Hospitality industry veteran Marshall Bain may have completed his two-year stint at the helm of the SLTA but handing over his president’s chain doesn’t mean he’s hanging up his hat, as Karen Peattie discovers
THERE’S no doubt about it. Marshall Bain has the energy of a man half his age and thrives on a busy schedule.
“It’s hard work,” he laughs, “but I love being busy and I think when you’re passionate about what you do it spurs you on – that’s certainly true when it comes to the SLTA because everything we do is for the benefit of our members and we have a responsibility to do our best for them.”
Marshall, owner of the Queen Charlotte Rooms in Edinburgh’s Leith, is the first to admit that he’s been around the block a few times. His experience in the licensed trade is vast so he is ideally placed to advise others on how to tackle the tricky situations that go part and parcel with running licensed premises.
For those not familiar with the whirlwind that is Mr Marshall Bain, here’s a snapshot of his colourful life. An accomplished singer and pianist, he spent 10 years entertaining tourists in Praia da Oura in the Algarve. He also managed a venue there for six years, loving the laid-back lifestyle and sunshine.
It was in Portugal that he met the then owner of the Queen Charlotte Rooms who said to get in touch if he came back to Scotland. He did just that and eventually bought the business. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, the Queen Charlotte Rooms is one of Edinburgh’s premier function facilities and Leith is home to Michelin-star restaurants and swish penthouse flats. And with Marshall’s son now taking more responsibility for the business, it means he has more time to devote to the SLTA.
How has his time as president been? “Hard work but very enjoyable, challenging and sometimes frustrating,” says Marshall.
“Our three-year project to rejuvenate the SLTA has been hugely successful and part of that has been to get our finances on a good track,” he continues. “We’re doing well but the hard work never stops.
“It’s a big responsibility and you have to keep on top of all the government legislation that gets thrown at us, and I’ve lost count of the number of meetings I’ve attended – but if you miss a meeting you miss out on important information and can get left behind.”
Marshall believes that the SLTA has never been in a stronger position – and that, he says, is good news for the membership and wider licensed trade and hospitality industry. “There’s a very committed group of people running the SLTA and that puts us in good stead for the future,” he points out.
“The biggest issue during my time as president has been business rates,” Marshall continues. “Working with other trade associations – the Scottish Tourism Alliance and the British Hospitality Association – we persuaded the Scottish Government to cap rates, saving the industry millions.
“But we’re not out of the woods yet and will continue to campaign for a fairer deal for our industry – this will be a very important year in that respect.
“We met recently with Paul Wheelhouse, the Business Minister, where we had the opportunity to discuss the state of the licensed trade and hospitality industry, and discussed potential ways in which the Scottish Government could help us.
“Mr Wheelhouse listened to us and we were greatly encouraged but we need to keep being proactive if we are to get our views across to the people in power.
“There’s no doubt that if we get together we have a louder, stronger voice and more clout when it comes to dealing with the decision-makers. But he issues never go away because as soon as one is resolved another is waiting in the wings.”
These include pursuing VAT reduction on tourism, including accommodation and food, working with partners to improve the conditions on tied houses, and supporting efforts by the Scottish Government to develop new strategies to improve the Scottish diet out of home (OOH) focusing on obesity, portion control and calories.
Another issue is the Scottish Government’s decision to introducing a deposit return scheme (DRS). “DRS is a very complex issue and when Scotland already has one of the best kerbside collection schemes in the world, why do we need a DRS? It’s unfair if our members have to pick up additional costs,” says Marshall.
Marshall says he could “talk all day” about the many challenges facing the industry and says that the sheer scale of them makes SLTA membership a “no-brainer”. The SLTA, he reiterates, is there for the industry.
“We’re here for you, to help you and represent you – so join us,” he says. “I’m often asked what we do and ‘how can you help me’ and I tell people that becoming a member of the SLTA is one of the best decisions a licensed trade operator will make.
“It’s definitely one of the best decisions I ever made for my business and I’m incredibly proud to have been given the honour of president and the opportunity to make a difference to the industry I love.
“This is a great industry with great people and I’ve had an amazing two years. I wish John Shearer all the very best as he embarks on his term as SLTA president and thank everyone who has supported me – Paul, Colin, Peter, members and, of course, our industry partners.”