UKH launches election toolkit
Introduced as part of the trade body’s pre-election campaigning, which started last year at its summer conference, the toolkit offers hospitality firms the opportunity to invite parliamentary candidates in their constituency to their venue in a bid emphasise the importance of the sector.
In addition, UKH members will also have access to an exclusive webinar that lays out the trade body’s election strategy and key asks during the campaign.
Critical work
UKH chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “General election campaigns are all about making your voice heard, and hospitality has one of the best stories to tell.
“We’ve already been meeting candidates up and down the country, telling them about the critical work the sector does serving Britain and creating places where people want to live, work and invest.
“Now, we’re making sure businesses have the tools to tell their story to local candidates.
“Inviting prospective MPs to your venue allows you to show them first-hand just how important hospitality is in creating jobs, driving economic growth and fostering a sense of community in our cities, towns and villages.”
Heart of the debate
UKH added its engagement with politicians over the last 18-months had been “pivotal” in securing “key policy pledges” from the main political parties, including commitments from the Labour Party to replace the broken business rates system and reform the apprenticeship levy.
The trade body has also written to all parliamentary candidates outlining the strategic importance of the hospitality sector and sharing key asks, which include reformation of the apprenticeship levy and business rates, as well as securing meetings with candidates in crucial constituencies.
Nicholls continued: “Our work over the last year and a half has already been hugely successful in securing critical pledges from political parties and the general election campaign is yet another step in our strategy to ensure the next Parliament is filled with MPs who will champion our sector.
“I urge all businesses to dive into our election toolkit and get stuck into the campaign – making sure hospitality’s voice is at the heart of the debate.”
UKH's policy recommendations:
First 100 days:
- Reform business rates to protect our high streets by introducing a permanent, lower business rates multiplier for hospitality.
- Reform the Apprenticeship Levy so the sector can train more people, by making the levy more flexible, freeing up funds for non-apprenticeship skills training, and introducing a modular approach for learners.
First 100 weeks:
- Support businesses with their staff costs by reducing employer National Insurance Contributions.
- Support green investment in the sector by reforming investment credits to incentivise investment in green energy and decarbonisation.
Whole term:
- Reform planning rules, so that hospitality can power regeneration.
- Reform VAT for the sector to bring it in line with European rivals.A link to UKH's election toolkit can be found here
- A link to UKH's election toolkit can be found here
