Copy article

Daily Express seeking urgent views from hospitality businesses

ended 13. December 2024

We're looking for commentary from hospitality businesses on the back of today's GDP figures.

  • Has the Autumn Budget impacted your operations and if so, how?
  • Are there specific measures from the Budget that concern you as they take effect in the coming year?
  • Have changes in customer demand or spending habits affected your business in light of economic conditions?
  • What support, if any, would you like to see from the government to help your business navigate these challenges?

2 responses from the Newspage community

Copy all

Star Quote
Copy

Editor
Kate AllenVerified
Owner at Finest Stays
The new Employers’ National Insurance banding makes hiring additional staff look about as appealing as running headlong into a tax wall. We’re more inclined to outsource to freelancers now, as the potential savings outweigh the red tape and financial risks. Customer spending habits have shifted noticeably: fewer people are booking UK holidays, and lead times keep shrinking, which only amplifies the strain. We introduced a £50 deposit to secure bookings, and while that has eased some short-term cashflow concerns, there’s no escaping the fact that real or perceived drops in spending power have taken a bite out of our bottom line. A genuine pro-growth strategy—not half-measures—would go a long way in buoying both business confidence and the wider economy.
Copy

Premium
Craig BuntingVerified
Co-founder at BEAR
The Autumn Budget hasn’t immediately affected our operations, but we’re preparing for significant changes in April. The rise in NMW, changes to Employers’ NI banding, and reductions in Business Rates Relief will heavily impact costs in the hospitality sector, particularly for people-focused businesses like ours. We remain committed to delivering the quality and experience our guests expect, but these pressures mean price adjustments may be unavoidable. While footfall is likely to remain stable, we’re aware guests may trade down on their choices, which could affect revenue. To support businesses like ours, we’d welcome a reduction in VAT for hospitality, helping us manage rising costs while keeping prices competitive. Extending business rates relief would also provide vital breathing space for operators. At BEAR, our focus remains on people—our team, guests, and communities—but the right government support is essential to help us navigate the challenges ahead.