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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Dec- 2020 -1 DecemberCoronavirus
Scottish Government urged to rethink restrictions
UKHospitality has led calls from leading hospitality operators for the Scottish Government to adjust the restrictions currently placed on the industry. Over 60 hospitality bosses have written to the First Minister regarding the tiered system that is “squeezing the remaining life out of the sector”. The letter calls for a…
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Nov- 2020 -27 NovemberNews
UKH warns of £7.8bn trading loss in new tier system
UKHospitality had warned that under the new tier system £7.8bn worth of trading will be wiped out compared with 2019 if it lasts into the new year. The new government tier system has put 98% of the UK’s hospitality trade in Tier 2 and 3 regions. UKHospitality chief executive Kate…
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23 NovemberBusiness
BBPA calls for VAT cuts and rates holiday extension
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has called for further government support for the sector, following revelations that 72% of hospitality and pub businesses could become “unviable” and close in 2021. The association said that an extension in VAT cuttings and the business rates holiday are “top priorities” for…
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19 NovemberCoronavirus
UKH calls for greater clarity as lockdown nears end
UKHospitality has called for greater support for the hospitality sector following the second national lockdown, as well as “urgent clarity” on the tier system businesses will enter as the lockdown ends next month. Giving evidence to the House of Commons BEIS Committee, UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls argued that restrictions have…
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13 NovemberCoronavirus
Restrictions drive October pub and restaurant sales into reverse
The roll-out of more regional Covid restrictions further depressed sales in Britain’s managed pub, restaurant and bar groups in October, according to the latest data from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker. The tracker, which is produced by CGA in partnership with RSM and The Coffer Group, found that 83% of…
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4 NovemberCoronavirus
Trade bodies call for plan to secure future of industry and its supply chain
Trade bodies representing the UK’s hospitality, pubs and their supply chain businesses have called on the government to provide a six-month investment plan to secure the future of those sectors. In a letter to the chancellor, UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), Campaign…
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Oct- 2020 -16 OctoberFood and Drink
Dominos reports ‘strong’ Q3 performance
Pizza chain Dominos has reported a “strong” Q3 sales performance with revenues of £342.1m, up from £288.2m the previous year. During the 13 week period ending 27 September, Dominos said that despite Covid-19 restrictions which ceased all collection orders, deliveries increased 11.8% year-on-year bringing in £12.4m in online orders. The…
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8 OctoberNews
Shepherd Neame operating as ‘profitable and cash generative’
Pub chain and brewery Shepherd Neame announced that the business has been “profitable and cash generative” since pubs reopened on 4 July. The Faversham-based brewery has bounced back from the financial hit taken during the previous financial year to 28 June, mainly due to initiatives such as the Eat Out…
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5 OctoberCoronavirus
BBPA warns of £7bn hit to economy if gov fails to ‘change tack’
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has warned of a potential £7bn hit to the UK economy if the government fails to change its stance on pubs. The claim comes as part of a new report with Oxford Economics, the forecasting and analysis consultancy, modelling the likely impact of…
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Sep- 2020 -30 SeptemberGovernment
Hospitality leaders ask for PM’s help to avoid ‘bleakest of winters’
Over 100 hospitality businesses have written directly to prime minister Boris Johnson calling on him to personally do more to support the sector before the ‘‘bleakest of winters’’. Led by trade organisations, including UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association, the letter states that there will be more job…
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