Government launches hospitality council to help sector thrive

The government has assembled what it describes as a team of  industry  experts in a bid  to create a thriving, world-class hospitality industry.

The Hospitality Sector Council is made up of bosses from chains such as Greene King, Nando’s and Starbucks as well as representatives from UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association.

It is tasked with  supporting  the  delivery of  the  government’s  Hospitality Strategy, which supports the reopening, recovery and resilience of the sector following the pandemic. This includes  making it easier for pubs, restaurants and cafes to offer al fresco dining by making pavement licenses  permanent, and  extending takeaway pints in England and Wales until September 2022 to further boost sales. 

The strategy also sets out ways to help the sector grow and boost its creativity, including exploring options for vocational skills and training such as apprenticeships, bootcamps and other qualifications like a T Level.

The council will be co-chaired by small business minister Scully and  hospitality entrepreneur  and  chair of Prezzo  Karen  Jones, with their first meeting taking place today.

Small business minister Paul Scully said: “The hospitality industry has shown incredible creativity and resourcefulness through the pandemic, pivoting to new ways of doing business like al fresco dining and takeaway pints to stay safe, meet changing consumer demands and protect livelihoods.  

“With the launch of this council, we’re taking the next step in the journey to build back better from the pandemic by unveiling the experts who’ll be driving the reopening, recovery and resilience of the sector. 

“It’s a real ‘Avengers Assemble’ moment for the industry.”

Entrepreneur and hospitality sector council co-chair Karen Jones adds: “I think the lockdowns have shown us many things, particularly the importance of our people and our teams and the key role hospitality has to play in lighting up our high streets and city centres. We now need to capitalise on our combined energy, creativity and innovation to continue the creation of a world-class hospitality industry: the Hospitality Sector Council will aid in making that a reality.”