Hospitality is in David Allott’s blood. Having started as a trainee Hotel Manager almost 40 years ago, this industry has provided Allott with opportunities to work in boutique restaurants in Provence, France; Hotels in London and Edinburgh; through to Convention Centres, Stadiums and Venues across New Zealand and Australia.
“My role at SkyCity combines all of those experiences with responsibilities across all restaurants, events, hotels and SkyTower guest experiences.”
When looking for new products, Allott focuses on what’s different.
“New products must understand their market position,” he explained.
“Is it something genuinely new or something old being done better or cheaper?”
Allott noted that SkyCity’s procurement strategy is to maximise purchases from local suppliers whilst balancing that with guarantee of supply (“We are a larger business.”) and commercial proposition.
His advice for those entering PITCHme this year is to understand where their product sits against the competition on all levels, adding that small brand owners often make the mistake of allowing their passion for the product to get in the way of reality.
“Be brutally honest with yourself,” said Allott.
“Always learn from others’ mistakes, they have happened for a reason so listen, learn and understand why.”
