Trade bodies have welcomed yesterday’s (22 May) announcement of a general election to be held in July, while calling on all parties to acknowledge the strategic importance of the sector.
UKHospitality called for sector-specific measures to lower the tax burden on the industry, provide greater access to workers, and support the creation of jobs in hospitality.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality businesses lie at the heart of every constituency in the country. In serving Britain, the sector creates places where people want to live, work and invest.
“We need to see all political parties recognise this and will be working hard on behalf of our members during this period, to ensure manifestos from across the political spectrum reflect the strategic importance of our sector.
“We need to see evidence of measures that can unlock the potential of our sector to do even more. These include promises of action to lower the tax burden on our industry, initiatives that give us greater access to workers, and other measures that will support us in creating more jobs and further upskilling the workforce.”
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Pubs and breweries are at the heart of our communities. They bring friends and strangers together and in so many way help form the glue for vital social cohesion. With a supportive fiscal and regulatory framework, which includes alleviating the tax burden the beer and pub sector currently endures with proportionate and fair business rates and duty, pubs can help with the revitalisation for local high streets and economies. The beer and pub sector enjoys huge instinctive support with nine out of ten people regularly enjoying a refreshing beer in their local. The sector has faced significant challenges in the last few years and we need the next government to put in place policies that will ensure that breweries and pubs do not just survive, but thrive and can achieve their full potential and maximise their economic, social and community value.”
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) highlighted the need for political stability and effective governance, while calling for all parties to prioritise the needs of the night time economy.
Michael Kill, CEO, NTIA, commented: “We welcome the announcement of the General Election scheduled for July 4th, 2024. This marks a pivotal moment for our nation, offering an opportunity to put an end to the prolonged period of uncertainty and turmoil that has gripped our country for the past four years.
“As CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, I recognise the importance of stability and effective governance in addressing the challenges faced by our sectors. The past years have been marked by uncertainty and instability, which have taken a toll on businesses and communities across the country.
“It is now imperative that we navigate through the election period with a sense of responsibility and purpose. The outcome of this election will determine the direction our nation takes in the coming years. We urge all stakeholders to engage in a constructive and informed dialogue, focusing on the long-term interests of our country and its citizens.
“Our sector has been particularly hard hit by the challenges of the past years, from the impact of the pandemic to regulatory uncertainties. It is crucial that the elected government works towards a comprehensive and inclusive long-term plan that addresses these challenges and supports the recovery and growth of our industries.
“We call upon all political parties to prioritise the needs of the night-time economy in their election manifestos and commit to policies that will support its revival and sustainability. This includes measures to ensure the safety and security of our venues, support for cultural initiatives, and investment in skills and training for our workforce.
“As we approach election day, we remain committed to working collaboratively with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and our communities to build a vibrant and resilient night-time economy that contributes to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our nation.”
