Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, has commented on the release of the new Market Recovery Monitor, published by CGA and AlixPartners.
Nicholls said, 'These new figures are a useful starting point as to the state of the hospitality sector as the country moved into lockdown, and paint a picture of a market that, in parts, was already under pressure.
'Our own data reveals that the sector experienced a sales decline of 21.3% in the first quarter of 2020. Hospitality was hit first, has been hit hardest and will take longer than most to recover.'
Nicholls continued, “Our new #FAIR4Hospitality campaign calls on governments across Britain to invest in a fair and timely return for hospitality this summer, for the benefit of local communities, peoples’ jobs, national wellbeing and the economy.
'How the sector restarts and at what pace will vary dependent on type of business and government guidance, so these figures will be useful on an ongoing basis for all those invested and passionate about our sector.'
Nicholls concluded, “Hospitality is ready, with the right support, to play a leading role in the recovery, can help rebuild shattered consumer confidence and bring the nation back together safely over the coming months.”