Dan Pilley Business Consultant

24/03/2026

24/03/2026

The oil prices are hitting businesses like The Gainsborough Health Club & Spa hard.

Been filming today with the BBC News on the impact it’s having on the hospitality and leisure industries.

13/03/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗔𝘀 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘀 – 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀

The red carpet. The glamour. The gowns. The hair.

This weekend millions of people will tune in to watch the Oscars.

What most people don’t see is the army of professionals working behind the scenes to make it all happen. Hair stylists. Makeup artists. Production teams. All working at pace, under pressure, with the world watching.

Interestingly, one of the films tipped for success this year – starring Leonardo DiCaprio – tells the story of a character fighting through one battle after another.

In many ways that’s exactly what running a business can feel like at the moment.

Rising costs, constant change and economic uncertainty mean many business owners feel like they’re navigating challenge after challenge.

But the key is not letting those battles overwhelm you. It’s about having a plan, knowing your numbers and making sure you stay in control of the situation rather than letting it engulf you.

Full log available in comments below 👇

08/03/2026

05/02/2026

Most hospitality stress isn’t caused by problems.

It’s caused by no backup plan.

Frozen ground meant outside work wasn’t possible on the first day back in January. Because there was a plan B, the team moved straight onto something else. No drama.

Pressure is inevitable. Panic is optional.

I’ve shared a short January round-up of what really tested hospitality businesses this month and what made the difference 👇

https://danielpilley.co.uk/post/new-blog-post

13/01/2026

🔥 Line Chef Wanted at Tiger Fusion 🔥 Thai & East Asian Restaurant & Bar

Love fast-paced kitchens, bold flavours, and good vibes? Tiger Fusion is on the hunt for a Line Chef to join our energetic kitchen team.

🌶 About Us

Tiger Fusion at The Suffolk Hotel brings together Thai and East Asian street-inspired food with a modern twist. We’re all about fresh ingredients, strong flavours, and a buzzing service, backed by a tight, supportive team.

🔪 The Role

You’ll be running your section, smashing out great food, and keeping standards high when the tickets are flying.

What you’ll be doing:

• Cooking and plating dishes to spec (and with pride)
• Owning your section during busy services
• Helping with prep, stock rotation, and keeping wastage low
• Keeping the kitchen clean, organised, and food-safe
• Working closely with the team to keep service smooth
• Getting involved with specials and menu ideas when the chance comes up

👊 What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Chef working in a commercial kitchen (Asian cuisine prep and cooking experience is a bonus, not essential)
• Calm under pressure and comfortable in a fast-paced kitchen
• A positive, team-first attitude
• Good knowledge of food hygiene & kitchen safety
• Reliable, organised, and passionate about food
• Availability to work evenings and weekends (essential)

🎁 What You’ll Get

• Competitive pay (depending on experience)
• Staff meals & discounts
• A fun, high-energy kitchen environment
• Opportunities to grow and learn new skills

📩 Sound Like You?

Send over your CV or drop us a message - we’d love to meet you.

21/12/2025

Just visited Ellen's Stardust Diner in New York and I've got to tell you – the energy in this place is absolutely electric. 🎤

These singers aren't just performing for tips. They're LIVING their dream of making it to Broadway. Every single one of them shows up, gives everything, and takes action every single day towards their goal.

Here's what struck me: they don't wait for the perfect moment. They don't make excuses. They perform, they hustle, they network, they improve. They understand that wanting something and actually achieving it are two completely different things.

If you really want something in your business or life, you need to do what these performers do – show up consistently, take action, and refuse to quit.

What's one action you're going to take today towards your biggest goal? 💪

28/11/2025

Eat, drink be happy - we are trying Rachel.

Read my blog…
The budget from the front line of hospitality

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eat-drink-happy-we-trying-rachel-dan-pilley-5sfce?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

04/11/2025

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS! Join me on Tuesday 11th November, 5pm at The Suffolk Hotel for a FREE to attend meet up to discuss and put into practice planning ahead for 2026. Join me and other entrepreneurs and sign up here 👉 https://entrepreneurscircle.org/local/join/?ambassador_id=182

12/09/2025

🐙 8 BUSINESS LESSONS FROM THE HIGH SEAS 🚢

Currently aboard Virgin Voyages and this magnificent octopus got me thinking... Just like our eight-armed friend here, successful businesses need multiple "te****les" to thrive!

Here are 8 essential arms every growing business needs:

1. VISION 👁️ - Clear sight of where you're heading (just like those glowing eyes!)

2. CASH FLOW 💰 - The lifeblood that keeps everything moving smoothly

3. CUSTOMER FOCUS ❤️ - Know your audience and serve them brilliantly

4. SYSTEMS ⚙️ - Processes that work whether you're there or not

5. MARKETING 📢 - Getting your message out to the right people

6. TEAM 🤝 - Surround yourself with people who share your vision

7. ADAPTABILITY 🌊 - Like an octopus, be flexible and ready to change direction

8. PERSISTENCE 💪 - Keep moving forward, even when the waters get rough

Sometimes we need to step away from the daily grind to see the bigger picture. What's your business missing? Which "te****le" needs strengthening?

Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear which of these 8 resonates most with your current challenges!

02/08/2025

From Farm to Palace: A Journey Through British Heritage🇬🇧

Had an absolutely cracking day exploring some of Britain's finest! Started at Jeremy Clark The Farmer's Dog Pub - and what a gem this place is! The atmosphere, the food, and that classic Clarkson touch made it a perfect pit stop. You can really see why it's become such a destination.

Then onto the magnificent Blenheim Palace - the architecture and history never fail to impress. That vintage car suspended in the great hall is just incredible - a perfect blend of heritage and innovation that captures the spirit of British ingenuity.

But the most moving part of the day was paying respects at Winston Churchill's grave. Standing there, reading those simple yet powerful words "Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill 1874-1965" and "Clementine Ogilvy Spencer Churchill 1885-1977", you can't help but reflect on the extraordinary legacy of leadership and determination that shaped our nation.

From a modern-day farming entrepreneur to a wartime leader who changed the course of history - it's remarkable how Britain continues to produce individuals who leave their mark on the world.

Sometimes the best business inspiration comes from stepping away from the desk and connecting with the stories of those who've built something lasting. Whether it's a successful pub, a magnificent palace, or a legacy of leadership that endures decades later.

What places inspire your business thinking?