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 -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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11 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 11/11/24
UKH with the support of industry bosses have warned of the effects of the autumn budget, saying that it will cause small business closures, job losses and reduced investment in the sector. UKH boss Kate Nicholls was supported by the likes of Fuller’s, Stonegate Group and Whitbread, as well as…
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11 NovemberNews
UKH warns budget will cause job losses, closures and reduced investment
UKHospitality alongside notable hospitality bosses have warned the chancellor that plans outlined in the autumn budget will cause small business closures, job losses and reduced investment in the sector. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, and UKHospitality board members, which includes the bosses of Fuller’s, Stonegate Group and Whitbread, have…
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8 NovemberTrade Associations
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…
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1 NovemberNews
Budget to increase full-time cost of employment by £2,500, UKH reveals
The employment tax measures announced in the Autumn Budget will increase the cost of employing a full-time staff member by at least £2,500, UKHospitality has said. New analysis from the hospitality association has revealed that increases to employer NICs and wages will hit the hospitality industry “hardest”, with a 10%…
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