A new report from UKHospitality, 'Level up hospitality – level up society', highlights how the sector is uniquely positioned to deliver growth and opportunity across the country and play its part in delivering the Government’s and society’s priorities, by generating jobs and economic growth.
The sector has already shown that it is capable of driving growth across the nation. Pre-pandemic it created £130bn in economic activity, generated £39bn in tax and represented 10% of UK employment.
With businesses in every village, town and city, the industry is well placed to create jobs, attract investment and boost economic growth. It is therefore able to play a key role in levelling up.
The report identifies the six areas in which the sector can deliver the greatest impact:
1. Local leadership – UKHospitality will support local government to ensure that hospitality businesses are able to thrive
2. Skills – UKHospitality will better promote hospitality as an attractive career of choice
3. Pride in place – demonstrating how hospitality venues are at the core of every local community
4. Health & wellbeing – showcasing the sector’s role as complementary to a healthy lifestyle
5. Digital connectivity – ensuring that all venues are able to offer consumers access to high-speed data
6. Research & development – playing a leading role in the roll-out of research and development across the sector.
In addition to the report, levelling up is also the focus of UKHospitality’s annual Summer Conference.
Speakers and panelists will include Sarah Willingham, former Dragon's Den entrepreneur and founder of Nightcap, and Suzanne Baker, Commercial & Property Director at Stonegate Group.
The conference, titled 'The rising tide – hospitality as a catalyst for nationwide growth', will take place on 7 June, and will explore how the sector will deliver solutions to issues the issues outlined in the report.
In addition to the keynote speakers, delegates will gain access to exclusive research from STR, CGA and others, insight and advice from business leaders and high-level networking opportunities for delegates.
Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality CEO, (pictured), said, “Despite more than two years of setbacks, the sector is ready to get back on track and lead the way towards sustainable recovery and resilience.
“Hospitality is the great leveller and we are working closely with Government to deliver on its Levelling Up agenda, unlocking growth and opportunity in local economies across the country. Hospitality provides the solution to levelling up every community in the country and offers a vast range of opportunities, from entry level jobs to highly skilled ones.
'The inclusive nature of the sector provides opportunities for individuals across the ages, guided by a truly team spirited ethos in every venue. “