Business Rates
We provide essential coverage of business rates policy and reform, and how it impacts operators across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector. From government relief schemes and revaluation updates to lobbying efforts led by UKHospitality and industry coalitions, this captures the key developments influencing site viability and cost pressures. Whether you run a single high-street restaurant or oversee a multi-site pub or catering group, we explain how changes to the business rates system affect your bottom line, and what you need to know to plan ahead.
-
Jul- 2025 -17 JulyBusiness
Hospitality hit hardest by job losses, ONS data shows
Hospitality has been the hardest hit sector of the economy since the Budget, accounting for nearly half (45%) of all job losses, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. The data shows that hospitality has now lost 84,000 jobs since the budget, an increase of 13,000 job losses…
Read More » -
15 JulyPubs and Bars
Rates change could free millions for growth, Greene King finds
Greene King has called on the government to overhaul business rates in the Autumn Budget, claiming its proposals could release £13.7m for investment in its pubs and communities. It comes as the pub company published a report earlier this week that set out the financial pressures facing the sector, including…
Read More » -
11 JulyBusiness
UKH calls upward-only rent review ban a ‘significant win’
UKHospitality has hailed a “significant win” after it was revealed that The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will include a commitment to ban upward-only rent review clauses in commercial leases. UKHospitality has been calling for a ban on upward-only rent reviews since the turn of the century. Upward-only rent…
Read More » -
11 JulyPubs and Bars
Britain faces a pub closure every day in 2025, industry warns
One pub is expected to close every day in 2025 across Great Britain, threatening more than 5,600 jobs, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned. The trade body, which represents more than 20,000 pubs, estimated 378 closures this year in England, Wales and Scotland, up from 350 in…
Read More » -
8 JulyFeatures
Brace for impact: how hospitality must prepare for the Employment Rights Bill
The government has set a phased timeline for rolling out changes under the Employment Rights Bill. The most complex reforms, including guaranteed hours and enhanced protections from unfair dismissal, will not take effect until 2027. Before then, employers will face a series of earlier reforms. From April 2026, new rules…
Read More » -
7 JulyTrade Associations
PM urged to act as hospitality loses 69,000 jobs
The hospitality industry has warned the prime minister it risks being “taxed out” of the jobs market, after losing 69,000 jobs since October 2024. Job losses in the sector have been three times higher than across the wider economy since the Budget, according to UKHospitality, which has urged the government…
Read More » -
2 JulyRegulations & Policies
Govt unveils timeline for Employment Rights reforms
The government has set out a phased timeline for implementing changes under the Employment Rights Bill, with the most complex reforms delayed until 2027 to provide time for business consultation. It comes as the Department for Business and Trade has confirmed that new rights around guaranteed hours and shift predictability…
Read More » -
Jun- 2025 -12 JuneBusiness
New costs and cautious spending dent hospitality sector confidence
Only a third (34%) of Britain’s hospitality leaders feel confident about prospects for their business over the next 12 months, according to data from CGA. The proportion of leaders feeling confident about the future of hospitality in general is even lower at 15%. Both figures are up by just one…
Read More » -
11 JuneFood and Drink
Hospitality confidence remains low amid rising costs, CGA finds
Rising costs and cautious consumer spending are continuing to erode confidence among hospitality leaders, as just 34% feel confident about their business prospects over the next 12 months, according to new survey data from CGA by NIQ. The Business Confidence Survey also found that confidence in the sector overall is…
Read More » -
9 JunePeople
Kate Nicholls appointed as UKHospitality chair
UKHospitality has announced that current CEO Kate Nicholls OBE is to step up to the new role of chair, while current deputy CEO Allen Simpson will transition to CEO. At the same time, current non-executive chairman, Steve Cassidy, will move to become president. The move will enable Nicholls and Simpson…
Read More »
