UKHospitality puts forward plans to support government's Levelling Up agenda

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

UKHospitality has published plans to support the government's 'Levelling Up' agenda, arguing that hospitality has all the attributes to support growth and opportunity across the UK

The 'Level up hospitality – level up society' whitepaper explains that given the industry's contribution to the economy - representing £130bn in economic activity, £39bn in tax and 10 percent of UK employment in the year preceding the pandemic - its potential to create jobs, attract investment, boost economic growth and play a key role in levelling up is massive.

With this, the trade body argues, the industry could collaborate with the government to meet objectives when it comes to reducing inequality, increasing devolution, improving social mobility and supporting "sustainable recovery and resilience."

Identifying the six areas in which it can deliver the greatest impact, the plan is for the trade body to help support local leadership to ensure hospitality businesses are able to thrive; to foster the industry's skills by promoting the sector as an attractive career choice; to push pride in place, by showing that hospitality venues are at the core of local communities; to promote health and wellbeing by emphasising that the sector is complementary to a healthy lifestyle; to improve digital connectivity in society by ensuring all venues are able to offer consumers access to high-speed data, and finally, to support research and development by leading the way for R&D in the sector.

CEO of UKHospitality Kate Nicholls said that “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.

“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."

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