In this week’s Suffolk Money podcast, supported by Kingsfleet, we look at the hospitality industry, as it prepares – post Budget – for the hectic and financially critical festive period. Kevin Burch meets someone who knows the industry better than most; Jamie Smith, who runs Jamie Lee Smith Catering and who’s currently celebrating a landmark 25 years in the business. 

Many will also know Jamie for the outstanding reputation he’s built at 16 Steakhouse; one of the highest-rated restaurants Ipswich. Formerly Greshams and attached to Venue 16 (a popular wedding and events venue), Jamie reinvented his business here during lockdown, when he couldn’t continue outside catering due to Covid restrictions. Jamie knows the importance of staying ahead of the game, and has managed to thrive by staying flexible, positive and making sure he always has the right product to sell.

Embracing the different challenges that he and his carefully assembled team face every week with their high class outside catering service Jamie clearly knows where his market is and how to please his customers. 

His fascinating insights range from the importance of the festive season (having already made plans for Christmas 2025), to the value of watching countdown every day! To find out more about the business, visit https://jamieleesmithcatering.co.uk