Calls for a 10% vat reduction were backed by Staffordshire’s hospitality businesses at a brand new sector-specific forum.
Staffordshire Chambers’ Hospitality Forum met for the first time at Lunar Wedgwood, Barlaston, where Lunar founder Craig Wilkinson led calls to lower VAT in hospitality from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, to bring the UK in line with European counterparts.
Businesses warned that rising costs are continuing to squeeze already tight margins, with wages, food inflation, delivery charges and business rates all adding to the pressure.
Declan Riddell, Policy Advisor, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “Our hospitality sector is facing an existential threat and our hospitality forum members have called for a cut in the level of VAT charged on the hospitality sector.
“We all know the value of hospitality in connecting us with family and friends and we would encourage as many people as possible to lend their support by signing this e-petition and encouraging family and friends to do the same.”
Craig Wilkinson, founder of Lunar Wedgwood, appeared in Daily Focus last month, after launching a parliamentary petition to help protect jobs and give struggling venues a better chance of survival.
Those at the forum said hospitality remains a vital part of the local economy, supporting employment, supply chains and community spaces but warned many businesses are now at breaking point.
Alongside VAT, discussion also centred on wider challenges facing the sector, including recruitment difficulties, rising employment costs and concerns around the viability of apprenticeships.
Staffordshire Chambers said the forum is designed to give businesses a consistent platform to raise concerns and push for change, with future events planned across the county.
If you would like to sign the petition to cut VAT on the hospitality sector, you can do it here.
Or to find out more about the Chambers’ Hospitality Forum, please email Declan.Riddell@StaffordshireChambers.co.uk
