The Importance of Hospitality

Hospitality is woven into everyday life across the UK. Present in every postcode and on every high street, our sector brings people together, supports local communities and helps create vibrant places to live, work and visit.

Employing around 3.5 million people and contributing £54 billion to the UK economy, hospitality plays a significant role in driving growth and creating opportunities across the country. From family-run cafés and pubs to national operators, hospitality businesses support local supply chains, attract visitors and provide rewarding careers for millions of people.

Recognising the significance of the sector, government and industry work together through the Hospitality Sector Council to support its resilience, growth and future success.

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What is the Hospitality Sector Council?

The Hospitality Sector Council was established in 2021 following publication of the Government's Hospitality Strategy. Today, it brings together leaders from across hospitality and government to help shape the future of the sector.

The Council is made up of experts who represent a cross-section of the sector. It facilitates cooperation between government and industry to support the resilience and growth of the hospitality sector.

Co-chaired by Jane O'Riordan and the Minister for Hospitality, the Council provides a forum for discussion of strategic issues, identifies priorities for action, and works with government and industry partners to develop and oversee solutions to challenges facing the sector.

For further information about the Terms of Reference or the minutes of each meeting, please go to Gov.uk.

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Our Members

The Council is co-chaired by Jane O'Riordan and the Minister for Hospitality. 

 

Full membership of the Council is below:

  • Andy Slee

    CEO, Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA)

    Andy Slee

  • Caroline Ottoy

    Managing Director, WatchHouse

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  • Emma Heal

    Advisor to the Board, Lucky Saint

    Emma Heal Lucky Saint

  • Emma Mcclarkin

    CEO, British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA)

    Emma Mcclarkin

  • Jane Holbrook

    Former Chair, Côte

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  • Jane O’Riordan

    Co-Chair of HSC, Chair, Turtle Bay, Caravan Restaurants and FlightClub Darts

    Jane O'riordan

  • Jon Davies

    CEO, Levy

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  • Karen Jones

    Chair, Hawksmoor and Frontier Pubs

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  • Kate Nicholls

    Chair, UK Hospitality

    Kate Nicholls

  • Nick MacKenzie

    CEO, Greene King

    Nickmackenzie

  • Peter Marks

    Chairman, NEOS Hospitality

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  • Rhys Mckinnell

    CEO, Culture Quarter

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  • Rob Pitcher

    CEO, Revolution Bars Group

    Rob Pitcher

  • Sarah Warby

    Chief Customer Officer, Nando’s

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  • Shamil Thakrar

    CEO, Dishoom

    Shamil Thakrar

  • Simon Emeny

    CEO, Fuller, Smith and Turner PLC

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  • Steve Alton

    CEO, British Institute of Innkeeping (BII)

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  • Tim Doubleday

    CFO, Burger King UK

    Tim Doubleday (Burger King)

  • Tom James

    Managing Director, Bill's Restaurants

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