Os contratos são a espinha dorsal das operações comerciais, especialmente no setor de hospitalidade, onde os acordos geralmente abrangem anos e envolvem serviços essenciais como energia, manutenção, serviços e parcerias de tecnologia. Este acordo, apesar de ser benéfico em princípio, provou ser caro, com despesas superando as receitas na região de 900%, sim, isso é 900%. ser particularmente desafiador. Muitos acordos vêm sem cláusulas de saída ou períodos de aviso excessivos, tornando quase impossível para as empresas girar quando a dinâmica do mercado muda, que no caminho do lado atual dos negócios parece mensalmente! ser particularmente oneroso. Um artigo de 2024 de
Recently, I am dealing with a five-year contract with an electric car charging company. This agreement, despite being beneficial in principle, has proven costly, with expenses outpacing revenues in the region of 900%, yes that’s 900%.
As the new operator, I’m faced with attempting to renegotiating or exiting this agreement to ensure it aligns with our financial goals, and of course yes, its proving to be very difficult.
The rigidity of long-term contracts can be particularly challenging. Many agreements come with no exit clauses or excessive notice periods, making it nearly impossible for businesses to pivot when market dynamics change, which in current headwind of business seems monthly!
While it’s understandable that contractors seek security and guaranteed revenues, overly restrictive terms can be excessive, and I would argue unjust!
In the hospitality sector, such rigid contracts can be particularly burdensome. A 2024 article from The Times relatou que pequenas empresas são frequentemente pressionadas a contratos de suporte comercial de longo prazo, alguns se estendendo até dez anos, o que pode levar a tensão financeira e limitar sua capacidade de se adaptar às mudanças nas condições do mercado.
From Health & Safety to Human Resource and other Services led contracts, one would argue that these should never have such strenuous terms given they are people orientated, and should be more adaptable, technology, well a license to print money, and a simple on/off switch their end, seems to come with penalty or no get out clause.
In the hospitality industry, where agility is crucial, businesses must have the ability to adapt rapidamente. Como hoteleiro, podemos sofrer uma política de cancelamento de 24 horas se nevar ou alguém estiver doente-é como se tivéssemos cometido um crime, quando dizemos que não poderemos vender essa sala, e nossos termos e condições afirmam claramente que você deve pagar, mas direto para o aluguel de que eles vão! crescimento. Dificilmente usado e era mais um serviço de estilo "seguro". Os acordos de longo prazo devem vir com salvaguardas que protejam os operadores de termos insustentáveis, enquanto ainda fornecem a estabilidade dos contratados.
Whether dealing with fluctuating energy costs, supplier pricing changes, or evolving guest expectations, restrictive contracts can stifle growth.
Flexible contracts that include reasonable exit or renegotiation clauses offer a more balanced approach, benefiting both parties and allowing businesses to respond to changing needs – we are open to conversation, there is a difference between up front costs, being spread over a period, but all too often this isn’t the case, I have an incident of being with someone 3 – 4 years, and demanding I give an 18 month notice period for services that over the 3 – 4 years was hardly used and was more of an “insurance” style service.
As industry professionals, we must advocate for fairer contract structures that support business sustainability. Long-term agreements should come with safeguards that protect operators from untenable terms while still providing contractors with stability.
O diálogo aberto e o entendimento mútuo entre as partes podem levar a contratos que promovem a inovação, o crescimento e o sucesso mútuo - proveito não apenas uma parte, mas a indústria como um todo. Não vamos lá hoje. Juntamente com a próxima conferência
I could do another whole blog on the wider issues of what if your member of staff has signed a contract in your absence? Let’s not go there today.
Ultimately, reviewing existing contracts, identifying key areas for negotiation, and pushing for flexibility in new agreements can empower hospitality businesses to thrive.
It is time for a fairer approach that respects both sides while fostering a healthier, more adaptable business environment.
If you love hospitality and are eager to improve our industry, then come along to our next conference A arte da hospitalidade que fala de todas as coisas da hospitalidade, hospedada em 17 TH JANEIRO EM CHESTER! Learn more and get your tickets here: https: //www.tickettailor.com/events/thehospitityheroltd/1247485?
