28/01/2025 10:44:00
Government "must acknowledge" the cost pressures of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), one trade body has warned after MPs voted in favour of the statutory instrument, reports the Morning Advertiser. In a debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday 21 January MP's voted by a majority of 352 to 75 in favour of the bill as it was presented last year. The proposed law aims to reduce littering, boost recycling and help protect wildlife. It means pubs and other hospitality venues can opt in to become a DRS point for single-use metal and plastic drinks containers, effective in England and Northern Ireland from October 2027.
Apex Hotels has announced that its profit-before-tax was £28.4m for the year ended 30 April 2024. The company stated that this was boosted by a gain on disposal of £18.9m following the sale of Apex London Wall Hotel in July 2023. Alongside this, its operating profit was up 9% year-on-year to £13m, after adjusting for a Covid-19 insurance in the previous year. Furthermore, the company saw its revenues rise 6.2% compared with the previous year up to £79.4m. In the year Apex acquired two rural properties: Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry and Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course. After the year end Apex continued the expansion with the acquisition of The Vineyard Hotel, followed by the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro. In addition, the group continued to invest in its existing portfolio, completing the refurbishment of Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel in early 2024, advises Hotel Owner.
JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin has called on the government to redress the VAT imbalance between hospitality operators and supermarkets, reports The Caterer. Martin said labour-related cost increases due to come into effect from 1 April would increase the pub chain's costs by "by around £60 million per annum". The chairman pointed to the bigger impact minimum wage increases will have on the hospitality sector than supermarkets. Martin said: "[Supermarkets] pay no VAT in respect of food sales, whereas pubs pay 20%. This tax advantage allows supermarkets to subsidise the price of beer they sell...It is a clear principle of taxation that taxes should be fair and equitable, as between different types of companies. The VAT distortions that exist today will inevitably create more supermarkets and less pubs."
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is urging mayors and local leaders across the UK to follow the example set by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in addressing the challenges faced by businesses within the evening and night economy due to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) schemes. While sustainability is an important goal, the NTIA stresses that these policies are disproportionately affecting businesses, particularly those in the late-night sector, and exacerbating challenges tied to the UK's already underdeveloped transport infrastructure at night. This has created significant hardship for many small businesses, late-night workers, and customers who rely on accessible and affordable transport options to reach venues after hours, or for customers to get home safely, CLH News reports.
Seren, a collection of luxury hotels and restaurants across Wales, has announced the appointment of Mark Wouters to the newly created role of chief operating officer, reports Boutique Hotelier. In the position, Wouters will drive delivery of Seren's longer-term strategy and guiding the strategic development of the Group. Wouters boasts a wealth of international hospitality experience spanning over 25 years, including senior leadership roles in some of the world's most distinguished luxury hotels and resorts. Seren's portfolio comprises hotels The Grove of Narberth and Penmaenuchaf, plus restaurants Fernery, Beach House and Lan Y Mor.
Diageo has ruled out a sale of its famous Guinness brand, quashing speculation that the drinks giant was looking to cash-in on runaway demand for the fashionable Irish stout, says The Guardian...