The current trend is for hotel properties to be developed by independent property developers, who then sign an agreement with a hotel operator to manage the property for an agreed period. In many instances the agreement is only signed once design and construction is under way.

This leads to a number of problems:

• Specific hotel or brand requirements not being taken into account when designing or constructing the building.
• Badly designed back of house and other operational areas.
• Expensive and disruptive remedial work after the property is opened.
• Development cost strategies which are in conflict with ongoing operational cost strategies.
• Insufficient provision and understanding of pre-opening allowances.
• Complicated and conflicting asset handover procedures.

By employing the services of a specialist hospitality development consultant, many of these issues can be addressed and resolved.

Service offering

With extensive experience in hospitality development, Coneconsulting are ideally placed to offer a comprehensive hospitality development consulting service. Services can be provided for the development phase of the project, during hotel opening and after opening.

Development phase

• Consulting with the development team including architects, designers and specialist consultants on generic hotel requirements and back of house design and layouts.
• Providing conceptual budget estimates.
• Providing detailed procurement lists and specifications for operating supplies and equipment.
• Acting as the operator’s representative on the development team and at development project meetings.
• Co-ordinating and vetting hotel room mock-ups and table presentations.
• Providing conceptual estimates for; and controlling approved pre-opening budgets.

In our traditional capacity as procurement consultant we are also able to manage the complete procurement process, from design specification through to fit-out and installation. Full details of these services can be provided separately.

During hotel opening

• Independent verification of the quantity and quality of FF&E and OSE assets provided.
• Documenting and verifying asset descriptions for asset register purposes and assisting with identifying assets for tagging.
• Collating and vetting technical and maintenance manuals.
• Collating design specifications, suppliers details etc for replacement.
• Assisting with the capture of all information into the asset management system.
• Assisting with rooms and other area handovers.

After hotel opening

• Inspecting and reporting on the condition of FF&E assets.
• Maintaining asset registers.
• Assisting with the ordering and procurement of replacement items.
• Managing refurbishment and remedial projects. This includes procurement, project management and costing services.

Conclusion

We believe that it is vital that operational requirements are taken into consideration when developing hotel properties and that both parties are protected during the development and after the property opens.

Our services can be provided on a modular or retainer basis and we would welcome the opportunity to explore this further.

Contact Neil at Coneconsulting on +27 11 326 4147 for more information.

The introduction of “PPP” projects has created the need for a specialist consulting service to manage FF&E assets on behalf of Facility Managers, Property Managers and Operators. These parties are required to maintain and replace assets for the duration of their contract, in terms of the signed “PPP” agreement.

FF&E assets include loose furniture, loose rugs, decorative lighting, drapery, softs, artwork, mirrors and accessories. All of these items have very specific maintenance and replacement requirements. In many instances products have been specifically designed for a project and not always available going forward. Fabrics in particular are “seasonal” and need to be covered by pre-purchased attic stock.

Service offering

With extensive hospitality and “PPP” project procurement experience, Coneconsulting are ideally placed to offer a comprehensive FF&E asset management service. Services can be provided for the procurement phase of the project, during the handover phase and more importantly for the operating phase.

• Procurement phase

  Specialist consulting services include:

  • Vetting products specified for quality, longevity and ease of replacement.
  • Identifying potential problems from maintenance and operating cost point of view.
  • Documenting maintenance and replacement strategies.
  • Providing costing information for replacement budgeting.

  In our traditional role of procurement consultant we are also able to manage the complete procurement process, from design specification through to fit-out and installation. Full details of these services can be provided separately.

• Handover phase

  Specialist consulting services include:

  • Independent verification of the quantity and quality of FF&E assets provided.
  • Documenting and verifying asset descriptions for asset register purposes and assisting with identifying assets for tagging.
  • Collating and documenting product guarantees.
  • Collating and vetting technical and maintenance manuals.
  • Collating design specifications, suppliers details etc for replacement.
  • Documenting maintenance and replacement strategies.
  • Assisting with the capture of all information into the asset management system.
• Operating phase

  Specialist consulting services include:

  • Inspecting and reporting on the condition of FF&E assets.
  • Assisting with FF&E asset maintenance and repairs.
  • Managing replacement strategies.
  • Assisting with the ordering and procurement of replacement items, as well as managing the budget for this process.
  • Managing the FF&E asset fit-out for refurbishments carried out in terms of the replacement strategy. This includes procurement, project management and costing services.
  • Assisting with product guarantee and insurance claims.

Conclusion

We believe that it is vital that FF&E assets are correctly managed, to ensure that actual operating costs are in line with the original conceptual costing model.

Our services can be provided on a modular or retainer basis and we would welcome the opportunity to explore this further.

Contact Neil at Coneconsulting on +27 11 326 4147 for more information.

The restaurant equipment you require will depend on the type of service you provide as well as the style and standard which you intend to set. Themed restaurants and those serving specialty foods will need to source equipment best suited to their preparation and serving processes. Factors related to the overall design of the facility will have a strong influence on what equipment you invest in. From tables and chairs to knives and forks, selecting the right item is not to be taken lightly.

• Make a list of all the Restaurant Equipment you require
  Start at the very beginning and make an inventory of what will be required to prepare, present and serve all the items on the menu in a way that matches the brand which your restaurant seeks to portray. Try not to leave any area of your restaurant unturned – from the furniture and reception areas to the kitchen and scullery. With this clear list you will be able to sort through a budget plan and start shopping.
• Separate the list into items you need and want
  In order to prioritize which items you will need to buy first and which can be purchased at a later date, it is recommended that you break the list down so that you can work best according to your budget.
• Shop for the Best Price
  Once you get a few quotes on an item, you can begin to see which suppliers are overpriced and which offer you good value. While you are at it you can check for specials and discounts. Do not rush into buying the cheapest available equipment as you may find a better option on your continued search.
• Shop for the Best Quality
  Whilst price is important, be sure to invest in restaurant equipment that is going to last, that is offered from a reputable supplier at a good service and delivered in good time.
• Take time to plan and make a Choice
  Once you have compared the best price offer with the ideal choice for a quality product and service, you can take your choice. Good planning means that this will never be rushed and that each decision will be well thought through. In this final part of your decision making you may wish to run your choices by the professionals who will be using them such as your chef and hospitality staff.
  Your restaurant equipment is going to be with you for some time so make sure you are happy with it.