Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

UK inflation decline prompts interest rate uncertainty

Published: 18 April, 2024

UK inflation slowed less than expected last month, despite the rate of price increases falling below that of the US for the first time in two years.

Government to support SMEs in energy disputes

Published: 08 April, 2024

The government has announced it will support British businesses to settle energy disputes.

Rail strikes in 2024 have cost hospitality £750m

Published: 05 April, 2024

Industrial action across the rail network from Friday 5 April to Monday 8 April is estimated to cost the hospitality sector £387m, according to UKhospitality.

Largest ever increase to minimum wage takes effect

Published: 02 April, 2024

As of yesterday (1 April), employment costs have increased for hospitality businesses following a rise in the National Minimum Wage.

Easter weekend Hospitality bookings up 40%

Published: 28 March, 2024

The latest insight from hospitality technology partner Zonal reveals bookings for Easter weekend are up 40% compared to 2023.

Government announces ‘very positive’ apprenticeship changes

Published: 18 March, 2024

The government has today (18 March) announced a series of apprenticeship reforms which will benefit SMEs and the workers they employ within the hospitality sector.

Hospitality industry hit by 63% cost surge

Published: 11 March, 2024

Research conducted by the price comparison website money.co.uk has found that the hospitality industry has been the most affected by cost increases.

London hospitality poised for off-peak tube and rail fare Fridays

Published: 06 March, 2024

From this Friday (8 March), London Underground and rail fares on pay-as-you-go and Oyster will be off-peak all day on Fridays, as part of an initiative to encourage businesses to return to the office five days a week.

Quarter of hospitality businesses run out of cash reserves

Published: 19 February, 2024

A joint survey by UKHospitality, the British Beer and Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping and Hospitality Ulster has revealed the cost pressures facing venues compared to 2023.

Hospitality sales flat in January as consumer spending squeezed

Published: 15 February, 2024

Britain’s leading hospitality groups generated like-for-like sales growth of just 0.1% in January according to CGA.

Analysis: Hospitality seeks aid to halt closures

Published: 14 February, 2024

As the on-trade is hit by a cost-of-doing-business crisis, many are facing a tough decision unless government intervenes. James Bayley reports.

Tipping legislation scrutinised in hospitality webinar

Published: 12 February, 2024

Complying with the new legislation on the allocation of tips in the hospitality sector was the hot topic in a live industry webinar held last week, organised by technology provider Access Hospitality.

6,000 hospitality venues closed in 2023

Published: 30 January, 2024

New data released today (30 January) has revealed more than 6,000 hospitality venues closed in 2023, bringing the total number of closures since the pandemic to nearly 23,000.

Hospitality employment scheme for jobseekers launches in Wales

Published: 26 January, 2024

A government-backed employment pathway for hospitality began in Cardiff this week, offering jobseekers career opportunities and a route back into work.

Scottish hospitality businesses denied rates relief

Published: 20 December, 2023

Following months of campaigning, leading hospitality bodies are ‘extremely disappointed’ with yesterday’s Budget announcement in Scotland.

New drink spiking measures introduced by government

Published: 19 December, 2023

Drink spiking is set to be targeted by police and door staff in a raft of new measures unveiled by the home secretary James Cleverly as the festive party-going season gets into full swing.

Scottish hospitality businesses ‘hang in the balance’ without government support

Published: 18 December, 2023

New analysis has revealed that thousands of Scottish hospitality businesses will be left unsupported if a rates relief isn’t included in the Scottish Budget tomorrow (19 December).

On-trade: All I want for Christmas…

Published: 11 December, 2023

With the festive period upon us, Chris Losh asks how restaurants might fashion a silk purse out of a pig of a trading climate.

Hospitality visas ineligibility skyrockets under new immigration laws

Published: 05 December, 2023

The UK government has announced it will increase the earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50%, from £26,200 to £38,700, in a move that could 'further shrink' the talent pool for UK hospitality.

Trade reflects on ‘mixed-bag’ Autumn Statement

Published: 27 November, 2023

Following rumours of a second duty hike in line with inflation, the government quelled fears by announcing a freeze on alcohol duty in the Autumn Statement last week.