Rishi Sunak

Coverage focuses on government policy, fiscal decisions, and public statements affecting the UK hospitality and foodservice sector, as shaped by the former Chancellor and Prime Minister. From Budget announcements and VAT policy to business rates, inflation, staffing, and energy support, reporting examines how leadership decisions impact restaurant groups, pub operators, caterers, and hospitality businesses across the country.

  • Apr- 2020 -
    3 April
    CoronavirusChancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme

    Chancellor unveils new measures to SME loan scheme

    Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a major overhaul to his previously announced SME loan scheme. Initially, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) was aimed at businesses unable to secure regular commercial financing as the virus took its toll on the UK’s economy. However, according to Sky…

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  • 2 April
    GovernmentChancellor set to announce overhaul to SME loan scheme

    Chancellor set to announce overhaul to SME loan scheme

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to announce an overhaul to the SME loan scheme that will allow companies to access help quicker. According to Sky News, Sunak and members of the Treasury were reportedly in talks with major lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of…

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  • 1 April
    CoronavirusA fifth of SMEs at risk of collapse, say experts

    A fifth of SMEs at risk of collapse, say experts

    Almost a fifth of SMEs will not survive the coronavirus crisis, according to new findings from the Corporate Finance Network.  The group predicted that the closures would take place within the next four weeks despite government support measures, as the pandemic continues to unfold and affect retail. The network, which…

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  • Mar- 2020 -
    30 March
    Business BitesThe minimum wage increase is about to hit – and it beggars belief

    The minimum wage increase is about to hit – and it beggars belief

    As if to bang the final nail into the coffin himself, we can only assume the Treasury’s top man, chancellor Rishi Sunak, refuses to give ground on the next wave to crash over the retail and hospitality industries. I am talking of course about the increase in the National Minimum…

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  • 27 March
    RestaurantsGordon Ramsay Restaurant group lays off London restaurant staff

    Gordon Ramsay Restaurant group lays off London restaurant staff

    Celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay has terminated the contract of around 500 members of staff at his London restaurants as his business deals with the coronavirus outbreak. Staff were informed at a meeting earlier this week. The Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group will reportedly pay the wages of staff for a further…

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  • 26 March
    CoronavirusSelf-employed to get 80% income grant

    Self-employed to get 80% income grant

    Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the government will pay self-employed people a taxable grant based on their previous earnings over the last three years, worth up to 80% of earnings, and capped at £2,500 a month. Sunak said it will run for a minimum of three months, with scope for…

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  • 26 March
    Business BitesWetherspoons’ boss was right to withhold wages

    Wetherspoons’ boss was right to withhold wages

    The media and the Twitterati have had a field day vilifying the founder and owner of pub chain Wetherspoons over his decision not to pay his staff in light of the coronavirus restrictions. Tim Martin had sent an email to his 43,000 staff saying he could not afford to pay…

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  • 25 March
    CoronavirusCovid-19: Off-licenses considered ‘essential’ businesses by government

    Covid-19: Off-licenses considered ‘essential’ businesses by government

    The government has added off-licenses to its list of retail businesses that can remain open following a ban to close all non-essential retailers to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. This also includes licenced shops selling alcohol, including those within breweries. It comes after the prime minister instructed retailers and all restaurants,…

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  • 25 March
    CommentThe darkest of days: Why the hospitality industry must come together

    The darkest of days: Why the hospitality industry must come together

    At the risk of stating the obvious, I’ve never witnessed anything like this during my 30+ years in the hospitality industry. The impact of COVID-19 was exacerbated last week by the Prime Minister’s initial decision to ‘advise’ people to avoid venues such as restaurants and subsequently by the government directive…

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  • 24 March
    Breweries and DistilleriesMarch Beer Duty payment to go ahead

    March Beer Duty payment to go ahead

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has confirmed that the March Beer Duty payment will not be cancelled, leaving thousands of small independent breweries “under threat”. This is according to the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), which called the chancellor’s decision to collect March’s Beer Duty payments as “incredibly disappointing”…

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