Q&A with Key Account Manager at European Bank located in London

Q&A with Key Account Manager at European Bank located in London

We caught up with our new Account Manager at a prestigious banking firm. Our expert has in-depth knowledge of banking products and services, as well as a keen understanding of employee’s needs. With over 10 years of experience in the financial industry, he is well-equipped to provide valuable insights and answers to your burning questions.

So, let's dive in and gain valuable insights from our knowledgeable Account Manager:

Can you tell us about your highlights so far last year?

Our coffee bars now feature self-paid kiosks, which have been well received by our guests. The kiosks allow for a seamless experience, as users can scan their desired items without assistance.

The kiosks were introduced to accommodate employees who prefer to purchase ambient snacks rather than hot beverages. The response to the kiosks has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have become quite popular. On a busy day, the kiosks alone generate approximately 3% of our total revenue, which translates to about £6k per day. The two kiosks combined contribute to 8% of our weekly food revenue, making them a successful investment for our business.

What new developments and initiatives should employees expect to see in 2023 and 2024?

Over the next 18 months, we are committed to encouraging employees to make healthier choices and promoting sustainable practices. Restaurant Associates' chefs are leading the way by implementing various programmes that offer nutritious and delicious options for employees. This includes increasing plant-based options on menus, providing nutritional information, and sourcing ingredients sustainably.

We recently had the pleasure of hosting food writer, chef and partner Sabrina Ghayour on International Women's Day. Sabrina's authentic Persian and Middle Eastern flavours resonated well with our European Bank employees, and her passion for the culinary arts was infectious. Her visit left a lasting impact on our teams, inspiring them to pursue their passions and embrace creativity in the workplace. Sabrina's visit has not only enriched our guests’ culinary knowledge but also helped create a sense of community and connection in the workplace. We are confident that this experience will continue to inspire employees to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.

Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce the chef experience initiative as part of our culinary strategy. This initiative offers a unique and engaging experience for employees to work together, learn new cooking techniques, and enjoy fabulous food. We believe that this initiative will foster teamwork and collaboration, boost employee morale and satisfaction, and promote healthy eating habits. We are committed to creating a positive and productive work environment that supports the well-being of our guests, and we are confident that our chef-led events will help us achieve this goal.

What are the biggest opportunities in the next year and what challenges do you see impacting your industry?

As a business, one of the biggest opportunities we have right now is bringing people back into the office. While remote work has its advantages, there is still something to be said for the collaboration that can only be found in a physical office space.

To that end, we are always looking for ways to incentivise guests to come into the office on days when footfall is typically lower. For example, one of our restaurants sees significant footfall mid-week but slower traffic on Mondays and Fridays. To address this issue, we have created a loyalty program, special offers, and promotional activities that drive footfall on quiet days.

In terms of communication describe how the partnership works with Restaurant Associates, and rate the support out of 10?

The partnership between Restaurant Associates and the bank is highly supportive, with a lot of resources and personnel available to help with various aspects of our operation. There is a dedicated team from Restaurant Associates who provide assistance with the cafes, business excellence, and HR support.