UKHospitality formed out of ALMR and BHA merger

We reported last month on the proposed merger between the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (“ALMR”) and the British Hospitality Association (BHA”).

On 21 February 2018, members of ALMR and BHA voted to merge in order to form UKHospitality.

  • Kate Nicholls said following the vote: “The hospitality sector is at a critical point, with fantastic innovation, dynamism and enthusiasm across the industry, however this is being jeopardised by significant cost increases and red-tape. The incredible member support for creating UKHospitality demonstrates our ambition to reshape the future of an industry, which represents 10% of UK employment and generates £38bn of tax for the Exchequer. I look forward to working closely with all members to achieve our vision and to give a sector of huge economic, cultural and social importance the voice it deserves within government, and to deliver the much-needed policies that will support its strong growth trajectory.”
  • Nick Varney said: “Today’s launch is a significant moment for our sector. The hospitality industry needs the right commercial environment in which to prosper. Our vibrant and dynamic sector has been overlooked in policy decisions over recent years, which has had a direct impact on jobs and value creation. I thank Ufi Ibrahim for her significant contribution to the BHA; as chief executive she reshaped and reformed the organisation from the ground up, raised its profile with government and championed many policy-shaping initiatives. The board and members wish her every success in her future ventures. I look forward to working closely with Kate Nicholls and the UKHospitality board, to enhance the development of the diverse and innovative hospitality sector in the UK.”
  • Steve Richards said: “We are today reiterating our call for a dedicated Minister to represent an industry which is the third largest private sector employer in the UK; double the size of financial services and bigger than automotive, pharmaceuticals and aerospace combined. The sector’s tax contribution is as big as the defence budget, and warrants focused attention from government. Kate and the team have an ambitious plan to secure the future of our industry and will be actively engaging on behalf of the sector at home and abroad.”