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.
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Aug- 2022 -3 AugustComment
How the Hospitality Industry can combat the insolvency crisis
After a report from UHY Hacker Young showed that UK restaurant insolvencies have jumped 64% from 856 in 2020/21 to 1,406, Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, warns that “it’s quite clear that this is just the tip of the iceberg”. The past quarter represented the largest number of restaurant…
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2 AugustFeatures
Q&A: Follow Leisure: The District takeover
Can you tell me a bit about the history of Follow Leisure? We are a multi-venue hospitality operator with a portfolio of 10 brands comprising some of Northern Ireland’s most loved casual eateries. Many of our customer base dine with us seven days a week across multiple brands. Behind the…
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Jul- 2022 -27 JulyRestaurants
Two-thirds of hospitality business feel abandoned by government
Almost two-thirds of hospitality businesses feel abandoned by the government, according to new research from Peckwater Brands. The virtual brand operator surveyed 201 senior decision-makers within hospitality businesses. It found that nearly seven-in-10 (69%) of respondents are in favour of the government’s actions which protect hospitality businesses which accumulated debts…
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4 JulyPubs and Bars
Number of pubs falls by over 7,000 in past decade
The number of English and Welsh pubs fell below 40,000 for the first time during the first half of 2022 with pub numbers having fallen by 7,107 in the last 10 years, new research has revealed. Research by the real estate adviser Altus Group, found that the overall number of…
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Jun- 2022 -6 JuneTrade Associations
10,000 hospitality businesses face closure, UKH CEO warns
The CEO of UKHospitality has warned that 10,000 pubs and restaurants could face closure in light of rising inflation, energy costs and rents across the industry. Kate Nicholls told the Mail on Sunday that the hospitality sector was now facing “as big a crisis, if not bigger”, since the pandemic. …
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May- 2022 -30 MayRestaurants
Comptoir Group revenue soars 67% in FY21
The Comptoir Group has seen group revenues rocket 66.9% to £20.7m in the year ended 31 December 2021, up from the £12.4m reported in 2020. As trading returned over the year, gross profit was up by £7.1m to £16.9m up by £7.1m, up from £9/8m the prior year when trading…
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19 MayPubs and Bars
Pubs expect to see £105m boost during Jubillee weekend
Pubs and brewers are preparing for an estimated 90 million pints expected to be sold resulting in a £105m boost for the trade during the platinum jubilee weekend, according to British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). With opening hours extended until 1am across the Jubilee weekend and an extra day…
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18 MayPubs and Bars
Inflation hits 40-year high
UK inflation has hit its highest level in 40 years during the month of April, driven by the rising cost of energy bills. The figure, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), was up from 7% in March. The ONS said that around 75% of…
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5 MayFood and Drink
Domino’s welcomes strong trading in Q1
Domino’s has welcomed a period of strong trading in its first quarter, with like-for-like system sales, excluding splits and the impact of higher VAT, rising 3.9% in the period ended 27 March 2022. Orders grew by 5.5% in the quarter despite a strong comparative, reflecting the “stimulus” to its delivery…
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Apr- 2022 -28 AprilPubs and Bars
BBPA calls on election candidates to support local pubs
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is calling on local candidates to back calls for fairer business rates and protect their local pubs ahead of next week’s election. The association said that with rates collected by local authorities, one of the “single biggest ways” councillors could help save pubs…
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