BBC interviews, price jumps and a 32kg labrador: The month that was March

The Month That Was: March 2026

March has been one of those months where you’re reminded just how varied business (and life)  can be. From national media to carrying a Labrador across London, it’s been a month of perspective, progress and a few unexpected moments along the way.

From TalkSPORT to the BBC

In the space of a week I found myself on TalkSPORT and BBC One.

TalkSPORT was a good bit of fun, even if my prediction didn’t quite land. As an Arsenal fan I was hoping for a different outcome, but that’s football.

More importantly, I was asked to appear on BBC News at One to talk about rising oil prices and the impact on businesses.

That’s a conversation that matters.

Energy costs are one of the biggest pressures facing hospitality and many other sectors right now. When you’re asked to comment at that level, it’s a reminder that the day-to-day challenges we deal with as operators are exactly what the wider world is trying to understand.

Your real-world experience has value. Don’t underestimate it.

A bridge too far

We also managed to grab a bit of downtime with a family trip to London.

That was until Teddy, our Labrador, decided halfway across the Millennium Bridge that he wasn’t going any further.

At 32kg, that left me carrying him the rest of the way while my daughter helped… and my son filmed it, of course.

I’m not sure we got the roles quite right.

It was one of those moments that reminds you that no matter how busy things get, you have to make time for life outside of the business.

Because without that balance, what are you actually building?

Staying accountable at the top

This month also saw a couple of trips to Entrepreneurs Circle HQ.

One of those was for Nigel’s Inner Circle, which I’m part of.

Even after years in business, putting yourself in a room where you’re held accountable, challenged and pushed is invaluable. It keeps you sharp, focused and moving forward.

In fact, it’s something I’m now looking to introduce for my own clients.

No matter what level you’re at, having the right people around you makes a huge difference.

Breaking the price barrier

One of the most interesting developments this month has been around membership.

We introduced a new top-tier option at £180 – double the price of our previous highest level.

And people bought it.

There’s a lesson in that.

When you genuinely add value, price becomes less of a barrier. People aren’t just buying access, they’re buying outcomes, experience and trust.

Too many businesses hold themselves back by underpricing what they offer.

The better question is: how can you create something worth more?

Looking ahead

As we move into April, the pressures on the sector aren’t going anywhere.

Costs are rising, uncertainty remains, and the landscape continues to shift.

But the opportunity is still there for those willing to adapt, invest and think differently.

That’s the nature of hospitality.

It’s challenging, unpredictable and at times relentless but for those who embrace it, there’s always another level to reach.

Remember, hospitality never stands still… and neither can we.

Dan.