UKH report highlights how the sector can aid levelling up
Trade body UKHospitality (UKH) has announced the release of its latest report, Level Up Hospitality – Level Up Society, highlighting how the sector is uniquely positioned to deliver growth and opportunity across the country.
The report identifies six areas in which the industry can play its part in delivering the Government’s and society’s priorities, generating jobs and economic growth.
UKH CEO Kate Nicholls said: “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.
Great leveller
“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.”
Pre-pandemic, the hospitality sector created £130bn in economic activity, generated £39bn in tax and represented 10% of UK employment.
With businesses in every village, town, and city, UKH stated the industry was well placed to create jobs, attract investment, boost economic growth, and play a key role in levelling up.
The six areas identified in the report in which the sector can deliver the greatest impact were local leadership, skills, pride in place, health and wellbeing, digital connectivity and research and development.
Local leadership: UKH will support local government to ensure hospitality businesses are able to thrive
Skills: UKH will better promote hospitality as an attractive career of choice
Pride in place: demonstrating how hospitality venues are at the core of every local community
Health & wellbeing: showcasing the sector’s role as complementary to a healthy lifestyle
Digital connectivity: ensuring all venues are able to offer consumers access to high-speed data
Research and development: playing a leading role in the roll-out of research and development across the sector.
In addition to the report, levelling up is also the focus of UKH’s annual Summer Conference titled the Rising Tide, for both members and non-members, on Tuesday 7 June at the Hilton London Bankside.
Range of opportunities
Speakers and panellists expected at the conference include Sarah Willingham, former Dragon's Den entrepreneur and founder of Nightcap, and Suzanne Baker, commercial and property director at Stonegate Group.
Nicholls added: “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."
