TRENT Bridge is a hive of activity. Ahead of tomorrow's NatWest Series one-day international my office is busy with final briefings to our 150-strong catering team. With over 17,000 cricket-lovers, media and site staff to look after, it will be a busy day.
Frankly, it should be a busy day, and a busy few weeks, for Nottingham's smaller service companies as the world's attention turns to the city next month for the Investec Ashes Test.
Michael Wisher & Associates are currently looking to recruit a further 500 candidates to fulfil hospitality and catering assignments for this summer's cricket season, when Trent Bridge staffing levels swell from 55 full-time personnel to 1,000 with the addition of temporary and part-time staff for the major matches.
Businesses on Radcliffe Road, in West Bridgford town centre and central Nottingham are making arrangements to take on extra staff to cope with increased demand.
My hope is that all local companies have indeed geared up to make the most of this fantastic commercial opportunity. It is estimated that hosting the major cricketing events in Nottingham between 2013 and 2016 will bring £29.7 million of direct economic impact to the city. At Michael Wisher we have prepared for this season by recruiting and training predominantly Nottinghamshire- based staff to handle a variety of jobs, including plate and wine waiting, retail, back-of- house porters and cellar assistants.
Everyone selected to work at Trent Bridge, as well as those working with our other clients, undergoes a thorough training and induction programme and learns that we demand the best from each individual. Although this is temporary employment, we help everyone to develop transferable skills which are valuable to any future employer – skills like good time- keeping, handling customers, building confidence, accuracy and personal discipline.
With over 7,000 people registered with us, we'll be supplying temporary staff to several major sporting and outdoor events this year, making a direct impact on jobs and income for many local people.
Not only are staff expected to deliver an excellent service but also to act as ambassadors for both the city and the venue. So what does being an ambassador look like in practice? How might all Nottingham companies, whether providing food, hospitality, accommodation or transport, leave a positive lasting impression on cricket-lovers as they head home?
I know that Experience Nottinghamshire is supporting the training of volunteers to ensure they have all the information needed to make visitors feel welcome, and that their members across the county have great offers and events to make the cricket visitor experience a great one.
As customers, and visitors from afar, we are going to appreciate feeling welcomed and wanted as we spend a few days in Nottingham. We are going to notice and appreciate the ready smile, the direct eye-contact, the offer of help, and the acknowledgment of a sale from those who serve us. We are going to warm to the personality of a young waitress who is clearly enjoying meeting and greeting guests, and we are going to return to the hotel that treats us as if we are the most important visitors they have ever received.
I know Nottingham can and does rise to the occasion. Only last week I popped into the newly-opened White Rabbit Teahouse, on Bridlesmith Gate, to be greeted by very cheery and attentive staff. All credit to owner Frances Russell for her attention to detail and customer care.
So let's make this cricket season a memorable one. One of commercial success, one of positive repute for the city, and ideally, one of continuing success for England.