Why Business Deals Can Rest On Biscuits

The type of biscuit served in the boardroom could make or break a business deal, according to the world's first "business biscuit study".

Some 80% of business professionals believe the outcome of a meeting can be positively influenced by the choice and quality of biscuit on offer.

The research was commissioned by hotel chain, Holiday Inn, which surveyed 1,000 business professionals across the UK about their boardroom biscuit tastes.

Snackers voted the chocolate digestive their favourite boardroom biscuit, followed by shortbreads, with HobNobs claiming the third spot. Jammie Dodgers and Bourbons rounded out the top five.

The survey discovered that lawyers were most impressed by a good boardroom biscuit, closely followed by those in the media and marketing industry.

Things are not so clear-cut on the etiquette of dunking, with 52% of business professionals frowning on the practice. On the question of how many biscuits to take from the communal platter most agree that two is the magic number.

How does this relate to Hawksby & Dickens? The same principle applies to meeting catering. A poor lunch that lacks variation and appeal could break a business deal. We are specialists in delivering appetising and varied menu’s that impress.

Furthermore, you can enjoy catering in Manchester at a price you would not expect. With transparent pricing, you can order exactly what you need saving you money.

Call us today on 0844 561 6846 to see how we can help you.

Source Sky News website - June 02, 2008

Eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay active

The key to a healthy balanced diet is not to ban or omit any foods or food groups but to balance what you eat by consuming a variety of foods from each food group in the right proportions for good health.

The five food groups on the eatwell plate are:

1. Fruit and vegetables
These should make up about a third of your daily diet and can be eaten as part of every meal, as well as being the first choice for a snack.

You should eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Research suggests this can help to protect against cancer, obesity and various chronic diseases such as heart disease. This is because of the unique package of nutrients and plant compounds they contain.

2. Bread, rice, potatoes and pasta
This food group should also make up about a third of your diet and contains the starchy carbohydrates that are the body's main source of energy.

When selecting products from this food group, choose unrefined carbohydrates over those that have been refined, as they will contain the whole of the grain. Wholegrain foods are rich in fibre and other nutrients that have many health benefits, and people who consume wholegrain seem to have a reduced risk of certain cancers, diabetes and coronary heart disease.

3. Milk and dairy foods
These should be eaten in moderation because of their high saturated fat content, but they're an important source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Choose low-fat or reduced-fat versions.

4. Meat, fish, eggs and beans
This food group includes both animal and plant sources of protein, which is a major functional and structural component of all cells. Protein provides the body with between 10 and 15 per cent of its dietary energy, and is needed for growth and repair.

5. Foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar
This group makes up the smallest section on the eatwell plate and includes foods that should only be eaten sparingly because, although they're an important energy source, they contain very few nutrients and are often known as 'empty calories'.

Foods from this group are high in unhealthy components such as saturated fat, trans fatty acids, sugar and salt - all of which are associated with an increased risk of developing certain diseases.

They should only be eaten as occasional treats, or to increase the palatability of other important foods (such as olive oil on salads, a scraping of spread on bread, or a sprinkling of sugar on some tart fruits).


At Hawksby & Dickens – The Business Caterer, we understand the importance of a balanced diet. Meeting catering in the past has been limited in variety and nutritional value. We have worked hard to change this and are proud to unveil our Healthy options range of sandwiches. We have blended a selection of products to meet strict nutritional criteria yet maintain the same high standards in quality. Complement the sandwiches with a fresh fruit platter and crudités, and you have a tasty meal that is bursting with ‘goodness’.

For more information, why not call us today on 0844 561 6846 or visit us at www.hawksby.co.uk

How to eat your way to office glory

The daily ritual of a pub lunch may be scoring you points with the landlord, but according to nutrition expert Dr Nicholas Perricone, eating the wrong foods can make the difference between a hard working, efficient employee and an angry, sulking pay-rise pariah. Here are the foods he suggests to target your workplace woes.

1. Keep calm for the big presentation
“Carbohydrates stimulate the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, increasing feelings of calmness and relaxation” says Perricone. So hit the complex carbs, such as beans and lentils, to give you a slow release of serotonin that will help you feel relaxed for longer.

2. Put your brain in ‘meeting mode’
“Protien rich foods boost alertness and concentration by stimulating the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine”. Add a portion of chicken breast or beef at lunch to keep your mind firing till evening.

3. Beat office rage
Colleagues got you in a frazzle? Time to hit the fish. “Results of clinical studies have found a close connection between a low intake of omega-3 fats and angry, aggressive behaviour.” The omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, found in seafood, can transform you from office brute to politeness personified in no time.

4. Banish the mid-afternoon lull
Avoid the post-lunch slump by upping your intake of magnesium, which stabilises your mood and decreases the release of the stress hormone cortisol. “Good dietary sources include peanuts and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, dandelion greens, peas, parsley and garlic,” says Perricone.

Hawksby & Dickens - The Business Caterer specialise in providing balanced catering. For more information, please visit us at www.hawksby.co.uk


– Shortlist magazine issue 73/26 March 2009

Brands compromised by poor catering

Consistency of brand is one of the key issues facing businesses. Brands communicate messages to all stakeholders. They set the environment in which you operate, communicating to all certain values and levels of professionalism.

Businesses spend thousands, even millions ensuring that the way they present themselves is consistent with their brand values. However, a lack of control or indeed interest by third parties will compromise your brand.

Picture the scenario where a key meeting is taking place to agree a deal. The clients are impressed with your offices, your commitment, passion and professionalism. Then the meeting catering arrives, white soggy sandwiches on a tin platter wrapped in cling film. Is this likely to impress a client to finalise a deal? I suspect not.

At Hawksby & Dickens, we understand the importance of your brand. That is why we work hard to present meeting catering that will impress. For many of our customers in Manchester, we are part of their process, working alongside them to ensure the maximum impact. In fact, many of our clients actually ask us to brand the delivery with their logo’s reflecting their satisfaction with the product and service.

For more information, why not call us today on 0844 561 6846 or visit us at www.hawksby.co.uk