Hospitality calls on politicians to “unleash the potential of the sector”, as the general election is called

UKHospitality said it wants all political parties to recognize that hospitality businesses are at the heart of every constituency in the country.

This is announced at the start of the campaign before the summer vote.

“(We will) work hard on behalf of our members during this period to ensure that manifestos from across the political spectrum reflect the strategic importance of our sector,” said Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality.

“We need to see evidence of measures that can unlock the potential of our sector to achieve even more.

“These include promises of action to reduce the tax burden on our industry, initiatives to give us greater access to workers, and other measures that will help us create more jobs and continue to upskill our workforce.”

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), a leading advocacy group for the night-time economy, welcomed the announcement of a general election, stressing the need for political stability and effective governance in the future.

He said: “This is a pivotal moment for our nation, offering an opportunity to end the prolonged period of uncertainty and confusion that has plagued our country for the past four years.

“As CEO of NTIA, I recognize the importance of stability and effective governance in addressing the challenges facing our sectors. Recent years have been marked by uncertainty and instability, which has impacted businesses and communities across the country.

“It is now imperative that we move through this election season with a sense of responsibility and purpose. The outcome of this election will determine the direction our nation will take in the years to come. We call on 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 recent years, from the impact of the pandemic to regulatory uncertainty. It is critical that the elected government works on a comprehensive and inclusive long-term plan to address these challenges and support the economic recovery and development of our industry.

“We call on all political parties to prioritize the needs of the night-time economy in their electoral manifestos and engage in policies that support its recovery and sustainable development. This includes measures to keep our facilities safe, support cultural initiatives and invest in the skills and training of our people.

“As Election Day approaches, we remain committed to working 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.

“It is also important to work together to overcome the challenges of the present and build a better future for all.”