Trade Associations

The latest news and updates on trade associations, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Jan- 2025 -

20 January

Scottish budget leaves thousands of venues worse off, UKH claims

UKHospitality Scotland has claimed that the latest Scottish budget will leave more than 2,500 hospitality businesses ineligible for support. The new measures in the budget will provide 40% business rates relief for venues with a rateable value up to £51,000. The trade organisation stated that combined with increases to the…
Read More »
Dec- 2024 -

24 December

BBPA calls on govt to continue reviewing ‘worrying’ EPR fees

The BBPA has urged the government to continue reviewing the new “worrying” UK extended producer responsibility (EPR) base fee for businesses that import or supply packaging, following the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ announcement. The regulations mean that organisations, such as hospitality businesses, may be responsible for the…
Read More »
20 December

UKH disappointed in BoE decision to hold interest rates

UKHospitality has expressed disappointment in the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates at 4.75%, which came after a recent hike in both inflation and wage growth. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain the current rate. Three…
Read More »
12 December

UKH calls for ‘substantial’ rates relief after years of overtaxing

UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls has raised concerns that some hospitality businesses with a rateable value over £500k have been “dragged” into the surcharge category and face paying higher business rates, which goes against the policy’s intention. Under the proposals, properties with a rateable value below £500k could benefit from a…
Read More »
5 December

UKH Scotland welcomes business rates relief but warns thousands excluded

UKHospitality Scotland has said the new 40% business rates relief for hospitality businesses announced in the recent Scottish Budget will provide “much-needed support” for eligible hospitality businesses, but highlighted that thousands will miss out. In yesterday’s (4 December 2024) Budget, the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government Shona Robison…
Read More »
4 December

Employment Rights Bill must reflect sector’s position, UKH says

UKH has urged the government to ensure the “unique” circumstances of the industry are reflected in any changes made to the Employment Rights Bill. It comes as the Bill’s four technical consultations officially closed this week (Tuesday 2 December). The trade body has submitted responses to each consultation, building on…
Read More »
Nov- 2024 -

26 November

UKH attends spiking prevention roundtable with prime minister

UKHospitality has attended a roundtable with the prime minister to discuss spiking prevention and new training for hospitality businesses. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, joined Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, and Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, to speak about how we will be supporting the Home Office in…
Read More »
25 November

UKH calls for a Foundation Economy Sector Council

UKHospitality has called for the creation of a Foundation Economy Sector Council, in response to the consultation on the Industrial Strategy. It comes after the impact of the autumn budget on sectors like hospitality is said to demonstrate “the risks of focusing only on a small number of high economic…
Read More »
22 November

UKH urges Scottish govt to bring in 40% business rates relief

UKH has called for the Scottish government to introduce at least 40% business rates relief for hospitality business, as new analysis from the trade body reveals that Scottish hospitality businesses will be significantly worse off than their English counterparts. While hospitality businesses in England will receive 40% relief, Scottish businesses…
Read More »
8 November

UKH welcomes ‘short-term’ fix of interest rates cut

UKHospitality has welcomed the Bank of England’s interest rates cut from 5% to 4.75%, saying it is “positive news in the short-term”, particularly those still struggling with pandemic debt repayments, and consumer confidence. However, the trade body said it believes the benefits of this cut is overshadowed by the looming…
Read More »