Government assembles Hospitality Sector Council

The UK Government has assembled a team of hospitality professionals to “help England’s pubs, restaurants and cafes to thrive”, business minister Paul Scully has announced. 

The Hospitality Sector Council will identify and oversee actions related to the 22 commitments in the strategy, aiming to “create sensible solutions using their expert knowledge and assess the strength of the sector”. 

The council is co-chaired by Scully and hospitality entrepreneur and chair of prezzo Karen Jones. 

Council members include UK Hospitality CEO Kate Nicholls, Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association, Nando’s UK and Ireland chief executive Colin Hill, Greene King chief executive Nick MacKenzie, Starbucks UK general manager Alex Rayner and Mowgli’s Nisha Katona.

Scully said: “The hospitality industry has shown incredible creativity and resourcefulness through the pandemic, pivoting to new ways of doing business like al fresco dining and takeaway pints to stay safe, meet changing consumer demands and protect livelihoods.”   

“With the launch of this council, we’re taking the next step in the journey to build back better from the pandemic by unveiling the experts who’ll be driving the reopening, recovery and resilience of the sector. It’s a real ‘Avengers Assemble’ moment for the industry.”

Entrepreneur and Hospitality Sector council co-chair, Karen Jones, said: “I think the lockdowns have shown us many things, particularly the importance of our people and our teams and the key role hospitality has to play in lighting up our high streets and city centres. 

“We now need to capitalise on our combined energy, creativity and innovation to continue the creation of a world-class hospitality industry: the Hospitality Sector Council will aid in making that a reality.”