Last time we told you about relief chef James New and how working for AWOL Recruitment helped him save up to go to Australia. Well, he had a great time, and now he's coming back to work for us again.

Most chefs prefer the heat of the kitchen to the living hell that is dealing with tax, human resources, health and safety and legal stuff. At AWOL we are members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which we think has a lot to offer the hospitality industry.

Downturn? What downturn? AWOL's James Brown shows you some easy ways to save money this spring and get more chef-hours for your money

Now -more than ever - our great British pubs need to get people through their doors. The British Beer and Pub Association reports that more than 2,000 pubs have closed since the Chancellor increased beer tax in the 2008 Budget, resulting in 20,000 job losses over the last year. Nationally, pubs are closing at the rate of 36 a week.

With a little help from Matt Edwards, from the Yanwath Gate Inn near Penrith, and Richard English, from the Cavendish Arms, Cartmel, AWOL’s James Brown looks at some keys to survival.