Wetherspoons and Pizza Pilgrims bosses call for business rates relief ahead of budget October 21, 2024 Hundreds of UK hospitality groups and pubs have called for permanent action on business rates relief ahead of the Autumn Budget. In an open letter to Rachel Reeves, the hospitality bosses called for permanent action with the extension and lowering of business rates relief for the sector. It included 170 signatures from various high street [...]
Let’s be honest… feel-good campaigns are ruining Britain October 17, 2024 Every government promises to cut red tape but ends up adding more. The only way to break the cycle is to stop listening to nice sounding arguments, says Matthew Lesh Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt did not mince words at this week’s International Investment Summit. “Maybe you need a minister of anti-regulation?” Schmidt said to Prime [...]
Concern for British high street as sector set for four-fold tax rise in April October 16, 2024 The double effect of inflation-linked tax bumps, as well as the end of business rate relief for consumer-facing firms, will lead to a four-fold tax increase for high street businesses next April, industry bodies have warned. Industry leaders across the board have been increasingly vocal about the need for reform to business rate taxes, and have [...]
Marston’s ditches brewing and switches to ‘pure play hospitality’ October 16, 2024 Pub group Marston’s has officially ditched brewing and announced a new strategy, which will see it focus entirely on pubs. In a vote of confidence for the UK’s hospitality sector, it will “embark on a new chapter” as a pure-play hospitality business, its chief executive Justin Platt said. “We are outlining a differentiated strategy for [...]
Premier Inn owner Whitbread raises dividend despite slower growth October 16, 2024 Premier Inn and Beefeater owner Whitbread has raised its interim dividend and announced a share buyback despite flat revenue. The hotel and restaurant chain told markets this morning that revenue was unchanged year on year in the six months ended 29 August at £1.57bn. It has raised its interim dividend seven per cent to 36.4p [...]
Peckham Conker Championships: Inside the event that made conkers ‘cool’ October 16, 2024 Chaos and skullduggery at South East London's most charged conker club
Employer National Insurance hike could risk jobs amid 95,0000 vacancies October 15, 2024 Increasing employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs) could pose a risk to jobs amid some 95,000 vacancies across pubs and restaurants, a hospitality lobby group has warned. Data released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today revealed there are a “stubbornly high” 95,000 openings across the sector, including in venues, cafes and eateries. Hospitality UK [...]
A wine-lover’s guide to sober October October 15, 2024 I may be biased given it is my career and passion, but wine really is an incredible drink. Even given my love of the drink however, I can fully support and applaud (if often from a distance) those choosing to curb their intake. In the recent report by KAM it was revealed that 74% of [...]
Purplebricks boss: Rental market is ‘completely broken’ and is a ‘disaster for first-time buyers’ October 15, 2024 The rental market is "completely broken" and is a "disaster for first-time buyers", the boss of Purplebricks has said.
Travelex to be put up for sale after post-pandemic rebirth October 10, 2024 The chief executive made the comments about Travelex's sale plans in the latest episode of City A.M.'s Boardroom Uncovered interview series.