Following the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement today, the BII has issued the following statement from CEO, Steve Alton:
“We welcome the news that Business Rates relief for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure sectors will be continued at 75% for 24/25, in line with our consistent calls on Government for ongoing support in this area.
“We also welcome the freeze on alcohol duty, not putting further pressure on top of embedded cost increases that our sector has been facing over the last few years.
“Today’s statement from the Chancellor offers some much-needed support for many of our members, all of whom are facing the most challenging and critical times for their businesses. However, as small businesses at the heart of their communities, many run by independent operators, the rise in the national living wage to £11.44 per hour will hugely impact the profitability of their venues. Whilst we welcome measures that protect workers, there must be recognition of the impact this mandated increase will have on our small pub businesses.
“We would like to thank all of our members who took the time to write to their MPs as part of our #MyPub campaign launched in the summer, calling for support from the Chancellor. Your voices have been invaluable in supporting our engagement with Government, making the case for this vital further support.”
Notes to the editor:
About the British Institute of Innkeeping:
The BII is the leading independent licensee support organisation for individuals working in hospitality, with 13,000 individual members running premises across the UK – predominantly tenanted, leased, managed and freehold pubs. The organisation provides expert helplines, online business support, and guidance on key industry issues, and savings on a range of supply deals for its members, keeping pubs thriving in the heart of every community.
For further information please contact:
Molly Davis
Head of Communications
Sentinel House, Ancells Business Park, Harvest Crescent, Fleet, GU51 2UZ
Mob: 07539 377752
Web: www.bii.org
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