I’m In Podcast Episode 53 | Looking ahead to 2026

Episode 53 of our monthly I’m In podcast, sponsored by Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland is available for our members to listen to today!

In this episode, Phil Street FIH asks his guests about ‘Looking Ahead to 2026: New Year, New Challenges? Or Same Challenges?’

As hospitality steps into 2026, the mood is mixed. Hope, frustration, resilience, fear, and optimism all collide in this honest, wide-ranging conversation about what lies ahead for the industry.

Joined by Sacha Lord FIH Chair, Night Time Industries Association; Founder, The Warehouse Project & Parklife, Aymen Fetouak MIH Head of Professional Development, Institute of Hospitality and Emily Clark AIH Industry Engagement Officer, Edge Hotel School and IoH Youth Council member, Phil Street FIH, explores the pressures facing hospitality; from government policy and rising costs to leadership behaviour, professional development, and the future workforce. While also uncovering how the sector can create its own momentum.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What 2026 feels like for hospitality leaders on the ground
• The impact of government policy, VAT, business rates, and political decision-making
• The real human cost of closures
• How public support for hospitality is growing again
• Why pubs, restaurants, and hotels are more than just businesses
• The pressure facing leaders as margins tighten and teams shrink
• Long hours, burnout, and the risk of losing joy in the industry
• The importance of collaboration, not top-down decision-making
• Why professional development must become practical, human, and continuous
• Mentoring, real-world learning, and “capability in the moment”
• Leadership behaviours Gen Z wants to see disappear
• Why younger generations are still optimistic and ready to innovate
• Creating hope rather than waiting for it

Why our guests said, “I’m In!”

Sacha Lord:
For Sacha, becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality was an unexpected and deeply meaningful honour. With no formal qualifications and 30 years in the industry, the recognition represents everything hospitality can offer: opportunity, progression, and purpose without barriers.

Aymen Fetouak:
Aymen sees the IoH as a people-first organisation dedicated to standards, sustainability, and real-world impact. His role is rooted in listening to the industry and turning pressure into progress through practical development.

Emily Clark:
Emily joined the IoH as a student and never looked back. From accessing learning resources to finding her professional community through the Youth Council, she believes the Institute plays a vital role in inspiring and supporting the next generation.

Outstanding quotes from this episode

• “If we reduce VAT to 12.5%, that’s better than 20% of nothing from closed businesses” – Sacha Lord
• “A pub serves far more than just a pint – it’s part of our social fabric” – Sacha Lord
• “If your people are okay, your business has a fighting chance” – Aymen Fetouak
• “Professional development should be about capability in the moment, not certificates on walls” – Aymen Fetouak
• “Don’t push away the people who stay” – Emily Clark
• “We have to create our own hope – not wait for it” – Sacha Lord
• “Hospitality hasn’t lost its heart, even under pressure” – Aymen Fetouak
• “This industry has survived wars, pandemics, and recessions – we will get through this too” – Emily Clark

Members can follow the link below to listen to this episode now! Listening to this podcast counts toward your CPD activity.

If you have any feedback about the show or would like to be a future guest, please contact Phil Street at phil.street@instituteofhospitality.org

Members can listen to Episode 53 now!