Holiday Inn London Gatwick – Worth by IHG

With almost half of UK businesses reporting a rise in supply chain disruptions and two thirds experiencing soaring operational costs over the last year, groundbreaking new procurement platform, say86, is helping operators regain control and boost profitability.

Launched this week (17th November), say86 is a simple, low-cost, direct supplier-to-operator platform that brings together suppliers, products and support services in one place to offer a comprehensive sourcing solution. Taking its name from the widely recognised hospitality term “86” when an item runs out, the launch comes at a significant time as the hospitality sector faces mounting pressures.

Following warnings earlier this year from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) that more than one pub a day is set to pull down the shutters for good across the UK, operators urgently need innovative solutions to help them return to profitability before the country’s once thriving hospitality industry disappears.

In a recent survey*, 47% of UK businesses reported increased disruptions to their supply chains driven by inflation, global conflicts and soaring energy and fuel costs, while 63%** reported soaring operational costs that are damaging their capital expenditure.

More alarmingly, 9% reported having no cash reserves, while 53% have less than six months’ reserves. To combat this, more than half of UK businesses are reported to be investing in technology to enhance supply chain visibility to reduce the impact of disruption.

Unlike other platforms that focus solely on products or services, say86 combines both, providing operators with access to suppliers of everything from fresh produce and equipment, to dry cleaning services and emergency plumbing. With over 200 categories of support services available, say86 ensures that businesses can respond to daily challenges with ease.

Amidst increased uncertainty in the hospitality sector, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular have had to adapt to a new way of working***. With limited purchasing power, SMEs often struggle to secure bulk orders or negotiate favourable long-term contracts, which often leaves them exposed to shortages and price volatility. These challenges are especially damaging for businesses relying on just-in-time inventory models, with many now turning to digital solutions for greater accuracy and efficiency.

By using say86, operators can specify their requirements and receive prompt, competitive quotes from suppliers that align with their brand and budget. From pre-opening essentials, such as packaging, to operational necessities, including extraction cleaning and waste disposal, say86 serves as a one-stop sourcing and reordering platform for a wide array of products and support services.

For suppliers, building new relationships with operators can be challenging. Many hospitality businesses are often locked into the same outdated list of suppliers, chosen for speed and convenience, rather than value for money. With say86, suppliers gain access to targeted enquiries, connecting them with brands, operators, and high street outlets, expanding their reach whilst reducing marketing expenditure.

More importantly, say86 is levelling the playing field by allowing small, independent suppliers to go up against larger, more established firms. Visibility on the platform isn’t driven by expensive advertising but by genuine buyer’s needs. For companies on the top subscription package, suppliers receive valuable search data analytics and buyer intent insights to help them identify and win new business.

Tim Mills, CEO of say86, has a proven track record in hospitality; as Managing Director at Novators Hospitality, he and his team oversaw a string of international hospitality concepts, including the distinguished Michelin Star Omakase restaurant, ‘Endo at the Rotunda’.

Tim Mills said: “We understand how tough it has been for hospitality businesses to navigate the relentless shifts in the market over the last few years – from rising costs and staffing challenges, to the daily pressures of keeping operations running smoothly.

“At say86, our mission is to become the everyday sourcing companion for hospitality operators around the UK, saving them time, boosting sustainability and improving margin control. From takeaways to five-star hotels, hospitality operators around the world are wasting 15-30% of their time just trying to source what they need, and while they’re doing that, they’re watching their margins disappear – not because they aren’t trying, but because the tools just haven’t been there. By bringing together products and services under one platform, we’re not just simplifying procurement; we’re transforming the way the hospitality industry operates as a whole.

“To have say86 out in the world is incredibly exciting. We’re looking forward to helping businesses tackle procurement pain points by enabling them to streamline their operations and focus on what matters most: delivering outstanding and memorable guest experiences.”