in brief

Hawkes award Garry Hawkes, chairman of contract caterer Gardner Merchant, has just received the CBE he was awarded in the New Year for his contribution to tourism and catering. As president of the British Hospitality Association and the Hotel and Catering Benevolent Association, he has been a major spokesperson for the industry and an advocate of encouraging increased quality of entrants.

Budget boom
The UK budget hotel sector added another 4,500 new rooms to the market with a further 70 new hotels in 1998 - a 15% increase on 1997, according to Deloitte & Touche Hospitality and Leisure Consulting. By 2003 it estimates there could be more than 1,100 budget hotels and 71,500 rooms.

Troubleshooter Channel Four has commissioned a series about restaurants with serious financial difficulties. It will focus on an industry troubleshooter who tries to help them turn round their fortunes. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Optomen Television on 0171-967 1259.