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Afrikana Lakeside
Afrikana Lakeside, a renowned restaurant serving delectable African cuisine, has been a culinary gem in Lakeside shopping center for a decade. With a team of 19 dedicated employees and a forward-thinking approach, they have consistently delighted diners. Moreover, their commitment to innovation and expansion led them to have 20 active app users.
The retail sector includes any business or individual selling products directly to consumers.
The retail industry includes shops, department stores, supermarkets, market stalls, door-to-door salespeople and internet retailers (House of Commons Library, 2021).
For many, 2022 has transitioned from a health crisis into an economic one. The ongoing fallout from Covid-19, the introduction of escalating geopolitical tensions, and a cost-of-living crisis are creating the perfect storm for continued disruption. Inflationary pressures, interest rate hikes, and the beginnings of an economic recession will further shake up the retail and leisure industry (Retail Economics, 2023).
The problems
- Food safety training: They needed to ensure that their staff was well-versed in food safety and hygiene, a critical aspect of their business.
- Comprehensive HR support: Managing payroll, pensions, employee benefits, and employment law services was becoming increasingly complex and time-consuming.
- Expansion goals: Afrikana Lakeside had ambitious plans to open a new location at the prestigious O2 arena but needed support to realise this vision.
The solutions
- Food safety training: Afrikana Lakeside received food safety and allergy awareness courses at no cost, enhancing their team’s skills and compliance.
- Comprehensive HR solution: Eternal Engagements offered an all-encompassing HR solution, covering payroll, pensions, employee benefits, and employment law services, relieving the burden of HR management.
- Support for expansion: With expert HR and administrative support from Eternal Engagements, Afrikana Lakeside was empowered to focus on realising its expansion plans at the O2 arena.
The results
- Successful expansion: Afrikana Lakeside’s dream of opening a new restaurant at the O2 arena became a reality, expanding its reach and influence; the 02 restaurant is set to open in late 2023.
- More restaurant openings are also in the works for the following locations: Hounslow, Ilford, Leeds, Sheffield, Southampton, Hayes, Edinburgh, and Wolverhampton.
- Increased app users: The number of active app users surged, further engaging their customer base.
- Enhanced food safety practices: With comprehensive training, Afrikana Lakeside improved food safety practices, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and maintaining a food hygiene rating of 5 with the Food Standards Agency.
- Streamlined HR workload: The burden of HR management was significantly reduced, allowing the team to concentrate on strategic growth.
- Substantial cost savings: Afrikana Lakeside saved a notable £1919* on food safety courses and payroll services, making their operations more cost-effective.
Training costs before
Food Safety Level 1 : £10 – £18 Per Employee
Food Safety Level 2 : £12 – £20 Per Employee
Food Safety Level 3 : £69 – £130 Per Manager
Food Allergy Course: £10 – £25 Per Employee
Training costs after
Food Safety Level 1 : £0
Food Safety Level 2 : £0
Food Safety Level 3 : £0
Food Allergy Course: £0
What they say
“We’re saving a ton on outsourcing our payroll and HR services. The pension set-up costs surprised me because it’s free, whereas we were paying an accountant for the set-up and monthly pension info uploads. Communication has been exceptional; there’s always someone available to assist us at every step. The Eternal Engagements team’s familiarity with our franchise model, coupled with their understanding of our business complexities, has been invaluable. We’ve already recommended Eternal Engagements to others, including our expanding group of 12 restaurants and a new venue opening in the O2 London Arena next year. The only regret? Not signing up sooner; a few of our staff missed out on app benefits before payday.”
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