​UKHospitality's Toolkit for Political Engagement

UKHospitality has unveiled a comprehensive election toolkit, encouraging hospitality operators to invite parliamentary candidates to visit their venues before the upcoming General Election on 4 July. This initiative aims to showcase the sector's significant economic impact and foster relationships with potential future MPs.

The toolkit, available on UKHospitality's website, features an interactive map highlighting the economic contributions of hospitality in each constituency, including the number of venues and their employment statistics. Additionally, it provides contact details for local parliamentary candidates and includes a template letter to facilitate invitations for site visits.

With over 130 MPs not seeking re-election, the hospitality sector has a unique opportunity to engage with new political candidates. UKHospitality stresses the importance of these visits, highlighting that early connections with newly elected MPs could lead to effective advocacy for the industry's needs in the next parliament.

In a statement on their website, UKHospitality underlines the pivotal role of hospitality operators in this initiative: "We anticipate a record number of new MPs, and we aim for them to become champions of the hospitality sector. This relationship starts with you and your business. We urge political candidates to visit hospitality venues nationwide during the General Election campaign to understand the crucial role our sector plays in their constituencies."

UKHospitality has proactively contacted all parliamentary candidates, detailing key issues such as VAT reform, business rates, staff costs, and planning laws. Their efforts to influence the Labour Party and the Conservatives have been notable, with prominent figures engaging directly with the trade body. Last year, Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds addressed the UKHospitality conference in London, promising to revitalise high streets. Moreover, a former Labour director, Allen Simpson, recently joined UKHospitality as Deputy Chief Executive.

For operators looking to participate, the election toolkit is readily accessible on the UKHospitality website.