Executive Summary:

The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give judges a general overview and better understanding of your business. Although not an exhaustive list, some examples of the type of information judges will be looking for are listed below. This question is not scored and is for background information only.

• Purpose of your business and types of services on offer
• Size of your business
• How long you have been operating
• Any other information you feel is relevant

1.  Please demonstrate your approach to delivering exceptional visitor experiences. Please provide examples of what sets you apart from the competition.

Please provide evidence of activity and actions taken between 1^st April 2025 and 31^st March 2026. Focus on the areas most relevant to your business. You don’t need to cover every example listed, but include practical details such as what you do, how it works, and the results. You can also add other relevant information if helpful. 

You may wish to include:

• The attention to detail paid to all aspects of the bar/pub experience – from pre-arrival (digital presence and booking procedure) through to post-visit
• The unique aspects of your menu and drinks selection
• The ways in which you intentionally showcase the best of Scottish/local food and drink, music, history and culture
• The ways in which you are engaging with your visitors and local community
• Any training or development your team has undergone to provide consistent standards across their service and knowledge of the menu/drinks
• How do you listen and make improvements based on feedback? Do you consult and involve staff in the process?
• Any examples of collaboration and partnership you may have with other high-quality suppliers and/or tourism providers to create an enhanced experience for your visitors
• Include measurable outcomes, e.g. repeat visits, dwell time, event attendance or sales

2. What steps are you currently taking to develop your business? What do you hope to achieve and how are you measuring success? 

You should provide evidence of current developments and how benefits will be monitored / measured, eg. through visitor feedback, increased revenue, target market statistics. Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as:

• Plans for new and innovative products/services
• New collaboration and/or partnership working
• Intentionally targeting new markets or increasing footfall
• Obtaining awards or accolades

3.  Please demonstrate how you embed sustainability practices into your day-to-day business operations

Please provide evidence of activity and actions taken between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026. Focus on the areas most relevant to your business. You don’t need to cover every example listed, but include practical details such as what you do, how it works, and the results. You can also add other relevant information if helpful.

You may wish to include:

• Promote environmental practices undertaken in your business, e.g. climate action plan, reducing waste from packaging, reducing waste, recycling and upcycling
• Providing for visitors with access requirements; ensure choice and range behind the bar caters for various dietary requirements, preferences and budgets
• Using local produce; showcasing local musicians; working with local businesses, craftspeople and suppliers; hiring local staff
• Showcasing seasonality in drinks; promoting nearby visitor attractions and outdoor experiences; promoting or hosting local artists and musicians; sharing the history of your pub/bar and local area
• Implementing nature-based solutions that protect, restore or create thriving natural habitats, such as protection of eco-systems, capturing carbon in nature, tree planting etc
• Encouraging environmental sustainability practices within your team, such as green champions