Business rates are one of the biggest pressures facing UK hospitality right now, and for many operators it feels like the cost that never stops rising. In this solo episode, Tim Mills breaks down what business rates are meant to do, how the system evolved, why it’s become such a flashpoint for pubs, restaurants and hotels, and what the latest changes could mean in 2026.

The episode explores the politics behind property taxation, the high street vs online giants debate, and why so many venues feel like they’re being taxed harder simply for operating in physical spaces. Tim also shares practical steps operators can take to reduce the impact where possible, plus how say86 is working to support hospitality businesses by helping them access better supplier costs, smarter services, and specialist support like rates brokers.

In this episode of the say86 podcast, we take a deep dive into how hospitality operators can rethink procurement as a commercial advantage, not a back-office task. From supplier relationships and cost control to consistency, scalability and smarter decision-making, we explore how procurement quietly shapes margins, guest experience and operational resilience.

With rising costs, tighter labour markets and increasing complexity across the industry, the way operators buy, source, and manage suppliers has never mattered more. This conversation looks at how procurement decisions impact everything from menu design to service flow, and why getting it right can unlock time, clarity and confidence for teams on the ground.

A must-listen for operators, founders and hospitality leaders looking to future-proof their business in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode of the say86 Podcast, host Tim Mills speaks with Brian Vujnovic and Robert Finvarb, founders of MIA Hospitality Management, a company built on the principles of Mastery, Innovation and Assurance. With decades of operational, ownership and development experience, they share a grounded look at how hospitality is changing, and what it now takes to run successful hotels.

Together, they discuss the state of the industry, from labour pressures and shifting guest expectations to the behind-the-scenes challenges that determine whether a property thrives. The conversation explores the influence of Gen Z, the rise of digital and AI-driven operations, and why many traditional approaches no longer hold up in today’s market.

Brian and Robert also outline where the biggest opportunities lie, what the next decade of hospitality might look like, and the operational gaps most owners still overlook. This is a candid, forward-looking discussion for operators, developers and anyone interested in the future of hotel management.

In this episode of the Say86 Podcast, Tim takes a deep dive into a growing crisis that’s hitting restaurants, cafés, hotels and hospitality businesses across the UK: chargeback fraud.

What begins as a simple, innocent transaction, a guest enjoying a meal and paying their bill, is increasingly turning into a devastating financial loss for operators. Customers are disputing payments after the fact, banks are refunding them instantly, and businesses are left with no protection, no recourse and often no warning.

We explore the real story of Forty Dean Street in Soho, a family-run restaurant losing £500–£600 a week to fraudulent chargebacks, and why their situation is becoming far too common. We also unpack how the chargeback system works, why hospitality almost always loses disputes, and how this loophole is being abused across restaurants, cookery schools, event venues and more.

This episode shines a light on the emotional toll, the financial strain, the lack of investigation from banks, and the complete imbalance between consumer protection and operator vulnerability. It’s a candid, honest look at an issue that could push already struggling businesses closer to the edge.

In this episode, Tim shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of hospitality, the suppliers, service providers, and behind-the-scenes teams who keep the industry running.

From the engineers fixing kitchen equipment before dawn to the linen companies, delivery drivers, and independent producers who make every guest experience possible, this episode explores the invisible backbone of hospitality, the network of people and businesses that make service seamless.

Tim dives into the challenges suppliers face, the fragility of the supply chain, and why visibility and connection matter more than ever in today’s market. He also discusses how technology, like the say86 platform, can help unite a fragmented industry, without losing the human relationships that make hospitality special.

Whether you’re an operator, supplier, or simply love the industry, The Hidden Heroes of Hospitality is a powerful reminder that great service doesn’t happen by accident — it happens because of the people behind it.

In this episode, Tim Mills is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast alongside the official rollout of say86, the UK’s first B2B procurement platform built exclusively for the hospitality industry.

In this special launch episode, he explores why nearly half of hospitality businesses are struggling with supply chain issues and how say86 provides a lifeline by connecting operators directly with suppliers and support services. Months in the making, say86 has been developed by a team of seasoned hospitality professionals with one mission: to save operators time, reduce costs, and open new opportunities for suppliers.

This isn’t just a platform, it’s a community. Whether you run a pub, hotel, restaurant, café, or you’re a supplier looking to reach operators, say86 is here to simplify procurement and strengthen the industry.

Tune in to hear how say86 works, why it’s launching now, and what it means for the future of hospitality.

In this episode of The say86 Podcast, host Tim Mills is joined by Chef Franck Desplechin, a French-born executive chef, leadership coach, and founder of Incrementum, joining from Connecticut, USA.

Franck’s story is one of passion, resilience, and transformation. From the pressure-filled kitchens of fine dining to leading teams of over sixty chefs by the age of twenty-nine, his career reflects both the artistry and intensity of hospitality at its highest level.

Now, through Incrementum, Franck helps hospitality professionals strengthen their leadership, mindset, and wellbeing, encouraging a “people-first” approach in an industry that often forgets to care for its own.

Together, Tim and Franck explore the evolution of leadership in hospitality, the balance between intuition and technology, and how mentorship and mindset are shaping the next generation of chefs. It’s an inspiring, human conversation about what it truly means to lead with purpose, and why great hospitality always begins with great people.

In this episode of The say86 Podcast, host Tim Mills sits down with Chris Carter, Founder and CEO of Approyo, to explore the fascinating crossover between technology and hospitality.

Chris shares how decades in enterprise tech shaped his approach to running his own bar, what hospitality can learn from digital transformation, and why data-driven thinking could redefine how operators run their businesses.

From AI-powered management to human connection behind the bar, this is a conversation about innovation, leadership, and the balance between tech and people.

Recorded remotely from Wisconsin, USA, this episode dives deep into the mindset of a leader bridging two very different worlds — and how the next wave of hospitality innovation might start with a line of code.