Hospitality 'the great leveller' says new report

23-May-2022 - Last updated on 23-May-2022 at 08:21 GMT

The hospitality sector is uniquely positioned to deliver economic growth and jobs across the country and can play its part in delivering the Government’s flagship levelling up agenda, according to a new report from UKHospitality (UKH).

In its report, ‘Level up hospitality – level up society’, the trade body states that the hospitality sector is well placed to create jobs, attract investment and boost economic growth across the country and play a key role in levelling up.

It has identified six areas - split across two tiers - in which it says the sector can deliver the greatest impact. In tier one is local leadership, where UKH will work with local Government to ensure hospitality businesses are able to thrive; skills – with the development of local frameworks to ensure hospitality is a career of choice; pride in place – where local partnerships ae created to ensure the sector is at the heart of revitalising local communities; and health and wellbeing.

Tier two comprises digital connectivity, enabling customer to access high-speed data; and research and development.

“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,” says Kate Nicholls, UKH CEO.

“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.”

Pre-pandemic the hospitality sector created £130bn in economic activity, generated £39bn in tax and represented 10% of UK employment.