UKHospitality warn new prime minister to act positively to encourage industry growth

by XPRESS, 24 July 2019

UKHospitality has issued a statement calling on new PM, Boris Johnson, to set a more optimistic programme to encourage growth for the UK economy. Chief executive, Kate Nicholls said: “The new prime minister has recently spoken about wishing to unite the country. If he is serious, he now has an opportunity to act positively to provide our high streets, businesses and communities with a boost. We want to see a positive agenda of change aimed at delivering growth all around the UK. During the leadership campaign we wrote to both candidates outlining exactly what they need to do to support hospitality businesses and high streets in every region of the country. We have long been calling for action to tackle costs that restrict investment, with business rates still the chief culprit. A wholesale review of the system, reducing costs, will give businesses the stability and flexibility they need to invest in their venues and team members and help reinvigorate high streets. Addressing the imbalance between the digital and bricks and mortar economy should also be high on his to-do list. We need a sensible Brexit outcome that eliminates the uncertainty that held business back but delivers a stable future to allow them to plan for the future, including tariff-free trade on food and drink with the EU. This is a future that also needs to acknowledge the economic needs of the country. Our businesses need to be able to continue to recruit and the best way to do that is with a post-Brexit immigration policy that supports recruitment alongside support for the tourism sector deal that will upskill our domestic population. We and employers in the sector are keen to engage with the new prime minister and set out a programme for growth across hospitality that works for business and his new government."