Glasgow and Edinburgh sales ‘vibrant’ but costs hold trade back
New reports have identified Glasgow and Edinburgh as being among Britain’s most vibrant cities in terms of hospitality revenues – while highlighting the continued challenges faced by businesses across the sector.
Sales return but staff and cost struggles continue
Hospitality industry sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but the industry continues to struggle with staff shortages and soaring costs.
Rail strike will contribute to ‘perfect storm’ for hospitality
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) has warned of a “perfect storm” for hospitality businesses this summer, after the RMT rail union confirmed a UK-wide signal workers strike next week that will see around 90% of Scottish train services cancelled.
Calls for Scottish Government to release ‘unspent’ COVID funds
Business groups have called on the Scottish Government to use “unspent” COVID response money to help businesses cope with rising costs, after a report estimated that several billion pounds of funds have not been spent.
Two thirds of businesses confident of growth despite challenges
Over two thirds of Scottish hospitality and leisure businesses are confident of growth in 2022 despite serious challenges such as staffing and the rising costs, according to Barclays.
UK Hospitality: Rail pay talks must succeed
Trade group UK Hospitality has implored Scotrail and train drivers’ union Aslef to reach an agreement over pay this week, saying the current reduced train timetable is “harming city centre businesses”.
Edinburgh launches short-term lets consultation
Operators have an opportunity to contribute to Edinburgh’s upcoming licensing scheme for short-term lets via a new consultation.
Premises steady but PLHs plummeted in first year of pandemic
The number of licensed premises in Scotland remained reasonably steady in the first year of the pandemic, but the number of personal licences dropped by over 5000, according to new statistics published by the Scottish Government.
Trade welcomes lifting of face mask law on 18th April
Confirmation that the legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces will become guidance from 18th April has been welcomed by the hospitality industry.
New councils urged to support hospitality
Shelve plans for a tourist tax, help promote hospitality careers in schools and colleges, and streamline the planning process to support business growth – those are among the key ‘asks’ of trade group UK Hospitality Scotland ahead of the Scottish local elections on 5th May.
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Niall Hassard
Andrew Dowson
Neil Morrison
Luke Richardson
