Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Analysis: Call to action by trade body

Published: 11 June, 2024

WSTA chief urges government action for £35bn UK wine sector. James Bayley reports.

Migration policies must address hospitality sector

Published: 04 June, 2024

Ahead of the 4 July general election, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to reduce the number of migrants each year under a new Conservative government.

Visitor Levy in Scotland delayed until 2026 at the earliest

Published: 30 May, 2024

The Visitor Levy Bill, passed on Tuesday (28 June) by the Scottish Parliament, concludes a decade-long debate on whether councils should have the authority to introduce a visitor levy or tourist tax. The Bill empowers councils to consider and potentially implement such a levy, although it won't come into effect until 2026 at the earliest.

Hospitality faces inflation challenges amid mixed sales results

Published: 23 May, 2024

UK inflation dropped to 2.3% in April, its lowest level in nearly three years. However, the reduction was less significant than anticipated, dampening hopes for an imminent interest rate cut.

UK's Deposit Return Scheme faces 2027 Delay

Published: 26 April, 2024

Efforts to align the UK's bottle deposit and return scheme (DRS) across all four nations have hit a snag, with an anticipated launch pushed back to 2027, marking a four-year extension from the original timeline.

UK inflation decline prompts interest rate uncertainty

Published: 18 April, 2024

UK inflation slowed less than expected last month, despite the rate of price increases falling below that of the US for the first time in two years.

Government to support SMEs in energy disputes

Published: 08 April, 2024

The government has announced it will support British businesses to settle energy disputes.

Rail strikes in 2024 have cost hospitality £750m

Published: 05 April, 2024

Industrial action across the rail network from Friday 5 April to Monday 8 April is estimated to cost the hospitality sector £387m, according to UKhospitality.

Largest ever increase to minimum wage takes effect

Published: 02 April, 2024

As of yesterday (1 April), employment costs have increased for hospitality businesses following a rise in the National Minimum Wage.

Easter weekend Hospitality bookings up 40%

Published: 28 March, 2024

The latest insight from hospitality technology partner Zonal reveals bookings for Easter weekend are up 40% compared to 2023.

Government announces ‘very positive’ apprenticeship changes

Published: 18 March, 2024

The government has today (18 March) announced a series of apprenticeship reforms which will benefit SMEs and the workers they employ within the hospitality sector.

Hospitality industry hit by 63% cost surge

Published: 11 March, 2024

Research conducted by the price comparison website money.co.uk has found that the hospitality industry has been the most affected by cost increases.

London hospitality poised for off-peak tube and rail fare Fridays

Published: 06 March, 2024

From this Friday (8 March), London Underground and rail fares on pay-as-you-go and Oyster will be off-peak all day on Fridays, as part of an initiative to encourage businesses to return to the office five days a week.

Quarter of hospitality businesses run out of cash reserves

Published: 19 February, 2024

A joint survey by UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster has revealed the cost pressures facing venues compared to 2023.

Hospitality sales flat in January as consumer spending squeezed

Published: 15 February, 2024

Britain’s leading hospitality groups generated like-for-like sales growth of just 0.1% in January according to CGA.

Analysis: Hospitality seeks aid to halt closures

Published: 14 February, 2024

As the on-trade is hit by a cost-of-doing-business crisis, many are facing a tough decision unless government intervenes. James Bayley reports.

Tipping legislation scrutinised in hospitality webinar

Published: 12 February, 2024

Complying with the new legislation on the allocation of tips in the hospitality sector was the hot topic in a live industry webinar held last week, organised by technology provider Access Hospitality.

6,000 hospitality venues closed in 2023

Published: 30 January, 2024

New data released today (30 January) has revealed more than 6,000 hospitality venues closed in 2023, bringing the total number of closures since the pandemic to nearly 23,000.

Hospitality employment scheme for jobseekers launches in Wales

Published: 26 January, 2024

A government-backed employment pathway for hospitality began in Cardiff this week, offering jobseekers career opportunities and a route back into work.