This Podcast is Sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland https://www.leonardohotels.co.uk/ Host: Phil Street FIH Guests: Sacha Lord FIH – Chair, Night Time Industries Association; Founder, The Warehouse Project & ParklifeAymen Fetouak MIH – Head of Professional Development, Institute of HospitalityEmily Clark AIH – Industry Engagement Officer, Edge Hotel School; IOH Youth Council Artwork and Branding: Sonia Cresswell (MIH) Music by: Leon Williams (FIH) Looking Ahead to 2026: New Year, New Challenges As hospitality steps into 2026, the mood is mixed. Hope, frustration, resilience, fear, and optimism all collide in this honest, wide ranging conversation about what lies ahead for the industry. Joined by Sacha Lord, Aymen Fetouak, and Emily Clark, Phil explores the pressures facing hospitality, from government policy and rising costs to leadership behaviour, professional development, and the future workforce, while also uncovering where hope still lives and how the sector can create its own momentum. This is a candid, thoughtful discussion about realism without resignation and why hospitality remains worth fighting for. In this episode, we discuss:What 2026 feels like for hospitality leaders on the groundThe impact of government policy, VAT, business rates, and political decision-makingWhy hospitality often feels misunderstood at policy levelThe real human cost of closures - businesses, homes, families, and mental healthHow public support for hospitality is growing againWhy pubs, restaurants, and hotels are more than just businessesThe pressure facing leaders as margins tighten and teams shrinkLong hours, burnout, and the risk of losing joy from the industryThe importance of collaboration, not top-down decision-makingWhy professional development must become practical, human, and continuousMentoring, real-world learning, and “capability in the moment”Leadership behaviours Gen Z wants to see disappearWhy younger generations are still optimistic - and ready to innovateCreating hope rather than waiting for it Why Our Guests Said, “I’m In!”Sacha Lord: For Sacha, becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality was an unexpected and deeply meaningful honour. With no formal qualifications and 30 years in the industry, the recognition represents everything hospitality can offer - opportunity, progression, and purpose without barriers. Aymen Fetouak: Aymen sees the IOH as a people first organisation dedicated to standards, sustainability, and real world impact. His role is rooted in listening to the industry and turning pressure into progress through practical development. Emily Clark: Emily joined the IOH as a student and never looked back. From accessing learning resources to finding her professional community through the Youth Council, she believes the Institute plays a vital role in inspiring and supporting the next generation. Outstanding Quotes from the Episode“If we reduce VAT to 12.5%, that’s better than 20% of nothing from closed businesses” – Sacha Lord“A pub serves far more than just a pint - it’s part of our social fabric” – Sacha Lord“If your people are okay, your business has a fighting chance” – Aymen Fetouak“Professional development should be about capability in the moment, not certificates on walls” – Aymen Fetouak“Don’t push away the people who stay” – Emily Clark“We have to create our own hope - not wait for it” – Sacha Lord“Hospitality hasn’t lost its heart, even under pressure” – Aymen Fetouak“This industry has survived wars, pandemics, and recessions - we will get through this too” – Emily Clark Join the ConversationTwitter/X: @IoH_Online Instagram: @ioh_online LinkedIn: Institute of Hospitality Website: Institute of Hospitality 2026 may not come with easy answers but this episode reminds us that hospitality’s strength has always been its people, its adaptability, and its heart. Tune in for a grounded, hopeful look at what comes next.