​Episode 172: Allen Simpson on VAT Reform, Business Rates, and the Future of Hospitality

In this engaging episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios welcomes Allen Simpson, Deputy CEO of UKHospitality, for a dynamic conversation on the current state of the hospitality sector and its broader economic implications. Allen shares insights into UKHospitality’s ongoing efforts to support the industry, highlighting key areas such as business rates reform, VAT alignment with European standards, and the pressing need for workforce stability in the wake of increasing wage pressures.

The discussion explores the political landscape, with Allen offering a candid take on the challenges faced by the current government and how hospitality is often under appreciated as a vital sector for economic growth and community cohesion. Stelios and Allen delve into the nuanced role of hospitality in rejuvenating high streets, fostering job creation, and providing opportunities for social mobility.

Listeners will find thought-provoking insights into the complexities of balancing economic growth, workforce rights, and government policy, with both hosts agreeing on the necessity of long-term solutions that prioritise both business sustainability and fair employment practices.

Allen also sheds light on how small businesses, particularly in hospitality, navigate rising costs and what the future may hold under a potential Labour government. The episode closes with exploring how the sector can improve its public image and attract a skilled workforce, ensuring it continues to thrive in a changing economic environment.