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- 2021 -23 AugustTrade Associations
Hospitality sector still struggling despite customers’ return to venues, UKH warns
Despite 56% of consumers returning to hospitality venues in the first 10 days after ‘Freedom Day’ last month, compared with 35% in 2020, thousands of businesses are still struggling compared to pre-pandemic, according to the latest UK Hospitality survey. A survey by the group found that it took over six…
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13 AugustTrade Associations
Hospitality contributed to 40% of Q1 to Q2 economic growth, says UKH
The hospitality industry reportedly contributed to 40% of the UK’s total economic growth between Q1 and Q2 2021. The figure comes from the latest UKHospitality Quarterly Tracker, produced by CGA, which followed ONS data revealing the UK GDP to have grown 4.8% in June. Kate Nicholls, chief executive at UKH,…
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3 AugustFood and Drink
Domino’s H1 profits boosted by post-lockdown sales
Domino’s has reported a 27.7% rise in its pre-tax profits for the 26 weeks ended 27 June 2021 to £60.8m from £47.6m the previous year, which it said was driven by post lockdown reunion sales and the Euros. System sales also grew by 19.6% to £752.3m from £628.9m and was…
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Jul- 2021 -30 JulyTrade Associations
Hospitality businesses miss out on £100.2bn in sales due to Covid
Hospitality businesses have suffered a £100.2bn drop in sales from pre-pandemic levels in the 15 months since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest edition of the UKHospitality Quarterly Tracker with CGA. Prolonged closures and trading restrictions have both limited total sector sales in the 12 months to…
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28 JulyPubs and Bars
Marston’s reopening sales beat expectations
Marston’s pub group has reported that overall sales for the 42 weeks to 24 July 2021 have been “encouraging, and better than expectations”. In the first week of trading since restrictions were lifted on 19 July, the group said it saw a “modest uplift” in sales adding that whilst this…
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22 JulyTrade Associations
Freedom day ‘does not mark easing of challenges’, trade bodies warn
UKHospitality, The British Beer and Pub Association and The British Institute of Innkeeping have all warned that the easing of restrictions does not mark an “easing of challenges” for sector businesses. In a recent survey by the trade bodies of over 350 businesses operating tens of thousands of venues, it…
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21 JulyFeatures
Fixing the staffing shortage goes beyond changing self-isolation rules
It’s not new news, the hospitality sector is facing a staffing shortage crisis. A study conducted by CGA and Fourth last month found nine in 10 hospitality business owners expect employee shortages this coming year. Yet, the problem persists without showing any signs of letting up. With the 19 July…
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7 JulyPubs and Bars
JD Wetherspoon warns of FY21 loss
JD Wetherspoon has announced that it expects to “make a loss” for the year ended 25 July 2021. In a pre-close trading update,the group revealed that two-year like-for-like sales from 17 May to 4 July were down 14.5%. It also saw bar and food sales decline 49%, when compared to…
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Jun- 2021 -29 JuneTrade Associations
UKH calls on Gov for mitigating measures after ‘freedom day’ delay
UKHospitality has urged the Government to consider a range of mitigating measures in relation to mounting costs for hospitality businesses as the easing of lockdown restrictions is delayed. The trade association claimed that the stall to reopening risks further business failures as a result of unsustainable accrued debts on top…
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29 JuneRestaurants
Tasty sees takeaway and delivery sales ‘perform well’
Tasty, the operator of restaurants in the casual dining sector, has revealed that for the six-week period to 27 June 2021, takeaway and delivery sales “performed well” during the most recent lockdown. Following the easing of lockdown restrictions on 17 May 2021, most of the company’s estate reopened, with 49…
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