief Financial Officer, strengthening its leadership team as the sector fully reopens for unrestricted trading.

Previously the Managing Director of Majestic Wine Commercial, FitzGerald is well-versed in commercial and customer strategies having run her own consultancy where she worked closely with a high-calibre roster of companies within the hospitality and tech space.

She will be joining Zonal’s newly appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) James Taylor as key members of the company’s leadership team. Taylor joined Zonal earlier this year from global loyalty, rewards and commerce software provider Yoyo, where he was CFO, working across the hospitality and retail sectors. In his new role, Taylor will be a key part of the newly-strengthened leadership team to drive forward and deliver Zonal’s vision and roadmap for technology innovation and customer success across the hospitality sector.

Commenting on the new appointments, Zonal Chief Executive Stuart McLean said: “I am delighted to welcome Olivia and James to the Zonal family. The pandemic has provided us with the opportunity to take a deeper look at the business and to bring in some new individuals with fresh thinking. The additions of James and Olivia will bring us this with abundance as well as our new Chief Technology Officer Jon Woodforth who joined us in September 2020.

“I believe that this strengthened leadership team will be able to drive the business to the next level as the industry begins to rebuild following the pandemic.”

Olivia FitzGerald added: “I’m very much looking forward to getting started in this role at Zonal, especially at such a crucial time for the hospitality industry. There will undoubtedly be tough challenges as well as some great opportunities ahead. Working hand-in-hand with customers as a key technology partner, Zonal will play a significant role in helping to rebuild UK hospitality, and I’m excited to be part of that.”

James Taylor added: “Zonal is a highly respected and well-established technology partner in the hospitality sector. It’s fantastic to join such a business and support its continued growth as it helps operators harness technology to drive their businesses forward.”

With the hospitality sector finally reopening, our latest research in collaboration with KAM Media has identified the top frustrations for customers when visiting a pub or restaurant, with Generation Z being the most easily irritated.

Over half of Gen Zers (defined here as those aged between 18 and 24 years) get frustrated when they are forced to wait for the servers attention when ready to pay. A similar proportion get stressed when they’re not able to split the bill easily at the end of a meal (55%). In comparison, over 55-year-olds are much more relaxed.

The research confirms that the hospitality decision-making process is increasingly tech driven – which can alleviate customer stress and frustration. Mobile ordering and payment, for example, is now a more important factor when choosing a venue for a significant 45% of people. What at first was a necessity for helping to implement social distancing is now a legitimate tool for venues to streamline the ordering and payment process, easing potential customer stress.

The study follows customers along every touchpoint when eating or drinking out, from the decision on where to go and booking a table, to ordering and paying and then leaving a review. It found that the extra time spent at home during lockdowns has given customers time to reflect on what frustrates them most about going out versus staying in.

It starts as soon as the decision has been made to go out and socialise. One of the biggest areas of frustration for Gen Z is actually researching venues and finding somewhere new to go – six in 10 people said this caused them stress when deciding whether to go out, compared with only 13% of over 55-year-olds.

Gen Z are much more likely to be seeking out new venues that they haven’t visited before and it’s no surprise that social media plays a huge role in their search; 42% turn straight to Instagram, 20% to Facebook and 17% to Twitter. They are much less likely to simply ask for recommendations from friends and family, which is the go-to for over 55-year-olds.

While they’re in a venue, the biggest cause of stress for Gen Z is waiting to get a server’s attention while trying to pay – mentioned by 56%. More than half get frustrated when they’re not able to easily split the bill.

Top 5 frustrations for Generation Z

• Trying to find somewhere new to go
• Trying to get staff attention when waiting to pay
• Being forced to have to book a table
• Being told a certain dish has run out
• Not being able to easily split the bill

Blake Gladman, Research & Strategy Director at KAM Media, said: “We’ve been enjoying the ‘hassle-free’ experience of entertaining at home over the last 12 months and it has given customers time to reflect on what frustrates them most about going out versus staying in. Generation Z are used to an ‘on-demand’ world; they get news in real time, products are bought and delivered same day or quicker, they can access information and content simply by asking Alexa. Any unnecessary time spent waiting or any unexplained friction in a customer experience is simply unacceptable to many.”

Alison Vasey, Group Product Director at Zonal, added “Having accepted the need for technology over the past 12 months, the majority of consumers now have a greater understanding of how it improves their experience and removes typical frustrations. But operators must take a balanced approach that mixes the benefits of tech with traditional hospitality and service, in order to keep customers happy and to drive loyalty.”

Download the full report to discover more!

As part of our mission to support the hospitality sector through strategic partnerships, we have joined forces with independent membership organisation, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).

Zonal is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes and becoming a BII Trusted Partner ensures it can assist pub operators large and small in 2021 and beyond. As a Trusted Partner, Zonal will be offering its expertise, advice and insight to BII members in a number of ways designed specifically to help independent pubs and smaller operators on the road to recovery.

Steven Alton, BII chief executive, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Zonal as a Trusted Partner of the BII. As our members look to the future of their pubs, technology will play a key part in the success of our sector. Consumer expectations on their return to our much-loved venues will be high, and this partnership will allow them to access affordable, reliable and innovative solutions for everything from EPOS systems and table ordering solutions to bookings and reservations.”

Commenting on the new partnership, Stuart McLean, Zonal’s chief executive, said:

“Our connected technology helps hospitality businesses of all sizes drive efficiencies, grow sales and improve customer experiences. Working with the BII, in addition to our existing 100 technology and industry partners, means that we can support a wide range of operators in laying solid foundations for long-term success as the sector reopens.”

These collaborations build on Zonal’s ongoing commitment to form meaningful partnerships with selected technology providers and key industry bodies in order to support the whole hospitality industry. As well as these new tie-ups, Zonal currently supports Only A Pavement Away, the Institute of Hospitality and UK Hospitality.

We are pleased to announce a new agreement with Bums on Seats, the specialist consultancy on pre-booked sales, to help operators maximise sales and improve profitability.

Our shared experience in reservations technology and understanding of the hospitality market will inform and shape new best practice guidance designed to drive sales and improve yield management for operators large and small as the hospitality sector looks to rebuild post-pandemic.

Zonal’s innovative technology will be further enhanced by Bums on Seats’ sales and operational experience, which will enable the partnership to develop processes and solutions that will make a real material difference to their customers’ businesses.

Commenting on the new collaboration, Stuart McLean, Zonal’s chief executive, said:

“Zonal’s connected technology helps hospitality businesses build operational efficiencies, grow sales and improve customer experiences. Combining our long-standing expertise with the sales and operational know-how offered by Bums on Seats, means that together we can support operators in laying solid foundations for long-term success. We know that when the sector reopens there will be huge pent-up consumer demand, so ensuring that operators fully capitalise on the opportunity and this positivity is a key focus.”

Amber Staynings, founder of Bums on Seats added:

“We are so excited about the partnership with the UK’s number one Technology Solutions provider. We are looking forward to collaborating thus ensuring an even greater experience for customers. Bars, Restaurants, Pubs and Hotels are the real winners here! The Innovations in technology resulting from this partnership will benefit venues by making systems much more responsive to customer expectations in the post Covid era, as well as delivering greater efficiencies for Operators.”

The collaboration builds on Zonal’s ongoing commitment to form meaningful partnerships with selected technology providers and key industry bodies in order to support the whole hospitality industry.

A team of Zonal volunteers took to the streets of Edinburgh on the 11 March as part of a new ‘Winter Warmth’ campaign in partnership with charity, Only A Pavement Away.

Thirteen volunteers from Zonal helped pack just over 300 backpacks, filled with warm clothing, sleeping bags, toiletries and flasks and worked with the Only A Pavement Away team to distribute the kits around local hostels to support rough sleepers in Scotland’s capital. This event was the charity’s first in Scotland.

This is the first campaign that Zonal employees have participated in since recently announcing its partnership with Only A Pavement Away. The charity helps those living on the streets, as well as ex-offenders and vulnerable veterans, find employment in the hospitality industry.

Stuart McLean, CEO of Zonal, said: “As a business with its home in Edinburgh, being part of the Winter Warmth campaign is a great way for us to lend our support to those sleeping rough as well as to help Scotland’s hospitality industry. We aim to continue helping the charity’s vital work in the months ahead, especially after the incredibly challenging time the industry has experienced.”

Greg Mangham, Founder of Only a Pavement Away, said “We believe that our work is more vital than ever, so launching our first campaign in Scotland is incredibly important to us. We’re delighted to have partnered with a leading business such as Zonal for this campaign and are grateful for the support the team offered on the day. We’re looking forward to collaborating again in the near future as we expand our support in what has been a really tough year for the sector.”

Zonal’s support of Only A Pavement Away builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to form meaningful partnerships with key industry bodies in order to support the whole hospitality industry. As well as this new tie-up, Zonal currently supports the Institute of Hospitality and UKHospitality as well as partnerships with the digital charity box, Pennies and Pub Aid.

Following a record-breaking year since its inception in 2018, hospitality charity Only A Pavement Away is entering into a partnership with Zonal, the UK’s largest hospitality technology company.

As we enter the cold winter months and with the UK hospitality industry having experienced a particularly turbulent year, Only A Pavement Away, in conjunction with Zonal, will be launching the first Winter Warmth campaign in Scotland this upcoming March to support rough sleepers across the country.

With Zonal volunteers set to pack and distribute clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries for homeless individuals in Scotland, the new Winter Warmth campaign follows on from the recent successes of the campaign in English cities such as Brighton, London, Norwich and Manchester which saw circa £115k worth of donations packaged and distributed to those in need.

In addition to the Winter Warmth launch in Scotland, Zonal will also take a table at the Only A Pavement Away Annual Cook and Dine fundraising event later this year with various team members also volunteering on the day both back and front of house.

Operating out of Edinburgh, Zonal was founded in 1979 by the McLean family and was responsible for introducing the first electronic-point-of-sale (EPoS) solution to the hospitality industry. The company has since gone on to diversify its range of digital solutions and now serves more than 16,000 hospitality businesses across the UK.

Greg Mangham, Founder of Only a Pavement Away, said, “For over forty years Zonal has been a true pioneer within hospitality and a real asset to all those they have worked alongside. As we have celebrated a significant number of achievements over the past year at Only A Pavement Away –including facilitating over £80,000 worth of food donations since Christmas – partnering with Zonal felt like a no brainer and we couldn’t think of anyone better suited to help us as we expand our support for hospitality into Scotland. Our work is now more vital than ever, and as we have entered into tier 3 restrictions in cities like London, many more newly homeless are going to come from hospitality – these are our industry brothers and sisters and they need our help.”

Stuart McLean, CEO of Zonal, said, “After following Only A Pavement Away’s story for some time now, we became determined to lend our support, and everyone at Zonal is delighted that we will now be bringing Winter Warmth to Scotland this year to help those experiencing destitution. With the whole hospitality industry having taken such a hit in 2020, it’s fantastic to be collaborating with Only A Pavement Away who carry out such vital work.”

Zonal is proud to support and sponsor Peach 2020 again this year. 2020 was supposed to be a very special one for CGA’s Peach 2020 Conference and Peach Hero & Icon Awards, but as we all know the world has changed in unimaginable ways since then and continues to do so.

Instead of the well-known 2020 conference, CGA will be presenting The BIG Peach 2020 Digital Experience for the out-of-home food and drink world including the now virtual Peach Hero & Icon Awards, celebrating the bravest, most innovative and committed people and companies in our market.

The event, which takes place on the 18th November will be hosted by UK Hospitality’s chief executive Kate Nicholls and Peach 2020 founder and CGA vice president Peter Martin, see the full agenda here.

Join Zonal for the Technology and the Power of Data breakout session at 2.25pm.  Our Group Product Director Alison Vasey will be discussing the digital transformation in hospitality as operators adopt new technologies driven by a change in consumer behaviour and expectations.

Consumers are now planning their visits with an increased level of scrutiny, bookings in many outlets are becoming a pre-requisite, mobile order & pay is coming the fore as table service becomes mandatory and outlets are looking to switch on click & collect and delivery services to supplement revenue during Lockdown 2.0, but what can operators learn from the data that these platforms offer? Join the session to hear from the tech experts and find out what opportunities, greater knowledge and understanding this new insight presents.

At 5.30pm CGA presents the Peach Hero & Icon Digital Awards for 2020! Zonal is delighted to present the award for Outstanding Major Business of the Year. Good luck to all nominees!

Want to speak to a member of the team at the event? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Zonal, the UK’s leading provider of technology solutions for hospitality businesses has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Jon Woodforth as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

With more than 18 years’ experience of spearheading complex B2B technology, Woodforth joins Zonal from retail  technology specialist, Flooid, formerly PCMS Group where he served as global CTO.

Woodforth will lead the company’s R&D, IT, Compliance and Managed Services departments bringing his extensive experience of managing complex multi-product development operations and strong commercial acumen to align, drive forward and deliver Zonal’s vision for technology innovation and growth. His breadth of knowledge of hospitality and retail EPoS solutions will be invaluable in driving the Zonal suite of products forward.

Zonal’s chief executive Stuart McLean said: “Jon’s vast experience in driving the development of complex technology products is well-proven and I’m absolutely delighted he is joining the Zonal Group.”

Jon said: “I am truly excited to be joining Zonal and look forward to influencing and delivering on the company’s future product strategy and vision.”

Zonal’s connected technology solutions can be found in a diverse range of 16,000 plus businesses across the hospitality sector.  Working with more than 50 partners and third-party partner applications, Zonal offers seamless integrations that helps its customers to streamline operations, maximise profits and enhance the guest experience.