The Hospitality Sector Council, a joint industry–government advisory body, unites leading operators, suppliers and policymakers to strengthen the long-term resilience, productivity and digital capability of UK hospitality. Within the Council, the Innovation Working Group, chaired by Jane O’Riordan (Chair of Caravan Restaurants and Flight Club Darts), plays a pivotal role in accelerating practical, high-impact technology adoption across the sector.
With 60% of the industry made up of SMEs and technology needs varying dramatically between pubs, restaurants and hotels, operators face a shared challenge: they need tools that truly work, yet face limited guidance, major integration barriers, rising costs and widespread uncertainty.

In this session, the Hospitality Sector Council will officially launch the trial phase of its Hospitality Innovation Lab, alongside representatives from operator partners Burger King, Punch, Bill’s, Azzurri, Prezzo, Beckford Group and Lincoln Green. Two of the tech providers, chosen from hundreds of applications for intensive 10-week real-world trials, each designed to test breakthroughs in system integration, data utilisation, talent management and AI-driven operational tools, will join the discussion.

At a time when operators are demanding clarity, teams are overwhelmed by choice and budgets are tighter than ever, this session provides a much-needed sector-wide compass.