According to accountancy firm Moore Stephens the sharp fall in sterling since the Brexit vote had added to the pressure on the sector by increasing the cost of imports for restaurants.
The UK imports 48 per cent of its food and many restaurants rely heavily on imported food and wine.
Wider choice
It said that the restaurant market has become increasingly competitive as a regular supply of new entrants launch innovate food concepts in order to differentiate themselves.
This churn in the popularity of different cuisines and food styles has led to some restaurants facing insolvency as new entrants and innovations leave the offerings of existing incumbents looking ‘dated’.
The influx of new participants – 200 restaurants opened in London last year alone – also provides consumers with a lot of choice and results in restaurants cutting prices or offering ‘special offers’ to remain competitive.
Rising costs
As well as higher raw material costs, restaurant companies have also seen the cost of labour increase. The government raised the National Minimum Wage to £7.20 from £6.70 earlier this year which has put added strain on restaurants already struggling to remain profitable.
The government has announced that it intends to raise the National Minimum Wage to £7.50 in April next year.
The company said that stagnating disposable incomes has impacted the appetite for consumers to eat out. The UK average gross disposable household income increased just 0.5 per cent, from £17,872 to £17,965, over the last year.
'Fragile finances'
Mike Finch, restructuring partner at Moore Stephens, said: “It’s been a tough year for many restaurants in the face of rising costs and fierce competition.
“It is unrealistic to expect UK restaurant groups to avoid the impact of the fall in the pound by substituting for UK produce – they are going to face a big hit. Restaurants have to make tough decisions as to how much they try to pass on to consumers; too much and they risk losing business, too little and they lose margin.
“Fluctuations in the foreign exchange markets have hit small and medium sized restaurant businesses particularly hard as they have tighter financial constraints and are less likely to negotiate long term supply contracts. All this comes at a time when many consumers are likely to be very price conscious.
“The high number of potential insolvencies over the next year shows just how fragile finances can be in this sector and demonstrates the importance of careful financial management. There may be further challenges to come as the UK’s trading agreements with Europe remain uncertain. Many in the restaurant industry would consider the idea of additional import tariffs on foodstuffs with horror."