Kate Nicholls
This archive features our reporting on Kate Nicholls OBE — a key voice in the UK’s hospitality and foodservice policy landscape. As Chair of UKHospitality, Nicholls plays a central role in lobbying government, shaping regulation, and influencing the commercial environment in which restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés, and catering firms operate. Catering Today covers Nicholls’ statements, policy positions, and leadership activity because her work directly affects the trading conditions, labour challenges, and long-term resilience of foodservice businesses. For operators navigating rising costs, staffing pressures, or post-pandemic recovery, her advocacy and insights are both timely and consequential.
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Dec- 2024 -24 DecemberGovernment
UKH calls on gov to rethink approach to NIC changes
UKHospitality has called on the government to “rethink its approach” to upcoming changes to National Insurance contributions, warning that proper consultation and engagement is needed before the changes are implemented next year. It comes as revised figures from the Office for National Statistics yesterday showed that the UK economy had…
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23 DecemberPubs and Bars
UK gov to allow pubgoers to use digital ids next year to boost hospitality sectors
From next year, the UK government is planning to roll out a new law allowing pub and bar-goers, as well as shoppers, to use their phones to prove their age when buying alcohol, in a bid to boost high street and hospitality sectors. According to the government, digital identities could…
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20 DecemberTrade Associations
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…
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18 DecemberGovernment
Inflation hits eight-month high of 2.6% in November
Inflation has risen for the second month in a row, rising to 2.6% in November, up from 2.3% the previous month, marking the highest level of inflation in eight months. According to the Office for National Statistics, the main drivers behind the rise were fuel and clothing, where prices rose this…
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12 DecemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 12/12/24
UKH has called for “substantial” rates relief, citing years of overtaxation on the sector. CEO Kate Nicholls has raised concerns that some 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. She emphasised…
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12 DecemberTrade Associations
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…
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4 DecemberTrade Associations
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…
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Nov- 2024 -27 NovemberFeatures
Key takeaways from HOSPACE 2024
The HOSPACE 2024 conference, hosted by the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) on 14 November at the Royal Lancaster London, marked a milestone in an unexpectedly positive year for UK hospitality. With record attendance exceeding 600 leaders and innovators, the event delivered critical insights and discussions on the industry’s evolving landscape. …
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26 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 26/11/24
CAMRA has reported that pubs will soon be unable to stock 11 beers, following the Carlsberg buy-out of the last of Marston’s UK brewing operations. The Campaign for Real Ale has expressed concern that powerful global brewers could “hugely reduce consumer choice in the UK” as CMBC axes eight classic…
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26 NovemberTrade Associations
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…
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