VAT

We report on VAT policy and its implications for the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, including rate changes, government decisions, lobbying campaigns, and compliance challenges. From reduced VAT measures during the pandemic to the sector’s push for permanent reform, this brings together essential updates that affect margins, pricing, and profitability. Whether you’re a small independent or a multi-site operator, understanding VAT is critical to managing costs and planning for sustainable growth. Our coverage is written to support chefs, operators, F&B leaders, and finance teams navigating a complex and evolving tax landscape.

  • Jul- 2025 -
    17 July
    BusinessHospitality hit hardest by job losses, ONS data shows

    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…

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  • 11 July
    BusinessUKH calls upward-only rent review ban a ‘significant win’

    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…

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  • 7 July
    Trade AssociationsPM urged to act as hospitality loses 69,000 jobs

    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…

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  • Jun- 2025 -
    9 June
    PeopleKate Nicholls appointed as UKHospitality chair

    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…

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  • 2 June
    Trade AssociationsOne third of hospitality operates at a loss, survey finds

    One third of hospitality operates at a loss, survey finds

    One third of hospitality businesses are currently operating at a loss, representing an 11% increase on the last quarter, according to the latest survey undertaken by UKH, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Beer and Pub Association, and Hospitality Ulster.  UKHospitality, along with a number of trade associations, have…

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  • Apr- 2025 -
    16 April
    FeaturesIs it time to rethink restrictions around outdoor dining spaces?

    Is it time to rethink restrictions around outdoor dining spaces?

    During the pandemic when hospitality businesses were struggling as a result of social distancing restrictions, outdoor dining was a saviour to many. Lots of businesses were able to put tables and chairs on pavements and in roads allowing them to make money when people could not mix inside. However, as…

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  • 9 April
    Pubs and BarsBII calls for ‘meaningful’ support as April changes hit 80% of members

    BII calls for ‘meaningful’ support as April changes hit 80% of members

    The British Institute of Innkeeping has called for “meaningful support for pubs, not empty words”, as its latest survey revealed that 80% of its members said that all four elements of the changes that came into force this April have negatively impacted their businesses.  The BII’s 13,000 members mainly run…

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  • Mar- 2025 -
    21 March
    Pubs and BarsTim Martin: NICs and labour rates to cost JD Wetherspoon £60m

    Tim Martin: NICs and labour rates to cost JD Wetherspoon £60m

    JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has warned that the imminent increases in National Insurance and labour rates will result in company cost increases of roughly £60m, which would mean about £1,500 per pub, per week.  He said: “Since labour costs are around 35% of the pub industry’s sales, compared to…

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  • Feb- 2025 -
    24 February
    FeaturesIs clubbing dead for Gen-Z?

    Is clubbing dead for Gen-Z?

    Clubbing as we know it might be going the way of disco in the UK due to the majority of its participants – young people aged between 18 and 30 – going out less than they did a year ago, or so says a new study conducted by Obsurvant on…

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  • 24 February
    BusinessApril cost hikes may force 70% of hospitality firms to cut jobs

    April cost hikes may force 70% of hospitality firms to cut jobs

    A survey by hospitality trade associations has revealed that rising employment costs and reduced rates relief in April will force 70% of businesses to cut jobs, threatening workers’ incomes. The survey by The British Beer and Pub Association, the British Institute of Innkeeping, Hospitality Ulster and UKHospitality also revealed that…

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