Proposed merger to create new voice for hospitality

News broke today of a propsed merger between the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR). The new body - UKHospitality - will represent and speak for the UK's hospitality sector, a sector that generates £130bn of revenue each year and is ranked as the UK's third largest private sector employer.

Here are some key facts and figures from the story:

- In the UK hospitality represents 10% of employers, 6% of businesses and 5% of GDP

- Hospitality is the third largest private sector empoyer in the UK

- The new body would represent over 700 companies, 65,000 venues and 2 million workers

- The hospitality sector is set to grow by 4.3% by 2020, creating an additional 19,000 jobs

Nick Varney, proposed Chair of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality is a prosperous and vibrant sector with great potential for further growth if the right policies are in place and a single, strong trade association will be ideally positioned to provide that support. We are calling for a new ministerial champion and sector deal enabling the hospitality sector to invest in world-class careers and customer experiences.”

And Kate Nicholls, proposed CEO-elect of UKHospitality said: “This sector is a vital, dynamic economic powerhouse whose importance is clear in our communities, our high streets and our everyday lives. It is one of our fastest growing, most productive industries and last year it delivered 1 in 8 of all new jobs. Faced with unprecedented political and regulatory pressures, now more than ever it requires the strongest and most effective voice within government. UKHospitality will be that vital voice and I am relishing the prospect of working with members to deliver both strong and connected relationships with government and a shared ambition to reshape the future of hospitality”.

Read the full ALMR press release here.

Read the full BHA press release here.

Share This Post On Social Media: