Two of my favourite restaurants have something very important in common. It’s the way I feel when I eat there. Yes, the food is amazing – it should be, because both restaurants have a Michelin Star. However, just as important is the service you receive when you eat at either place. This shouldn’t be surprising either, as winning a Michelin Star is, I believe, about the service as well as the food.

The first restaurant is The Woodspeen, which is located close to my home in Berkshire in the UK. From the moment you walk in, you feel special. There is always someone ready to welcome you and take your coat. Your table will be ready, but you’re welcome to have a drink in the bar first if you’d like one. Your chair will be gently pulled out for you to sit down. The service is always attentive, without being overbearing; and there’s no chance that you’ll be forgotten either. (I hate it when restaurants forget to ask if I want to see the dessert menu!) Drop your fork on the floor and a clean one will quietly appear without you having to ask for one. The kitchen is partially open to the restaurant and is calm and orderly. No shouting; no fuss.

The second restaurant is The Forest Side in the Lake District, in the north of England. I first went there for a family birthday celebration. I loved it so much that I booked a holiday in the area later that same year, just so I could go to eat there again. The first time, between six of us, the restaurant had arranged four different menus to cope with dietary requirements. Each person is treated individually. The restaurant quietly went about preparing the most amazing seven-course meal – with all the options we needed. (Don’t worry, most of the courses were tiny, so I had room to eat them all!)

On my second visit, I noticed that, at all times, there was a senior member of staff keeping a watchful eye on the entire dining room. Anything that needs to be moved, changed or topped up and that person will make sure that it happens. No noise; no fuss. Coffee in the Drawing Room after lunch, in a comfy armchair? Yes please.

Both these restaurants promote their businesses on the world-class, locally sourced, skilfully prepared food. That’s why you book in the first place. You go back and keep going back, I believe, because of how you’re treated as a guest at each restaurant. Feeling special as a result of the service you receive is Significance. Feeling heard and respected by every member of the staff is Significance. Being treated with dignity and quiet admiration is Significance. And both restaurants do this beautifully.

You might not run a restaurant, but whatever service you do provide, do your clients want to feel special after every single interaction with you? If so, could Significance be the strategy that will make your business stand out this year?