Celebrating Our Team at Roslyns: A Profile on Dan Watson

In the second of profiles on team Roslyns, we had a chat with Dan Watson, the Roslyns Business Development Manager for the North West and North Wales regions.

Dan is a much-respected BDM by colleagues, clients, and his fellow industry professionals. He recently celebrated his 10th anniversary with Roslyns.

So, we talked about how Dan got started with Roslyns, how the past 10 years have been, and what he thinks about the next 10 years for the pub industry.

Dan's Journey at Roslyns

What first attracted you to the stocktaking role at Roslyn's ten years ago?

Ten years ago, I was working in hotel management as a deputy GM. I oversaw a restaurant, weddings, functions, and events. I had worked hard to reach that point in my career. However, I began to feel that there might be something more for me beyond the traditional path. I knew a nine-to-five job wasn't the right fit.

I had gained a wealth of experience and knowledge that I didn't want to leave behind. I wanted a new challenge, something that would allow me to apply the skills I had developed while staying within the hospitality industry.

What led me to apply for the stocktaking team job back in 2015? It was almost the perfect opportunity to continue supporting the sector I loved while bringing potential value to the business and individuals I would hopefully work with in the future.

What do you remember most about your first week on the job?

I still remember the first day quite clearly. It was my 30th birthday. I had been paired with an auditor, Steve Hughes, who managed sites in the region I would eventually be assigned to. I knew Steve from a previous role, as he had handled stocktaking for the hotel group I worked for at that time.

He turned out to be an excellent trainer. He played a big part in helping me see the role I would undertake from a completely new perspective. This time, I was no longer a client but someone providing that service to our clients.

I remember being home at a slightly more reasonable hour, sitting down to dinner with my now wife. After years of hotel management, it was a refreshing experience to have dinner at a dining table instead of on the job in a kitchen.

It's been 10 years now, what would you say you're most proud of from your time at Roslyn's over that decade?

I'm really proud of the person I've grown into thanks to my time at Roslyn's. Even though I came here with experience as a deputy GM, the roles I've had within Roslyn's have helped me develop in new ways. They have built my confidence and taught me the importance of self-belief.

It's been a journey of personal and professional growth, and I'm grateful for the opportunities and support I've had along the way. They have helped me take on new challenges with confidence.

Tell me about a typical day in your current role as business development manager.

Wow, I'm not sure there is a typical day, to be honest. As a BDM, my role is all about adapting to the needs of our clients and supporting them in whatever way they need. Some days, I’m on the road in meetings with two, three, or even four different businesses. I review their latest accounts and discuss next steps face-to-face.

Other days, I work with brand new clients, helping them from day one with business planning and financial forecasting. If there's one constant in my day, it's that I'm always looking for ways to add value to the clients I speak with, whether in person, over the phone, or virtually. That’s what drives me; it’s at the heart of what we do as a company every single day.

How would you describe the culture at Roslyn's and how it's evolved over the years?

Over the past 10 years with Roslyn's, one thing that has stood out to me is the company's ability to bring in talent from the hospitality industry. They also welcome those just starting out or looking to take the next step in their careers. Senior team members, whether based in the office or in the field, have a knack for spotting and nurturing potential. They genuinely want you to be your best.

It's not just talk; the support runs through every level of the business. It feels like there’s a genuine desire to help you grow and develop to hopefully reach your full potential, whatever that might be.

What keeps you motivated and inspired to stay and grow within the company?

What really keeps me motivated is not knowing exactly what each day will bring. Unlike some jobs with rigid descriptions, this role lets me stay close to an industry I've been part of since leaving school, peeling potatoes and washing pots. It helps me enjoy being part of that while ensuring that no two days are the same.

Every person I speak to, I like to think I’m helping support them and add value to their business. That’s a huge motivator to start each new day. On top of that, there’s an incredible team within Roslyns.

Within the BDM department, we work across the entire UK. We might only see each other two or three times a year, but there’s always someone ready to lend a hand whenever needed. That support really makes a difference.

What advice would you give someone just starting out as a stock taker or in the hospitality support industry?

I think it's a fantastic way to stay close to an industry you’ve probably enjoyed for some time. You may be ready to explore a fresh new perspective of it. That said, I’ll be honest; it’s not a simple job. It takes just as much motivation and hard work as any role within the hospitality industry.

But the reward comes from the satisfaction of knowing you’ve played a small part in helping someone’s business succeed, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

What have you learned about pub businesses that most people don't realise?

I have thought about this quite a lot. I suppose my answer is that it’s no easy journey. I think back to being a youngster and visiting a pub every Sunday lunchtime to play dominoes with my dad and grandad.

Pubs back then had an element of regularity. You knew what to expect when you opened the doors each day. But things have changed massively over recent years, especially since COVID. To run a successful business now, you need to spend as much time working on the business as you do behind the bar serving customers.

You also need to be dynamic in your approach to that business.

What do you think is going to change in the next 10 years, and how should businesses prepare for that kind of change in the industry?

Personally, I think the businesses that truly know their customers and are willing to adapt and diversify will thrive. Customer trends are always evolving and changing. Business owners who are genuinely invested in their success, willing to be self-critical, and surround themselves with strong support and advice will reap the rewards of being part of this fantastic sector.

Trends within the industry are always changing. From a business owner's point of view, it’s about staying relevant. It’s about knowing what you are and where you fit within the market around you. I believe it will be an ever-changing market, and those willing to embrace these changes will succeed.

The Future of the Pub Industry

As we look ahead, the pub industry is poised for transformation. The next decade will likely bring new challenges and opportunities. Businesses must be prepared to innovate and adapt to stay competitive.

Investing in technology, understanding customer preferences, and maintaining high standards of service will be crucial. The ability to pivot and respond to market demands will set successful businesses apart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dan Watson's journey at Roslyns exemplifies the growth and adaptability required in the hospitality industry. His insights into the evolving landscape of pubs provide valuable lessons for both new and seasoned professionals.

As we move forward, embracing change and fostering a culture of support will be essential for success in this dynamic sector.