Plans have been unveiled to deliver a powerful new unified voice to support the dynamic UK hospitality sector as it seeks to deliver its full growth potential.
The merger of the UK’s two major hospitality trade associations, the ALMR and the BHA, will create a new body, UKHospitality, which will actively speak out for the UK’s third largest private sector employer.
The sector directly generates £130 billion in revenue each year, according to the new body.
UKHospitality will bring together businesses from all aspects of hospitality; coffee shops, hotels, pubs, restaurants, leisure parks, nightclubs, contract caterers, entertainment and visitor attractions.
It will actively speak for these combined industries on the big strategic, structural and regulatory issues and deliver policies to support its strong growth trajectory.
Combining the expertise, experience and resources of the ALMR and the BHA, the proposed new body would champion the breadth of innovative and vibrant hospitality businesses across the UK, giving an authoritative voice to over 700 companies, 65,000 venues and two million workers.
Announcing the proposals, Kate Nicholls, proposed chief executive-elect of UKHospitality, said: “This sector is a vital, dynamic economic powerhouse whose importance is clear in our communities, our high streets and our everyday lives.
“It is one of our fastest growing, most productive industries and last year it delivered one in eight of all new jobs.
“Faced with unprecedented political and regulatory pressures, now more than ever it requires the strongest and most effective voice within government.
“UKHospitality will be that vital voice and I am relishing the prospect of working with members to deliver both strong and connected relationships with government and a shared ambition to reshape the future of hospitality.”
The proposals have been recommended to members and an extraordinary general meeting will be held in February to approve them.