Summary
Bankside Restaurant has found a new way to succeed in the competitive restaurant industry.  Buying seasonal local produce, minimising waste and making an active commitment to the local community has helped this small restaurant achieve profit earnings well above the national average.

Background
Bankside Restaurant is located in Bankside, London. It specialises in fresh and affordable modern-British cuisine.

Bankside Restaurant won the Awards for Excellence 2004 - Impact on Society for a Small Business Award.

How they do it

• Commitment to buy supplies locally and seasonally.  All the food served is fresh and ingredients sourced from local markets wherever possible. This approach supports local businesses and is environmentally-friendly as it reduces the negative impact of transportation, packaging and freezing. The food served in the restaurant is reasonable priced making it accessible to all

• Staff training.  The restaurant is happy to train people up from scratch and is more interested in commitment, personality and real interest in work than in any qualifications. Specialist staff-training sessions conducted by trained external advisers address issues such as sight-deficiencies and disabilities - to ensure that staff is able to provide the best possible service to all customers.  They have recently been awarded the Investors in People certification. 

• Support local charities and community groups.  The restaurant plays a positive community role across all areas including educational initiatives; support for local charities and community groups; by being a model employer and by successfully communicating good business practice. Their commitment to the local charity Action for Blind People has raised over £10,000 this financial year.

What impact it has

• Minimum consumption of natural resources.  Packaging and transportation are kept to a minimum by using fresh produce supplied by local markets whenever feasible. An uncomplicated seasonal menu negates the need for a freezer and reduces wastage further.

• Reduced waste.  All soft drinks and beers are on tap and water and wine are served in reusable glass bottles - reducing glass wastage by 90%. All paper and cardboard is recycled through an accredited company called Greener World, which re-utilises approximately 3,000 kg of paper waste from the restaurant per year.

Business Benefits

• Recognition from local business community.  Bankside was invited to become a member of Bankside Marketing Group (which exists to promote tourist attractions in Bankside). This select group has a strict entry policy which normally excludes restaurants. However, it made an exception for Bankside Restaurant because of its positive commitment to the community.
  
• Financial success.  Financially, the company has enjoyed an annual turnover increase of 30% per year and is now intending to open a second restaurant.
  
• Awards.  The Bankside Restaurant recently won the presigious Small Business Impact on Society Award.  This recognition has resulted in significant media interest in the business and has increased the business profile.